By Staff
Waterhead™ Watersports
October 13, 2011

Jet skis are a type of watercraft that is most commonly manufactured by the Kawasaki Industries company. They are a personal watercraft that has become increasingly popular ever since its initial creation. The Kawasaki brand has become so well-known that it has even been used in many video games such as Wave Race 64 and other racing games. However, the initial prototype that inspired the skis design was created in 1929.

Originally known as the "Skiboard", the prototype was created by Clayton Jacobson II and was very similar to the idea of a powered surfboard. It was a watercraft that the operator could use by standing and shifting weight carefully. There was rope in the front for the operator to hold on to for maintaining balance. Although this was a popular option during the 1920s, by the 1930s, it was outdated and needed a new style. By 1973, Kawasaki had released two jet skis models that are more like the designs that we typically see today. These were the WSAA Jet Ski 400 and the WSAB Jet Ski 400. These were prototypes in a sense, because there were only 500 WSAB models produced due to the V-hull that featured easier turning but made it more difficult to operate. By 1975, Kawasaki was mass producing the JS400-A, which featured a 400 cc engine and was similar to the limited release of the models from 1973.

By 1986, Kawasaki had begun to create skis that featured lean-in styles and 650 cc engines. 1987 brought the introduction of watercraft manufacturer Yamaha. By the 1990s, manufacturers such as Polaris, Bombardier, and Arctic were also producing their own versions of jet skis. Kawasaki and Yamaha are now considered to be two of the top manufacturers of these magnificent watercrafts.

For some people, a major concern about jet skis is whether or not they are truly safe to drive. Of course, anyone can get injured on the skis if they do not take the proper safety precautions or operate the watercraft properly. Educating yourself about safety is always an important factor before you participate in any type of water activity. It's important to respect safety zones and everyone's personal space while you are operating your jet ski. Not acknowledging these zones puts you and other people at risk for a collision. Generally, it is recommended to stay at least 300 feet away from the nearest boat or other skis in the water. You should pay attention to your surroundings and always look around you before you cross anywhere. There are floating markers in the water in some areas to suggest where you are recommended to stay while you are operating your skis.

Knowing how to properly operate skis is also important in maintaining your safety. Always wear a life-vest when you are traveling in your skis. You should attach the engine shut-off clip to your life-vest to prevent it from getting away from you if you fall into the water. Keep your hands on the handlebars and squeeze the throttle carefully with your index and middle finger. If you are going to be near a shore or dock, always remember to keep your speed at the lowest level possible to prevent any possible injury.  If you are away from the dock or shore, you speed up, but with moderation. If you are going to be jet skiing with other people, always ensure everyone has their own skis. It can be risky to put two people on jet skis that are only designed to hold one person.

There are many types of water sports and activities that you can participate in when you have jet skis. Although most people love the skis just for the fact that they can enjoy a nice ride out on the water whenever they want to, there are many other ways of having fun on these skis. There are options such as closed course racing, freeriding, and freestyling. Freeriding is a very extreme type of sport where the operator is able to ride the waves and then use them to jump and make aerial tricks. There are now many freeriders which are able to do this sport professionally, however because of its extreme status, it is not recommended that inexperienced people should try it.

Closed course racing is another popular option where up to 20 riders compete and race to see who can finish first. These competitions involve buoys which indicate which way you are allowed to turn in the water, a start line, and a finish line. There are four participating levels of skill within the race; beginner, novice, expert, and pro. The racers are also divided depending on the size of their skis engine. Competitions are also separated by men and women. During the period of the racing season, there are many events for racers to participate in to help them qualify for other races. The main goal is to race well enough to be qualified to participate in the IJSBA World Finals. This race is considered to be one of the top and most important competitions available, and many racers travel from other countries to participate in it.

Freestyling is very similar to freeriding, although it is less extreme. Generally, freestylers will use their skis to perform aerial tricks and other types of stunts, although they do not roughly ride the waves as hard as freeriders do.

Not counting these activities, most people just use their skis for exploring the oceans and having fun. There are many inexpensive models that you can consider purchasing if you just want to get out on the water. Generally, people want to pay more money for their jet skis because they want to ensure that they have a quality engine and watercraft that will be able to last them for years of extended use. If you are not yet ready to buy your own jet skis but you are interested in participating in the fun associated with their use and water sports, you may want to consider rental skis instead. These are commonly provided at many resorts and other recreational locations. You can either rent your skis for a short period of time during the day or rent them for extended periods locally. Some rental areas even have instructors and guides available to show you how to operate the skis on your own. If you don't feel comfortable with operating skis by yourself, you may also want to consider going along for a ride in some of the specially crafted  skis that allow two riders.

Another factor to consider when purchasing jet skis is your overall budget involved. Getting jet skis insurance is highly recommended in case anything happens while you are out on the water. If you don't know where to get insured, check out some of the boat insurance providers on the internet to discover what is available. This can give you a general idea of what your rate will be after you have gotten insured. And before you purchase your jet skis, think about the elements that you are searching for. Do you want to be able to ride on it with multiple people? Consider jet skis that offer two and three seats. Three seat skis can be ideal even if only two people are riding because it will allow you more room to relax during the ride. You may also want to consider where you will be riding your skis at. If you are going to be in a peaceful area, you don't need to focus as much on choosing jet skis that offer a lot of stability. However, you want to also choose something that will be suitable enough for riding on waves in the ocean as well.

Likewise, it can be a great idea to take some time researching and exploring brand names to see which will provide the best options for you. You can browse the internet and read more about jet skis that you are interested in to get a general idea of what each manufacturer and model can provide. If you are going to be purchasing your skis from a local store, take some time to talk with the representative at the store and ask them what they know or recommend. Generally, you should opt to purchase your skis from a sport or water sports store because there is always at least one expert present that will be able to answer all of your questions.

Overall, jet skis can be a great addition to any waterhead's arsenal of fun watercrafts. You will discover that there are a large variety of different activities you can participate in at many water resorts and beaches. If you are not yet familiar with these skis and the amount of enjoyment they can bring in your free time, it may be time to take a visit to the local recreational center and go for a ride. It will be an experience that you will remember for years to come.

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