Pop-Up water ski club at a partner lake

Beginners, families, friend groups and local skiers who want a regular group to ski with and some coaching.

Membership or session fees from members, minus what you pay the partner for boat or cable time. You may negotiate group rates or a share of the fees.

• Organizing groups and bookings
• Water skiing ability and friendly coaching
• Building partnerships with local venues
• Simple marketing through social media and local groups

• Insurance: agree in writing who covers what between you and the venue, and check whether your policy covers coaching
• Check with the venue and your state whether any permits apply to organized or paid activity
• Relying on one partner, so get a clear written agreement on prices and dates
• Weather and seasonal cancellations, so set a clear refund and rescheduling policy
• Safety of beginners and children, including life jackets and trained drivers
• Check with an accountant on setting up as an LLC or a nonprofit club

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your insurance, marketing and any deposits with venues. Because the partner supplies the boat or cable, you avoid the cost of buying a boat.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many members join, your session prices and what you pay the venue. The idea is estimated at a minimum of about 6 hours a week.

Agree in writing with the venue who covers what for insurance, and check whether your policy covers coaching. Check with the venue and your state about permits for organized or paid activity, and get clear written terms on prices and dates.