Start a lakeside water ski club and school in Canada

Local families, summer camps, tourists at nearby cottages and resorts, and keen skiers wanting regular practice.

Memberships, paid lessons and camps, per-session fees and gear hire. Some clubs also host competitions and corporate or group days.

• Experienced boat driving
• Coaching and teaching beginners safely
• Running a seasonal business and managing staff
• Customer service and marketing

• Pleasure craft operator card, plus Transport Canada rules that may apply when carrying paying customers (check whether your boat counts as a commercial vessel)
• Commercial general liability and boat insurance suited to lessons and paying guests
• Signed waivers and clear safety rules, especially for children and beginners
• WCB or WSIB registration once you hire staff or coaches (rules vary by province)
• Waterfront lease, dock and shoreline permits, which vary by province and municipality
• A short season and weather risk, so check cash flow carefully for the months you are closed
• Registering for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on your boat, dock, gear and waterfront lease. Check cash flow carefully for the months you are closed.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $18,000, depending on memberships, lessons, camps and events. A short season and weather risk mean income can vary, so plan for the months you are closed.

Check pleasure craft operator card rules and whether your boat counts as a commercial vessel with paying customers. Also check insurance, signed waivers, WCB or WSIB registration when hiring, waterfront permits and GST/HST registration.