1. Historical Origin of Jet Ski
1.1 The Experimental Phase in the 1950s When Humans Dreamed of Personal Watercraft
The initial phase in the history of Jet Ski originated from the creative wave of the 20th century, a time when people wanted to create flexible personal vehicles on the water, replacing traditional boats. In the 1950s, several inventors in Europe and North America experimented with devices that had engines directly attached to surfboards. Although the prototypes were crude, noisy, difficult to control, and easily lost balance, they opened up an entirely new concept: humans could freely "ride" on the water with their own engine power.
The first water motorcycle was created in the 1950s (Source: Collected)
These experiments are considered the foundation for later Jet Ski designs. Although not yet commercially viable, they proved that the idea of a personal watercraft was feasible and had strong development potential.
1.2 Clayton Jacobson II – the man who completely changed the future of Jet Ski
By the 1960s, as extreme sports began to develop rapidly, a man named Clayton Jacobson II made a significant breakthrough. As an off-road motorcycle racer, Jacobson frequently faced risks during training and competition. This made him eager to find a vehicle that offered a similar sensation to motorcycles but was safer.
Clayton Jacobson II - the pioneer of Jet Ski (Source: Collected)
From that idea, Jacobson began his research. He wanted to create a vehicle where the rider could stand upright, control it directly with their body, and operate it with a water jet engine to avoid risks from chains or metal wheels. The first design made of aluminum was born, although it was still quite heavy and difficult to control, it contained all the elements of a modern Jet Ski: a jet engine, a lightweight floating body, a stand-up design, and strong acceleration.
1.3 From personal design to cooperation with Kawasaki
Jacobson knew that to bring Jet Ski to the public, he needed the support of a major manufacturer. So he approached Kawasaki, one of the world's most reputable engine manufacturers. Kawasaki immediately recognized the huge commercial potential of this project. They improved the prototype with fiberglass to reduce weight, increase durability, and optimize performance. The cooperation between Jacobson and Kawasaki is considered the milestone that opened the era of commercial Jet Ski.
2. The birth of the commercial Jet Ski
2.1 Kawasaki – the pioneer in commercializing Jet Ski
In 1971, Kawasaki began mass production trials. They focused on refining the engine, chassis, and improving the balance system. After years of optimization, Kawasaki decided to launch the first product under the Jet Ski brand, marking the official appearance of personal watercraft on the global market.
Kawasaki's choice of the name “Jet Ski” was an iconic move. Initially, Jet Ski was just a brand name, but over time, it became a generic noun used to refer to all personal watercraft – similar to “jeep” or “Kleenex”. This demonstrates the product's powerful influence, extending beyond its original brand scope.
2.2 Jet Ski JS400 – the first personal watercraft that changed the marine entertainment industry
In 1973, Kawasaki officially launched the Jet Ski JS400. With its powerful engine, challenging stand-up design, and extremely exciting riding experience, the JS400 quickly became a sensation. Beaches in America, Japan, and Europe witnessed the appearance of numerous Jet Ski enthusiasts.
Jet Ski JS400 - The watercraft that changed the marine entertainment industry
The uniqueness of the JS400 lies in its rapid acceleration, powerful engine sound, and compact frame that allows riders to perform skillful leans, turns, and spins. This was the time when Jet Ski was considered the "motorcycle on the water".
2.3 Strong global spread
In just a few years, Jet Ski became popular worldwide. Beach resorts began importing Jet Skis to serve tourists, and the marine tourism industry subsequently changed dramatically. Jet Ski became one of the most beloved entertainment services, contributing to enriching the tourist experience.
From famous beaches like Miami, Okinawa, Hawaii to the Mediterranean coastlines, Jet Ski gradually became a symbol of tourism in the new era.
3. The strong development phase of Jet Ski
3.1 Jet Ski enters the professional sports era
The 1980s marked a significant transition: Jet Ski was no longer just a recreational vehicle but became an extreme sport. Many professional competitions were organized, such as the World Jet Ski Finals, attracting athletes from all over the world.
The aerial maneuvers, acceleration, sudden braking, and spins on the water turned Jet Ski into a sport that captivated both participants and spectators. From then on, Jet Ski officially secured its place in the international extreme sports system.
3.2 Remarkable engine technology development
Competition among manufacturers like Kawasaki, Yamaha, Bombardier, etc., spurred rapid Jet Ski development. Two-stroke engines gradually gave way to more durable, powerful, and fuel-efficient engines. The hulls were improved to enhance stability, reduce vibration, and assist riders in performing difficult techniques.
Thanks to these advancements, Jet Skis became not only more powerful but also safer, meeting both recreational and technical performance needs.
Another milestone for Jet Ski was the introduction of the sit-down model. This model is more beginner-friendly, more stable, and suitable for families or tourists who want to experience gliding on the sea without requiring advanced skills.
Consequently, Jet Ski became a popular entertainment activity at tourist beaches, including in Vietnam.
3.3 Jet Ski becomes a multimedia art performance vehicle
Jet Ski is incorporated into large-scale performance shows, where light, music, and movement blend into an artistic experience. On the water, performers use Jet Skis to create shapes, move in synchronized formations, combined with LEDs, lasers, cold pyrotechnics, or water effects to produce spectacular sequences of motion.
Professional riders can perform many complex techniques such as backflips, barrel rolls, dolphin dives, aerial tricks, etc., thanks to lightweight hull technology and powerful engines. Jet Ski has gradually become an "artistic weapon" in light technology shows at sea.
4. Jet Ski in Symphony of the Sea
In the show Symphony of the Sea at Sunset Town, Jet Skis play the role of light artists. The sea surface becomes a vast natural stage, where light and water combine to create a shimmering spectacle rarely seen elsewhere.
The Jet Skis glide across the water, leaving trails of moving light, blending with music and technological effects to create an emotionally charged visual symphony.
The Jet Ski performance in Symphony of the Sea is meticulously choreographed, with every turn, every loop, and every acceleration calculated to harmonize with the music and lights.
Jet Ski is performed in the super show Symphony of the Sea. (Source: Collected)
Here, Jet Ski is not merely a sports vehicle, but becomes an art of storytelling through movement.
Viewers of Symphony of the Sea often report being overwhelmed by the Jet Ski performance – where speed blends with art. Against the backdrop of Phu Quoc's night sea, light beams reflecting on the water create a feeling of watching a vibrant symphony of the ocean.
With this special combination, Jet Ski has become the "soul" of Symphony of the Sea, offering visitors a unique experience every time they visit Phu Quoc.
In November 2025, the Symphony of The Sea show will officially return to Sunset Town (Thi Tran Hoang Hon), bringing visitors a feast of light, music, fireworks, and peak emotions amidst the sky and sea of the Jade Island. This is an international-scale super production invested by Sun Group, in collaboration with two global leaders in the light and fireworks performance industry — H2O Events and Laservision. Inspired by the Kiss Bridge – the new connecting symbol of the Jade Island – this year's show carries the theme "Aspiration for Connection", telling the story of the intersection between Tradition and Modernity, Humanity and Nature, with a message aimed at "Connecting Phu Quoc with the World" and welcoming APEC 2027.
The show is held every evening at 7:30 PM in the area of Sun Bavaria GastroPub and Kiss Bridge.
Regarding ticket prices, the show offers various options to suit different visitor needs: standard tickets to watch the show from Kiss Bridge and the beach cost 600,000 VND/person. For a more relaxing seaside atmosphere, visitors can choose the Combo Chill Show at the Beach Club for 650,000 VND/person, which includes a show ticket, snacks, and 1 free can of beer. For those who want a complete experience with fine dining and a luxurious ambiance, the Dinner Show at Sun Bavaria GastroPub is priced at 850,000 VND/person, including a show ticket, a set dinner, and 500 ml of Sun KraftBeer.
Additionally, if visitors order à la carte at Sun Bavaria GastroPub instead of purchasing a combo, they only need to pay an extra 300,000 VND surcharge to enter the show. Visitors can also choose their preferred seating locations: ground floor outdoor areas, not by the sea, require a minimum spend of 500,000 VND/person (excluding show ticket); beachfront locations on the ground floor or the 3rd floor by the sea railing usually require a minimum spend of 700,000 VND/person; the best seats – VIP Deck on the 1st floor wooden platform – are quite rare and expensive, requiring a minimum spend of 1,000,000 VND/person (excluding show ticket).
With diverse options ranging from standard tickets to premium experiences, Symphony of The Sea offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the night sea art in their own way, suited to their needs and budget.
