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Watersports Lessons


Watersports Lessons

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Watersports Lessons


Watersports Lessons

Premier Watersports Services: Wakeboarding, Waterskiing, Tubing, and Wakesurfing

Discover Your Passion for Watersports with Lakeside - Choose from a Variety of Sports!


Happy kid learning how to wakeboard on Candlewood Lake with Lakeside Watersports

Wakeboarding

Experience the thrill of snowboarding on the water with single board wakeboarding. Our expert instructors will guide you through the basics of wakeboarding, including how to stand up on the board, how to navigate through wakes, and how to perform basic tricks. At Lakeside Watersports, we also provide Intermediate & Advanced Wakeboard Instruction from professionals.


Young girl learning to waterski and having fun while also excited

Waterskiing

Learn how to waterski like a pro with expert lessons and the gear included from Lakeside Watersports on Candlewood Lake. Perfect for beginners and advanced riders alike


kids tubing having fun on Candlewood Lake Connecticut

Boat Tubing

Experience the thrill of boat tubing with lessons and rentals from Lakeside Watersports. Our safe and exciting boat tubing lessons are perfect for riders of all ages and skill levels. Book your adventure today!


Alex Rogg Wakesurfing behind Echo Bay Marina new X star Mastercraft boat

Wakesurfing

Experience the thrill of wakesurfing on Candlewood Lake with Lakeside Watersports. Our expert wakesurfing lessons and high-quality gear make it easy for anyone to learn this exciting sport in Connecticut.


Expert woman slalom waterskiing on candlewood lake

Slalom Skiing

Experience the thrill of slalom skiing on Candlewood Lake with Lakeside Watersports. Our expert instructors provide high-quality lessons to help you improve your technique and reach your goals.


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Wakeskating

Use a single board shaped like a wakeboard, except no bindings this time. Hold on to the handle, turn the board sideways and skate behind the boat! (No kicking or pushing required)


kid kneeboarding at a beginner level doing advanced tricks

Kneeboarding

Glide on top of the water in the kneeling position on a buoyant plastic board. Good for first-time watersports riders who are learning what it’s like to be pulled by a boat.


wakeskis kid excited to try new water sport with wake skis

Wakeskiing

Wakeskiing is something we have talked about bringing to Lakeside for a few years. With the trend toward freestyle skiing on the slopes, this is very similar. Ride forwards and backwards, even jump the wake on these custom-built waterskis.

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Hours


Hours

Hours


Hours

Hours

We book by appointment only. General booking opens at 9:00 AM Eastern Standard Time on March 15th, 2024! Don't miss out on a summer filled with exciting boating experiences!

Riding Season

April 2024 - October 2024

2024 Opening Day: April 27th 2024

Lakeside Watersports operates 7 days a week, Monday through Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

We will run the full 7-day per week schedule during the summer months

2024 Anticipated Last Day: TBD

Operating Hours

Our operating hours during the peak summer season looks like this:

Monday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Tuesday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Wednesday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Thursday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sunday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Rainy Day Policy

In the event of rain*, we are willing to ride if you are. However, if you would prefer to wait for better conditions, we ask that you communicate with us and let us know that you would prefer to move your appointment to another available date.

*Note: Lakeside Watersports closes all operations for lightning or any other form of severe summer weather at our discretion. Safety comes first. We will do our best to notify our appointments if the weather is threatening.

 

Cancellation Policy

  • Please note that when you book an appointment with us it means that we have reserved time in our schedule exclusively for you. If you need to cancel an appointment, we ask that you cancel with as much time in advance as possible, and at least over 5 Days in advance.

  • For cancellations made more than 5 Days in advance of the scheduled session time, we will refund your initial deposit.

  • Cancellations made between 5 Days - 24 hours in advance of the scheduled session time are subject to a cancellation fee of 50% Deposit.

  • No shows and cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled session time will be charged full cost of the session.

  • Bad Weather: In the event of inclement weather, where the Lakeside Staff determines that it is unsafe to be out on the water, we will notify customers with as much notice as possible. In such event, the cancellation fee will be waived.

 

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Pricing


Pricing

Pricing


Pricing

We charge based on the amount of time you want to ride.  Prices are flat rate and hold for any activities you choose. You pay for a specified amount of boat time for lesson.  The clock starts when the time you booked starts. All watersports and safety equipment are included.

We will give you a 5 minute safety rundown before we head out on the lake and a 5 minute debrief after, so we know what to work on for next time. More than one person can ride during a given lesson block.  Our boat can handle 10 people in addition to 2 staff, so feel free to invite your friends and family. We will do our best to rotate everyone in, however, if you have more than 3 people riding we suggest booking the boat for longer than an hour. For groups of 7 or more, a 20% gratuity is automatically added.

If you are located on Candlewood Lake and prefer to be picked up at your dock, the times apply:

  • New Milford/Sherman: 15 Minutes

  • New Fairfield: 10 Minutes

  • Danbury: 10 Minutes

  • Brookfield: 10 Minutes

When you book time with Lakeside Watersports, you are always booking a private appointment on the boat with a First Aid and CPR Certified Driver and Instructor. You will not be sharing your boat time with any other guests.

The Gas Price is included in the flat-rate price for 2024.

2024 Lake Pickup - Travel Times


$300

1 Hour Session

60 Minutes of Fun

Why watch a TV drama when you could have way more fun out on the water with us for an hour? This length of time is recommended for 2 riders. Invite a friend to join you!

Equipment included. Not a per person charge. For groups of 7 or more, a 20% gratuity is automatically added.


$375

1.25 Hour Session

The Extra Gap

An Hour and 15-Minute Session that maximizes your time on the water, and is used to connect multiple sessions together for longer time slots, making it the perfect option for lake pickups and uninterrupted water time.

Equipment included. Not a per person charge. For groups of 7 or more, a 20% gratuity is automatically added.


$450

90 Minute Session

The Popular Kid

Our most popular appointment, 90 minutes is the right amount of time for 2-3 riders, plus there’s enough time to try multiple Watersports. Invite your friends to join you!

Equipment included. Not a per person charge. For groups of 7 or more, a 20% gratuity is automatically added.


Book 2 consecutive time slots of above times or Call Us for Custom Session Booking


$600

2 Hour Session

Extended Fun

Better than going to the movies. 2 hours with the Lakeside Watersports crew will make you forget you are in CT. Great for groups of 3-4 riders. Invite your friends to join you!

Equipment included. Not a per person charge. For groups of 7 or more, a 20% gratuity is automatically added.


$750

2.5 Hour Session

Make it an Adventure

When 2 hours isn’t enough and 3 hours is too much, 2 and half hours is just right. Great for groups of 4-5 or groups looking to try multiple Watersports. Invite your friends to join you!

Equipment included. Not a per person charge. For groups of 7 or more, a 20% gratuity is automatically added.


$900

3 Hour Session

The Triple

Experience 3 hours of fun out on the water with the Lakeside Crew. Ideal for parties of 5 or 6 people. Invite your friends to join you!

Equipment included. Not a per person charge. For groups of 7 or more, a 20% gratuity is automatically added.


$1,050

3.5 Hour Session

Fun Overload

Experience 3.5 hours of fun out on the water with the Lakeside Crew. Switch between different activities and have a great day on the lake. Ideal for parties of 6 or 7 people. Invite your friends to join you!

Equipment included. Not a per person charge. For groups of 7 or more, a 20% gratuity is automatically added.


$1,200

4 Hour Session

The Full Watersports Experience

Max out with 4 hours of fun out on the water with the Lakeside Crew. Ideal for parties of 8 or 9 people. Invite your friends to join you!

Equipment included. Not a per person charge. For groups of 7 or more, a 20% gratuity is automatically added.


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Captain Service


Captain Service

Captain Service


Captain Service

Connor Kostyra brings his Boating Expertise on Candlewood Lake, Connecticut to your location, offering personalized lessons on your boat. He serves as Captain and Instructor, teaching watersports and safe boating practices, including boat driving and docking. Connor is also available to assist with launching your boat and any other boating-related needs. All necessary watersports equipment is included in the lesson.

He will arrive 5-10 minutes before lesson if boat needs to be uncovered or just so we can be out on the water right at the start time!

Hello! I'm Connor, the proud owner and skilled expert instructor at Lakeside Watersports. With the growing demand for assistance with new boats, I'm thrilled to offer my services. Whether you need a comprehensive lesson on how to properly operate your boat or just someone to take the wheel, I'm here to make boating a stress-free experience for you and your family. You can count on me for all your boating needs and activities. Simply reach out to me at Connor@lakesidewatersports.com to see how I can help. I'll arrive at your location about 5-10 minutes before the lesson to prepare everything, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. My goal is to provide you with the value you deserve and I'm eager to work with you!

CONNOR’S Experience:

MarineMax at Brookfield Bay Marina: Delivery Captain

After Lakeside Watersports was forced to close in 2021, I saw an opportunity to make a difference. I approached the owner with a proposal to help with deliveries and took on the responsibility of handling every pontoon and wakeboat for the start of the 2021 season. It was a rewarding experience, and I'm proud to have played a role in getting Lakeside Watersports back on track.

East Coast Flightcraft: Sales

As an Independent Sales Associate for Malibu and Axis wakeboard boats and a brand ambassador for Malibu, I am dedicated to promoting the exciting sports of wake surfing and wakeboarding in Western Connecticut. I strive to increase brand awareness for both Malibu and Axis by providing high-quality sales and customer service, showcasing the best in wakeboarding and wakesurfing equipment

OneWater Marine holdings (#1 Dealer): Delivery Captain

I've delivered boats throughout Texas, with a focus on wakeboats, and provided comprehensive on-water instruction to ensure customers have the best possible boating experience. I take pride in educating customers and their children on how to operate the boat, while also promoting the exciting world of wake sports.

SMG Boats: Sales

Member of one of the top sales teams in the country in gross sales; sold highest profited boat (BEFORE COVID) sold at SMG Boats during Houston International Boat Show in January 2019

MarineMax at Brookfield Bay Marina: Senior Sales Associate

I specialize in selling primary wakeboard boats and am also the salesperson for pre-owned boats acquired through trade-ins

Connor the Boat Guy: Boat Captain

Connor personally drove and taught watersports / cleaned detailed boats 

Rollins College Wakeboard Team: Team Captain/ President (2015-2018)

Captain / President of #2 ranked college wakeboard team in the nation from my sophomore year to senior year of college

Hosted Events, Coordinated funding, managed sponsors (Monster Energy), Held meetings, Filmed videos, Taught Wakeboarding!

Lakeside Watersports: Boat Driver

Worked for Lakeside Watersports for 2 year before I acquired in 2021

Gerard's Watersedge Marina: Dock Attendant  

Pumped gas, Cleaned boats, Boat Rentals 

Candlewood East Marina: Sales assistant

Briefly worked senior year of high school summer helping sales uncover boats, clean showroom boats, etc. Intro to the boating Industry! My family purchased our first wakeboat!  


1 Hour Lesson

The Main Block

The hour long session is for 1-2 people learning how to do a watersport or if you just need a set of watersport instruction on your boat from the professional!

Equipment included if needed.


90 Minute Lesson

The Main Block Bonus

90 minutes (1.5 Hours) is the right amount of time for 2-3 riders, plus there’s enough time to try multiple Watersports. Invite your friends to join you!

Equipment included if needed.


2 Hour Lesson

Double Block

Looking for a professional and experienced boating instructor for your personal boat? Look no further! Meet Connor from Lakeside Watersports, your trusted source for all things boating-related. With 2 hours of one-on-one instruction, you'll receive personalized coaching on watersports, safe boating practices, boat driving, and more. Whether you're looking to learn a new watersport or simply improve your boating skills, Connor is here to help. Book your session today and enjoy a seamless and stress-free boating experience!

Equipment included if needed.


2.5 Hour Lesson

Double Block Bonus

Looking for a professional and experienced boating instructor for your personal boat? Look no further! Meet Connor from Lakeside Watersports, your trusted source for all things boating-related. With 2.5 hours of one-on-one instruction, you'll receive personalized coaching on watersports, safe boating practices, boat driving, and more. Whether you're looking to learn a new watersport or simply improve your boating skills, Connor is here to help. Book your session today and enjoy a seamless and stress-free boating experience!

Equipment included if needed.


3 Hour Lesson

Triple Block

Looking for a professional and experienced boating instructor for your personal boat? Look no further! Meet Connor from Lakeside Watersports, your trusted source for all things boating-related. With 3 hours of one-on-one instruction, you'll receive personalized coaching on watersports, safe boating practices, boat driving, and more. Whether you're looking to learn a new watersport or simply improve your boating skills, Connor is here to help. Book your session today and enjoy a seamless and stress-free boating experience!

Equipment included if needed.


3.5 Hour Lesson

Triple Block Bonus

Looking for a professional and experienced boating instructor for your personal boat? Look no further! Meet Connor from Lakeside Watersports, your trusted source for all things boating-related. With 3.5 hours of one-on-one instruction, you'll receive personalized coaching on watersports, safe boating practices, boat driving, and more. Whether you're looking to learn a new watersport or simply improve your boating skills, Connor is here to help. Book your session today and enjoy a seamless and stress-free boating experience!Equipment included if needed.


4 Hour Lesson

FULL BLOCK!

Looking for a professional and experienced boating instructor for your personal boat? Look no further! Meet Connor from Lakeside Watersports, your trusted source for all things boating-related. With 4 hours of one-on-one instruction, you'll receive personalized coaching on watersports, safe boating practices, boat driving, and more. Whether you're looking to learn a new watersport or simply improve your boating skills, Connor is here to help. Book your session today and enjoy a seamless and stress-free boating experience!

Equipment included if needed.


We accept all major credit cards.


Know someone who loves spending time on the water?

Purchase and send an electronic Lakeside Watersports Gift Card instantly.

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Boat Rides


Boat Ride Pricing

Boat Rides


Boat Ride Pricing

Boat Ride

Take a scenic boat ride and relax on Candlewood Lake with our Spring Boat Ride offering. Join us at Echo Bay Marina for a leisurely ride on our New MasterCraft 24 NXT Boat and enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake.

Our experienced drivers, have a lifelong connection to Candlewood Lake and love sharing its beauty with others. They will be your personal expert boat driver, ensuring a personalized and memorable experience.

Whether you have a specific route in mind or are open to suggestions, we can tailor the boat ride to suit your interests. If you're new to the area, we'll be happy to share some of our favorite spots on the lake.

Here are some reasons people love to take a boat ride with us:

  • to get some fresh air, listen to music, and make some unique memories with friends

  • to get a feel for the geographical layout of Candlewood Lake and/or checkout all of the beautiful houses along the water

  • to catch a breathtaking sunset from the water

  • to celebrate a special event (birthday, holiday, anniversary, etc)

  • just to do something different - and be out on a boat! Who doesn’t love a boat ride?

Additional details:

  • Book for any date

  • Book for just yourself (self care anyone?!) or for a group of up to 10 people (think family, friends, partner, co-workers)

  • Boat Ride will start and end Echo Bay Marina (pick-up at your personal Candlewood Lake location is also an option)

  • Available in 1 hour or 2 hour sessions

  • Just a reminder, we are an alcohol free operation but you are welcome to bring any non alcoholic drinks!

Boat Ride Pricing Breakdown:

The rates are normal $300/hour rate


$300

1 Hour Session

The Main Ride

The hour long boat ride is for you and up 9 of your friends to enjoy an experience on Candlewood Lake!


$600

2 Hour Session

The Experience

The two hour long boat ride is for you to get a full experience of Candlewood Lake!


We accept all major credit cards.


Know someone who loves spending time on the water?

Purchase and send an electronic Lakeside Watersports Gift Card instantly.