Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.
If you have additional questions or would like to connect personally, feel free to give us a Call us at (203) 744-9884, whichever is more convenient. You can also send us an Email at info@lakesidewatersports.com.
We will be happy to help! In the rare event that these members of the team are all out on the water at the same time, we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
WHEN DO YOU OPEN THE SCHEDULE FOR NEXT SEASON?
The schedule for 2025 Season is Open! If we are fully booked, add yourself to our Waiting List. It operates by First Come, First Serve! Stay Alert!
Lakeside Watersports: Spotter
DO YOU RENT JET SKIS?
No, we do not rent jet skis. Although jet skis are fun to buzz around the lake on, there are laws that prevent operating a jet ski without a proper Personal Watercraft/Safe Boating Certificate. Also, they can be dangerous on a big public lake like Candlewood Lake during the summer. For this reason, we don’t rent jet skis. Please check local and state laws to confirm where you might be able to rent a jet ski.
Do you rent Kayaks, Paddleboards, or Watersports Equipment at Lakeside Watersports?
No, we do not rent any equipment. We don’t rent or provide equipment to anyone externally from coming out on our boats. We provide all the equipment necessary when you come out with us, but we don’t rent or provide any equipment for your personal use on Candlewood Lake.
Can we rent the boat to drive on our own?
No, you will never drive or operate a Lakeside Watersports boat yourself. We have a full staff of trained professional experts who will help you with everything on our boats. Every Boat Session comes with a Boat Driver & Spotter on the boat who will help assist you with everything on your boating journey with us at Lakeside Watersports on Candlewood Lake.
What’s a Lakeside Watersports Boat Session?
A Boat Session is Lakeside Watersport’s terminology to describe a watersports lesson, boat ride, boating experience. a Boat Session is also the name of the services we provide. A Boat Session is a Boat Rental at Lakeside Watersports.
What’s A Lakeside Watersports Boat Session?
What’s a Custom Boat Session?
A Custom Boat Session at Lakeside Watersports is a Custom Booking for longer durations or to plan a party or event with us.
How to create a Custom Booking?
When you’re planning party’s and events at Lakeside Watersports on Candlewood Lake, it’s best to contact us at 203-744-9884 or Email info@lakesidewatersports.com
Examples of Party’s and Events we have at Lakeside Watersports.
Bachelor Party, Bridal Party, Birthday Party, Corporate Event, Family Event
How does Scheduling work at Lakeside Watersports?
We have built our own custom software specifically for the use of Lakeside Watersports. Our schedule works by time slots. The max time slot is 1.5 hours. If you want more than 1.5 hours you would then book the time slot after if available giving you more time. You also can call or email us for a Custom Session Booking for events or parties. We operate this way because letting our guests book whatever times left gaps in our schedule. We also would like to maximize time and schedule staff efficiently.
HOW MANY People Fit on the Boat?
14 is the maximum number of guests that we can take on any of our boats at one time. This leaves room for the driver and the spotter to operate the boat safely and legally. If you have a group size larger than 10 total, please call us. We are happy to offer creative solutions to make sure everyone in your group can find a way to enjoy the Lake. Tip is included and staff is taken care of for their time.
What if my party is larger than 10 people?
We understand some of you have big families or more friends than you can count. If you are attempting to have more than 14 people come out during your appointment, please call us to discuss. We can offer some creative solutions.
How do I book a longer Boat Session?
You may book a longer than 1.5 hour Session at Lakeside Watersports by purchasing more time slots or creating a Custom Booking.
CAN YOU DRIVE MY BOAT?
Absolutely! We would be happy to assist with driving your boat, regardless of its location near Candlewood Lake. Our Head Instructor is experienced in driving various types of boats and can teach you how to operate your boat safely and efficiently. Additionally, if you're interested in water sports instruction, we offer beginner to advanced lessons for a variety of activities such as wakeboarding, waterskiing, and Wakesurfing. We're dedicated to helping you enjoy your time on the water to the fullest, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, and schedule a lesson.
What is the age limit?
We do not have any age restrictions. We have taught people as young as 4 to waterski and had someone 91 years young waterski behind our boat. People even younger have gone for a tube ride and hung out on the boat.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
At Lakeside Watersports, enjoy a hassle-free boating experience with our flat hourly rate of $360 /Hour (This is not a per person charge). Perfect for groups of any size (Max 14 people), this rate covers everything you need including the boat, experienced driver, spotter/instructor, fuel, watersports equipment, and essential safety gear. To secure your reservation, a 50% deposit paid via credit card at the time of booking is required. Tip is included and staff is taken care of for their time, book your unforgettable boating adventure today and discover the ultimate water sports experience.
should i tip the crew?
The Lakeside staff strives to offer the absolute best time on the water while keeping you safe. Tip is included and staff is taken care of for their time. You may give extra tip if you feel inclined.
HOW MANY ACTIVITIES CAN I TRY DURING MY APPOINTMENT?
We are incredibly accommodating and are willing to let you and your guests try whatever watersports you would like during your appointment time. Just tell us what activities you’re interested in before we leave the dock, and we will be sure to stock the boat with all the necessary equipment. The cost remains the same per hour regardless of how many activities you try.
What if i Don’t want to go in the water?
We will never force you to go in the water. There is plenty of room on the boat if someone wants to go for a boat ride, stay dry and watch the watersports. We are also happy to offer guided lake tours without any watersports. The cost remains the same per hour for this service.
HOW LONG SHOULD I BOOK MY APPOINTMENT FOR?
We leave this decision up to you, but we can help make recommendations. A good rule of thumb for making a booking for a beginner is 20-30 minutes per person per activity. Watersports like wakeboarding and waterskiing are incredibly tiring. 30 minutes per person gives enough time for someone to try without being completely exhausted. It might also leave some extra time for tubing.
Note: We will do our best to manage the time you book and give everyone a chance who wants one. But be advised there are scenarios where too many guests and not enough time booked make that harder to accomplish.
The maximum amount of time i can book online is 4 hours, what if i need more?
First off, you are aggressive and we like it. If you would like more time out on the water during a single appointment, we require that you contact us to discuss this request and make sure we can accommodate this extended booking.
WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE FOR MY APPOINTMENT?
We prefer if you show up 15 minutes before your start time. This gives us time to get your waivers filled out, life jackets fitted, and equipment loaded onto the boat for an on-time departure. We book our appointments back-to-back, so there is a possibility that if you show up very early we will not be at the shop and will be out on the water with another group.
If you want to save time on the day of your appointment, each person going on the boat needs to fill out the waiver. If you plan to come back this season, this needs to be filled out once per year per person.
What if there is bad weather DAY OF MY APPOINTMENT?
Our weather policy is we will inform you either the night before or the morning of your appointment whether we need to cancel lessons due to inclement weather.
WHERE SHOULD I GO FOR MY APPOINTMENT?
Connecticut: We are located at Echo Bay Marina, 227 Candlewood Lake Rd, Brookfield, CT 06804.
WHERE SHOULD I PARK?
Connecticut: At Echo Bay Marina, there is a designated parking location for Lakeside customers during the week in front of kiosk. During the weekend you will be directed across the street by a parking coordinator at Echo Bay Marina when you pull into the lakeside part of the marina.
2025 Lake Pickup - Travel Times
IF I LIVE ON THE LAKE, CAN YOU PICK ME UP AT MY DOCK?
Yes! Just as the Lakeside Watersports name suggests, we make lakeside pickups. If you would like to be picked up, you need to specifically tell us that before your appointment. We assume that all appointments will start at our office location unless otherwise instructed. If you want to be picked up, tell us the street address, any helpful landmarks to look for, and what equipment we need to bring.
Travel Time for Pickups
If you are requesting to be picked up at your house on the lake, there is an additional time deducted based on your lake house address:
Sherman/New Milford: 15 Minutes
New Fairfield: 10 Minutes
Danbury: 10 Minutes
Brookfield: 10 Minutes
Please make sure you let us know where on the lake you would like to be picked up, how many people in your party, their relative sizes (infant, child, teen, adult) and what equipment we need to bring. Click here to let the staff know: info@lakesidewatersports.com
Connecticut: We can pick you up anywhere on the lake, so long as there is a safe docking location. Pickups are subject to the travel time schedule based on lake address as noted above.
Note: We will do everything we can to get to your location by the requested start time, and faster than travel times. We ask that you be patient based on lake and weather conditions.
What SHOULD I BRING WITH ME?
You just need to bring your bathing suit and towel. All of the watersports and safety equipment is provided. If you have your own watersports equipment, i.e. wakeboard, wakesurf, etc., feel free to bring that.
Note: We do provide limited wetsuits. BUT, we don’t have enough for everyone. Early season and late season can be chilly, please bring your own wetsuit or drysuit and extra towels.
Please do not bring valuable items to your boat session as we are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Can I bring it?
Yes.
Food 👍
It might sound funny, but we ask that you bring “boat friendly” food. What do we mean by that? Things that don’t crumble and can be eaten in one bite. Good examples of this are grapes, fruit snacks, string cheese, etc. Food that we would prefer not be on the boat includes: Potato chips, popcorn, brownies, basically things that are oily or have lots of crumbs.
Camera 👍
Capture the moment and relive your time on the water. However, we are not responsible for anything that could happens to the camera while it is on the boat.
No Dice.
Alcoholic Beverages 👎
Our insurance provider does not allow for us to allow drinking alcoholic beverages on the boat. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Dogs, Cats and other Pets 👎
We love our furry friends, but the vinyl seats on our boats don’t love their claws. We ask that you do not bring your pets with you during your appointment.
Cigarettes, Cigars or other Smoking Devices 👎
There is no smoking on or near our boats.