Water ski lessons from your own boat

Families, holiday-makers, school and youth groups, and adults wanting to learn or improve.

A set price per session or per half hour, with extra for groups, lesson packs and holiday-season bookings.

• Confident skiing and boat driving
• Patient, clear teaching
• Water safety and first aid
• Good with children and nervous beginners

• Commercial use of a boat may need extra approvals or vessel requirements, check with your state marine authority and AMSA
• Some lakes, rivers and councils require permits or limit commercial operators, check before you advertise
• Public liability and boat insurance must cover paid instruction, many standard policies do not
• A Working with Children Check is likely needed for teaching under-18s, check your state's rules
• Seasonal demand and weather mean income can be uneven; boat running and storage costs continue year-round

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the boat, safety gear and insurance you need. Boat running and storage costs continue year-round, so include them in your budget.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many lessons you book and the time of year. Demand is seasonal and weather affects bookings, so income can be uneven.

Things to check: commercial boat use may need extra approvals, so ask your state marine authority and AMSA. Also check lake, river and council permits, whether your insurance covers paid instruction, and Working with Children Check rules for teaching under-18s.