Start a member-run water ski club in Canada

Local families, teens, adults who want a new sport, and returning skiers without their own boat. Some may be cottagers or lake residents.

Annual or seasonal membership fees, plus per-session fees for non-members and guests. Some clubs add event entry fees and gear hire.

• Confident boat driving and water safety
• Organizing schedules and members
• Friendly coaching or teaching
• Basic first aid

• Pleasure craft operator card for boat drivers, and any Transport Canada rules on towing skiers, such as observers (check current rules)
• Commercial general liability insurance and boat insurance that explicitly cover towing and paying members
• Signed waivers for all skiers, and extra care with children
• Lake rules, noise bylaws, and dock or launch permits, which vary by province and municipality
• Season is short in most of Canada, roughly late spring to early fall, so plan cash flow for the off-season
• Boat costs, maintenance and fuel can eat into fees quickly

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending mainly on the used tow boat and gear you buy. Boat maintenance and fuel can eat into member fees quickly, so budget for them.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on membership numbers and events. The season is short in most of Canada, roughly late spring to early fall, so plan cash flow for the off-season.

Check pleasure craft operator card requirements and current Transport Canada rules on towing skiers, such as observers. Also check insurance covering towing and paying members, signed waivers, and lake rules, noise bylaws and dock or launch permits.