Weekend water ski club (session fees)

Adults, teenagers and families who want to learn or keep skiing without owning a boat, plus friends' groups and corporate social outings.

Per-session fees, a small annual membership, and occasional paid events or social days. Equipment hire such as skis, ropes and vests can add a little extra.

• Confident, safe boat driving
• Teaching beginners patiently
• Organising bookings and groups
• Water safety awareness

• Boat licence and skipper rules differ by state, so check with your state's marine authority, including observer requirements for skiing
• Check whether charging for sessions counts as commercial vessel operation under rules from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority or your state
• Public liability and participant accident insurance, plus signed waivers and safety briefings
• Check coaching accreditation options through Water Ski & Wakeboard Australia and whether you need a working with children check
• Weather, water conditions and waterway rules or seasonal closures can cancel sessions and affect income

Startup costs for a session-based club using a hired or shared boat are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on boat arrangements, safety gear and insurance. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on sessions run and members.

Rules differ by state, so check with your state's marine authority, including boat licence, skipper and observer requirements for skiing. Also check whether charging for sessions counts as commercial vessel operation under Australian Maritime Safety Authority or state rules, and what insurance you need.

You need confident, safe boat driving, patience teaching beginners, booking organisation and water safety awareness. Time is estimated at around 8 hours a week at minimum, mostly on weekends, though weather and water conditions can cancel sessions.