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When I was growing up, I thought personal watercraft were annoying and destructive. You see, there is a classic rivalry between sail boats and jet skis, and I was definitely on the sailboat side of it. When I would go out to the lake with my father, we were there for some relaxation. We wanted to enjoy the peaceful breeze, watch the water rippling gently, and commune with nature. The Ski Doo WaveRunner riders seem to have just the opposite in mind. They wanted to make as much noise as possible, churning up the waves, posing a danger to others, destroying the ecosystem, and in general being a nuisance. My dad helped teach me a hatred of personal watercraft, but it hardly seemed necessary. I found them obnoxious enough on my own. Of course, that was before I tried them.

I met a friend in college who was practically raised by personal water craft, four wheel recreational vehicles, and the like. He was a farm boy. Out in the country they like nothing better than to turn up some dirt, make some noise, and have fun playing with the other boys on big machines. He always ridiculed me for my hatred of personal watercraft, and offered to take me on his several times before I finally agreed. Let me tell you, it was like nothing I had ever felt before! It was exhilarating, frightening, and exciting all at the same time. Even in the roughest water, sailing does not provide the adrenaline rush that personal watercraft jet skis can. I have never had such a great time before, and I resolved to get more into it.

The thing about personal watercraft is it is hard to say when. Once I went to a live boat auction and bought myself my first jet ski, I was almost out of control immediately. The temptation is to go faster and faster, make sharper turns, and take bigger risks. You are going so fast and so close to the water that you feel like you are invincible. On personal watercraft, however, you are anything but invincible. You are actually quite vulnerable, and you need to take adequate precautions. I almost found this out the hard way, narrowly missing what could have been a fatal accident, before I finally realized that I needed to be more cautious with personal watercraft. I am just glad that I learned that before it was too late!