The History of Jet Skiing

The History of Jet Skiing

When you think about watersports, you probably start by thinking of activities like paddleboarding, surfing, or kayaking. But if you want something totally unique and full of thrills, try jet skiing! Even though this watersport is relatively new when you compare it to some others, it continues to be one of the most popular watersports in Myrtle Beach. Read on to learn about the history of this fascinating sport!

The First Personal Watercraft

Did you know the term “jet ski” is actually a brand name? We’ll talk about that more in a moment. Before they were known as jet skis, these inventions were simply named water scooters. Water scooters are renowned as the first ever PWC, or personal watercraft.

We have American inventor Clayton Jacobson II for developing the first official PWC. Jacobson came up with the idea by improving and expanding upon original models that were first developed in the 1950s in Europe. Jacobson’s invention would come to be known as the Bombardier Sea-Doo, a name that any watersport enthusiast is likely familiar with.

The First Jet Ski

While the Sea-Doo wasn’t mass produced at first, it soon became much more popular. Jacobson worked together with the Japanese corporation Kawasaki (yep, the motorcycle company) to release the Kawasaki JS400 Jet Ski. This was the first time the term “jet ski” was used, and it stuck! This particular jet ski was the first commercially popular model, releasing in 1973 and quickly selling over 200,000 products.

Of course, after the wild success of the JS400, other brands followed suit and created their own jet skis. In 1985, Yamaha unveiled the WaveRunner 500, and the following year, Honda released the AquaTrax. Over the years, several brands came out with personal watercrafts in both stand-up and sit-down varieties. Today, sit-down models get heavier use over their counterparts.

Jet Skiing Today

Jet skiing continues to be one of the world’s most popular watersports. There are countless PWC competitions all over the globe, allowing athletes to show off their skills. The World Powerboating Federation is in charge of the sport as a whole, but in the United States, the main bodies over the sport are Pro Watercross and the International Jet Sport Boating Association.

If you ever want to see jet skiing at its finest, try to make a trip to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, in October. That’s where you will find the IJSBA World Finals competition. Not only will you get to see some truly talented athletes, but you’ll also be right in the hometown of Clayton Jacobson II himself!

Go Jet Skiing with Crazy Sister Marina

Now that you know a little bit more about jet skiing, you should try it out for yourself! The next time you find yourself in Myrtle Beach, come visit Crazy Sister Marina for all your jet skiing needs. We make it easy to get jet skis in Myrtle Beach, whether you want to go out on your own or take a friend with you. Book a jet ski rental or a fun dolphin eco excursion! Contact Crazy Sister Marina today to learn more.