Kawasaki jet skis have been in production since 1974, with the first prodution year being 1976. Most of the testing was done right here in San Diego Ca back in the early 70's. The most important thing you should know about the Kawasaki Jet Ski is that it was the first Jet Ski type watercraft to be introduced to the market, all the way back in the 1970’s. These early Jet Ski models weren’t nearly as stable or agile as the watercraft that are readily available on the market today. Riders were expected to stand up straight while riding the vehicles, almost like riding a giant slalom ski with handlebars.