A rider propulsion system for use with a water ride having a plurality of waterjets is disclosed. The system includes a dewatering tank configured to hold a volume of water used to support operation of the water ride, a compressed air system configured to supply pressurized air to the dewatering tank so as to pressurize the water, and at least one release valve configured to selectively release water from the dewatering tank in a controlled manner and provide it to the plurality of waterjets.