About — Lakeside Watersports
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Our Story


Our Story

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Our Story


Our Story

 

Welcome to

Lakeside Watersports!

At Lakeside Watersports, experience Watersports on Candlewood Lake with the local expert & guide, Connor Kostyra. Committed to providing a safe and affordable experience, Lakeside operates on two core values: Safety and Affordability.

Create Lasting Summer Memories - Join Us for a Thrilling Boat experience and lifestyle at Lakeside Watersports. Our mission is to bring joy and fun to every guest, with unforgettable experiences on the water.

Lakeside Watersports: Committed to Safety and Affordability

Safety

Prioritizing Safety - Enjoy the Water with Confidence at Lakeside Watersports. Our number one goal is to provide a safe and enjoyable experience on the water. All guests receive comprehensive instructions and the highest-quality, Coast Guard approved safety equipment. Our instructors are highly experienced experts, with thousands of hours on the water and essential certifications in First Aid and CPR. Our staff completes our rigorous Lakeside Watersports Online Employee Training Course as well.

Affordability

Affordable Summer Fun on the Water - Lakeside Watersports Brings You the Best Value for an expensive luxury. We understand the high costs associated with enjoying the boat life. Especially, on Candlewood Lake, Connecticut. Our focus is to provide a wide range of summer activities at an affordable price for these luxury sports, eliminating the need for a large investment in boat ownership and its related expenses like gas, maintenance, and equipment.

Owner / HEAD Instructor

Connor Kostyra

Candlewood Lake Wakeboarder: Meet Connor Kostyra - Candlewood Lake Life Article

“If you’ve spent many days on Candlewood Lake, at one time or another, you have probably seen Connor Kostyra flying through the air on his wakeboard. Since his championship win at the 2016 Candlewood Cup, Connor has been the “poster boy” for wakeboarding on Candlewood Lake.” - (OCTOBER 2, 2020 - MIKE CAVALLO)

Experienced and Passionate Instructor at Lakeside Watersports - Connor Brings Years of Boating Expertise. With a lifelong passion for watersports and a background in business, Connor has a wealth of experience to offer at Lakeside Watersports. From starting as a young skier and rider on Candlewood Lake, to serving as Captain of the Rollins College Wakeboard Team and working with top boat brands across the nation, Connor has honed his skills both on and off the water. As an instructor, he has helped thousands of people from beginners to advanced riders to achieve their boating goals. Get ready for a top-notch experience with Connor at Lakeside Watersports.

“Best Wakeboarder on Candlewood Lake! | Connor Kostyra” - Lakeside Watersports Owner Connor Kostyra Wakeboarding on Candlewood Lake, CT with the Official Lakeside Watersports Videographer Olini Media

 
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Staff


Staff

Staff


Staff

Meet the Lakeside Watersports Team | Expert Instructors & Leaders on Candlewood Lake

Candlewood Lake experts and experienced Watersport Instructors & enthusiasts that will show you an amazing time out on the water when you book your appointments with Lakeside Watersports!

At Lakeside Watersports, our professional staff is made up of expert instructors and watersport enthusiasts who live on Candlewood Lake and know it better than anyone. As leaders on the lake, our team is dedicated to providing safe, high-quality instruction in wakeboarding, wakesurfing, waterskiing, and tubing. Every instructor is CPR-certified and trained to ensure a fun, safe, and exciting experience for riders of all skill levels. We have an extensive Lakeside Watersports Online Training Course for Staff. Passionate about teaching and being on the water, our team makes Lakeside Watersports the best summer job while delivering the #1 watersports experience in Connecticut. Whether you’re learning for the first time or perfecting your skills, our experienced and friendly crew is here to help!

Team Lead - Boat Captains

Jake - Team Lead

HOMETOWN:

Brookfield, CT

FAVORITE WATERSPORT:

Wakeboarding & barefooting

HOBBIES:

Lacrosse, fishing, and golfing

TOP 3 SONGS RIGHT NOW:

Hello (feat.dragonette)

Brother stone

Little lies

QUICK BIO: Hello, I'm Jake. I grew up in Candlewood Lake Club, surrounded by the beauty of the lake. I've been barefooting, waterskiing, and wakeboarding for as long as I can remember, and I would love to share the incredible experiences I've had on the very lake where I grew up.

Connor Hanley - Team Lead

HOMETOWN:

Newtown, CT

FAVORITE WATERSPORTS:

Wakeboarding, Wakesurfing, Slalom Skiing

HOBBIES:

Snowboarding and hockey

TOP 3 SONGS RIGHT NOW:

Last Night, One Thing At A Time, Talkin Tennessee - Morgan Wallen

QUICK BIO: I grew up with a passion for boating and all things watersports, and found myself on the lake pretty much every weekend in the summer since I was a kid. I have plenty of experience behind the wheel, as well as behind the boat on a wakesurf, wakeboard, and slalom ski. Super excited for another year at Lakeside!

Tyler - Team Lead

HOMETOWN:

New Fairfield, CT

FAVORITE WATERSPORT:

Wakesurfing, Wakeboarding

HOBBIES:

Lacrosse, Golf, Snowboarding

TOP 3 SONGS RIGHT NOW:

Virginia Beach drake

Scar tissue Red Hot Chili Peppers

2nd intro sheff G

QUICK BIO: I am studying business management at Rollins College. I have lived on the lake my whole life, outside of work I enjoy spending my time on the lake.

Liam - Team Lead

HOMETOWN:

Ridgefield, CT

FAVORITE WATERSPORTS:

Wakesurfing, Wakeboarding

HOBBIES:

fishing, snowboarding, surfing

TOP 3 SONGS RIGHT NOW:

ASAP forever- ASAP rocky, Innerbloom- Rufus du sol, Mary Jane’s last dance- Tom petty and the heartbreakers

QUICK BIO: I am pursuing a business degree at Coastal Carolina University studying management. I’ve grown up boating on Candlewood my whole life, and in my free time, I like practicing new wake surfing tricks.

 

Kate

HOMETOWN:

New Fairfield, CT

FAVORITE WATERSPORT:

Tubing

HOBBIES:

Field Hockey

TOP 3 SONGS RIGHT NOW:

Shirt - SZA
Revival - Zach Bryan
Everything I love - Morgan Wallen

QUICK BIO: Hi! My name is Kate, and I'm currently a freshman at the University of Delaware. I can't wait to spend a summer with Lakeside Watersports, as I've spent many summers on the lake living in New Fairfield, CT.

Tommy

HOMETOWN:

New Fairfield, CT

FAVORITE WATERSPORTS:

Wakeboarding

HOBBIES:

Snowboarding, weight lifting, and reading

TOP 3 SONGS RIGHT NOW:

Freed From Desire - Gala

Please Don’t Go - Wyatt Flores

Runnin’ Down a Dream - Tom Petty

QUICK BIO: Hi, name is Tommy and I am a 19 year old freshman studying business at Boston University. I’ve been doing Watersports my whole life and love teaching people how to get up on the Wakeboard. Outside of Lakeside, you’ll find me in the gym, hanging out with friends, or reading a Sci-fi book.

Bianca

HOMETOWN:

New Fairfield, CT

FAVORITE WATERSPORT:

Wakesurfing, Tubing

HOBBIES:

Snowboarding, writing music, photography, knitting... too many hobbies to count!

TOP 3 SONGS RIGHT NOW:

Fast Talk - Houses, No Longer Bound - Forest Frank & Hulvey, Caution - The Killers

QUICK BIO: My name is Bianca and I'm currently 24 years old and have been wake surfing for two years now! I'm a snowboarder at heart, so picking up wake surfing was a breeze and it's a great sport to keep me in shape for the winter season. Outside of Lake Side Water Sports, I'm a professional social media marketer. In my free time, you can find me painting, singing, hanging out with friends, and going on fun adventures!

 

Jordan

HOMETOWN:

Long Island, New York

FAVORITE WATERSPORT:

Wake surfing and tubing

HOBBIES:

Baking/cooking , Boating, Walking outside

TOP 3 SONGS RIGHT NOW:

Kids - MGMT

Spin you around - Morgan Wallen

Motion Sickness - Phoebe Bridgers

QUICK BIO: Hi my name is Jordan Shallat I am currently a junior in high school. I grew up boating and doing water sports on Peach Lake in New York. Being surrounded by water whether it’s on a boat or at the beach makes me the happiest!

 

Drew

HOMETOWN:

NYC

FAVORITE WATERSPORT:

Wake surfing, slalom skiing

HOBBIES:

Snow skiing, sailing, learning guitar

TOP 3 SONGS RIGHT NOW:

Burn It Down - Parker McCollum

tell you straight - jigitz

Separate Ways - Journey

QUICK BIO: Hi I’m Drew and I have spent time on Candlewood lake all my life. I love to slalom ski early in the morning and work on wake surfing tricks. I am also a rising freshman at Cornell. Can’t wait for a great Summer with Lakeside!

Aidan

HOMETOWN:

Danbury, CT

FAVORITE WATERSPORT:

Wakeboarding and wakesurfing

HOBBIES:

Lacrosse, Skiing, Golf

TOP 3 SONGS RIGHT NOW:

Sarahs Place (zach bryan)

A sky full of stars (Coldplay)

Mr Jones(Counting crows)

QUICK BIO: Hi, I’m Aidan. I am an Aviation Management student at The Ohio State University with a passion for all things on the water. Growing up on the lake with family and friends shaped who I am, and I take every opportunity to be out there. Excited for another great year at Lakeside!

 
 
 

The Founder

 

Connor