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Brief History of the Jet Ski
Origins:
- 1960s: The concept of a personal watercraft (PWC) began with Clayton Jacobson II, a motocross enthusiast who envisioned a motorcycle-like machine for water use.
- 1965: Jacobson built the first stand-up prototype powered by a two-stroke engine. He eventually sold the rights to Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) (makers of Ski-Doo snowmobiles).
Commercial Launch:
- 1973: BRP released the first commercially available PWC, the Sea-Doo, but it failed to gain traction and was discontinued.
- 1972–1976: Jacobson licensed his patents to Kawasaki, which introduced the Jet Ski brand. The first stand-up Jet Ski (WSAA) was launched in 1973, marking the beginning of the Jet Ski era.
Evolution:
- 1980s: Kawasaki refined its models, and competitors entered the market (e.g., Yamaha and Honda).
- 1986: Kawasaki introduced the first sit-down model, broadening appeal beyond extreme sports riders.
- Late 1980s–1990s: PWCs exploded in popularity for recreational use; Yamaha launched the WaveRunner in 1986, a key competitor.
Modern Jet Skis:
- Now, “Jet Ski” is often used generically for any PWC, though it’s a trademarked brand of Kawasaki.
- Modern models feature powerful four-stroke engines, electronic trim, GPS, and other tech upgrades.
- The industry includes major brands: Kawasaki (Jet Ski), Yamaha (WaveRunner), and Sea-Doo (BRP).
Legacy:
The Jet Ski helped spawn a whole new form of watersport and recreation. It went from a niche concept to a global industry with racing leagues, freestyle competitions, and millions of recreational users.
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