Jet Skis and Wave Runners.
Posted on Apr 12th 2015
Some people still ask what the difference is between a jet ski and a wave runner. Most people know that the jet ski came first. Is the wave runner just some cheap copy or knock off trying to muscle in on the market? Not hardly: To personal watercraft enthusiasts, there is a world of difference. Like any competition between classes of vehicles, you have connoisseurs who know all the complex nuances. Some people think that you stand on a jet ski, and sit on wave runner. This is not entirely true, either.
First, both are PWCs, an official designation of personal water craft. The jet ski came along first, in the late 1980s. It was all the rage. Everyone had to have one, or at least ride one. I remember the first time I rode one. It was like learning how to ski or skateboard for the first time. I was so embarrassed that I had no sense of balance when I tried to stand up and gun it. I would always go face first into the water. Other people seemed to be naturals at it.
I suppose there were enough water wimps like me who would simply lock the handlebars down and ride it like a motorcycle that manufacturers caught on. They must have listened to their daredevil designers who were elite watercraft experts, when they first engineered the concept. Maybe if they had some regular people like me try to ride it during the prototype phase, they might have seen things differently.
Nonetheless, the jet ski served its purpose for the people who were good at it and could tap its full potential. I love seeing some of my friends who look like they are riding the bull at the bar when they are dancing on their jet ski. My favorite trick that one buddy does is diving under water with the jet ski for what seems like ten seconds, and then bursting vertically out of the water to a height of twenty feet or more before crashing back down and riding on. I call him the porpoise.
However, I prefer the big fat seat and the raw power of a wave runner. I like to be able to sit there on the water like I am in a boat, gently gliding along without worrying about balance. I like being able to gun it for open water not concerned about getting stranded way out there somewhere out of sight. I just like comfort.
I like feeling as though I am on a motorcycle on the water, and the surface is my road. I like to explore channels, inlets, remote and deserted shores. I like to bring a friend or two along with me and still be able to hit 25 knots smoothly. Everyone is different, though; and that’s what makes both these vehicles fun. Perhaps you are a jet ski person. More power to you, my friend.
You can always educate yourself about jet skis and wave runners and other motor vehicle technology on the MotorsHiFi site, located on the web at www.motorshifi.com. Here you can go to get your dream vehicle.