A little over a year ago, Kyle Ray and Jamie Naugle had never heard of JetSurf.

Now they run the first and only certified JetSurf Academy in the U.S.

JetSurf Academy ATX, which opened in May, sells and rents out JetSurf boards—gas-powered personal watercraft that look a bit like a snowboard and give riders an experience similar to surfing. By September the academy will also sell SUPjets, paddleboards powered by electric batteries.

Naugle said she first discovered JetSurf when she saw a video of someone on a board.

“It just looked fun,” she said. “So I sent it to [Ray], and I said, ‘Where can we do this?’”

After realizing that there were few options for people who wanted to JetSurf in the U.S., Ray had the idea to start the academy, which trains riders in addition to selling and renting out boards.

“I was so interested in [JetSurf], and I know there is going to be a massive amount of people that are interested in it,” Ray said.

First-time riders can sign up online for an hour-long instruction and ride. Repeat riders can rent boards and practice on Lake Travis. The company offers sessions for parties and corporate events, too.

In the future, Ray said he plans to host local and global JetSurf competitions and races at the lake.

"We think that once the word [about JetSurf] really gets out there, a lot of people are going to be board owners and on the water,” he said.

Anderson Mill Marina 13993 FM 2769, Leander 512-766-7538 www.jetsurfatx.com Hours: Thu.-Sun. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. by appointment