On Board with PWC Freestyler Skylar Darling
A Chat with the Stand-Up Daredevil
Skyler Darling, aka Skiz Ladap, is an OG in the stand-up jet skiing world. Since riding his first stand-up ski at just 12 years old on Lake Ontario to racing in Northern California, Darling has practically spent his entire life on the water. He was one of the first to start creating content around jet skiing; he was making videos way before Instagram and TikTok even existed, and he was one of the first to get an HD GoPro camera in 2010. Today, Darling’s impressive social media presence is reflective of years of cultivated ambition, a plethora of engaging content capturing his West Coast lifestyle, where he is able to ride his jet ski year-round.
We spoke to the king of stand-up jet skiing to hear just how exactly he got to where he is today, as well as what life is like beyond the water.
The Wake Edit: When did you first get into jet skiing?
Skyler Darling: I got my first stand-up jet ski when I was 12 years old, back in 2008. My dad grew up racing stand-up jet skis, and one day he spotted a pair of older stand-ups sitting on the side of the road with a “For Sale” sign. My brother and I ended up buying the pair of Kawasaki 550s—on a trailer—for $500. That moment is where it all began.
TWE: Why do you do stand-up jet skiing instead of seated?
SD: I usually refer to sit-down jet skis as “couches”—because if you can sit on a couch, you can ride one. Stand-up jet skiing takes real courage, agility, and skill. You’re fully engaged with the machine and the water the entire time. On a stand-up, you’re going to get wet, and that’s part of the experience. Sit-downs let you stay dry, but stand-up makes you feel truly one with the water.
TWE: What is your favorite type of jet ski to ride?
SD: My favorite stand-up to ride is the Rickter Edge by Rickter RRP. It’s a longer, heavier layup that’s built for smooth cruising and big airs. That said, I love all stand-up jet skis—this one just happens to be my personal preference.
TWE: When you’re not on the water, what do you do?
SD: When I’m not riding, you’ll usually find me on shore filming jet skis, flying drones, free diving, or chasing the next outdoor adventure. I’m into snowboarding, onewheeling, hiking, camping, cliff jumping, off-roading—anything that gets me outside and moving.
TWE: What is the dream for you? Where do you want to be in 5–10 years?
SD: The dream is to be in a financial position where I can chase conditions whenever the surf forecast lights up. I want the freedom to head to the coast mid-week, ride when it’s good, and not stress about missing work or covering fuel for my truck and jet ski. Ultimately, it’s about building a life that revolves around the water and the freedom to be there when it’s firing.
Follow Skyler Darling’s stand-up adventures on Instagram.
