Yamaha R16 2010

As the personal watercrafts became Jet skiing has gradually gained popularity throughout the decades and the early 90s saw the sport evolve to competition level. The JS came to the general public around 1976 Kawasaki stated to mass produce JSs and the sport as we know it was born. Kawasaki was the first manufacturer to start building jet skis and produced the first stand-up JSs as early as 1973. Which include Freestyle championships awarding prizes for the best stunts, races and endurance competitions where the PW would be ridden for a longer distance.

There are global competitions for both type of Jet Ski. These PWs are more comfortable for longer distances and are suited to cruising and pleasure rides. The sit-down version has a larger hull and can either be made for one rider or up to three riders on a family sized watercraft. Freestyle riders use this freedom to perform stunts such as jumps, rolls and backflips.

The main differences being that the stand-up version has a pivoting handlebars and no seat which allows greater freedom and movement to the rider. There are two basic types of Jet Ski the stand-up version which is used by freestyle competitors and the sit-down version which is better suited for cruising and recreational use. These days it is acceptable to call all personal watercraft by the name Jet Ski sometimes shortened to just 'Ski'.  Although it is used as a generic term encompassing all makes of personal watercraft 'Jet Ski' is actually the brand name of the personal watercraft manufactured by Kawasaki.