Until the personal watercraft was invented, mankind’s only hope for summer fun involved hitting candied hams with tree branches. Celebrate watery invention with today’s Groupon to Balboa Water Sports in Newport Beach. Choose between the following options:

• For $125, you get a two-hour jet-ski rental for up to two people on a single jet ski (a $250 value).
• For $135, you get a two-hour guided jet-ski ride for up to two people on a single jet ski (a $275 value). The guided jet-ski rides run Friday–Sunday, departing at 10 a.m. in the fall and winter, and 9 a.m. in the spring and summer.<p>

A shiny fleet of 2011 Sea Doo GTI jet skis lines the docks of the Balboa Fun Zone, ready to zip across the water under the weight of one or two aqueous explorers. Guests can snag a gleaming white jet ski to careen atop waves for two hours after receiving thorough safety instructions from knowledgeable staff members. Balboa Water Sports’ ocean docents also lead informative two-hour jaunts through Newport Harbor each Friday through Sunday. Riders bask in the California coastline’s morning light as sea lions romp on the shore, then zip quickly past Corona del Mar, Crystal Cove, and Emerald Bay, known for its frequent, spontaneous gemstone showers.

One or two jet skiers can climb aboard the sleek, powerful Sea Doos, equipped with intelligent brake and reverse systems, intelligent throttle control, and a poor grasp of the English language. The motorized lounge chairs’ predictable maneuverability and control allow them to be captained by jet skiers of all experience levels.

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