I didn't really understand why sometimes my dude would go FLYING out of the water and other times would do a smaller jump.

I understand that the more you are in the water the lower your jump is, but when I FLEW out of the water it would just seem to be random. I was only able to get out of the first area by luck it seemed.

Also I am not sure why you have a lower jump when you are in the water for too long. I think it would be more fun if you had a HIGHER jump or you were able to use your wings for a moment