Jet ski (also known as water skiing, water-skiing, or personal watercraft) is a surface water sport in which an individual is pulled behind a boat over a body of water while skimming the surface on one or two water skis. It requires sufficient area on a stretch of water, two or more water skis, a tow boat with tow rope, and an operator capable of controlling the skis. The sport can be difficult to learn and requires a substantial amount of upper and lower body strength, muscular endurance, and balance.
The first jet ski was developed by Clayton Jacobsen II, a valley plastics manufacturer from Arizona, in the 1970s. The invention was named the Jet Ski, or Ski-Doo, by the Sea-Doo brand. Kawasaki Motor Company later marketed the Jet Ski as a personal watercraft, or PWC.
Today, there are many different models of Jet Skis, from small, family-friendly units to high-performance vehicles that can reach very fast maximum speeds. There are even a number of advanced techniques, such as barrel rolls and jumps, that can be performed on the water by expert skiers.
Although Jet Skiing is an exciting and thrilling sport, it is essential to make safety a priority at all times. This includes wearing a life jacket, following all boating laws and regulations, and avoiding sensitive areas like coral reefs or aquatic habitats. It is also important to respect other watercraft operators, and leave plenty of distance between yourself and other riders.