Freelance water ski instructor

Families, kids and teens, adult beginners, plus clubs, lake resorts and summer camps that hire instructors by the lesson or season.

Per-lesson or hourly fees, paid either by the student directly or by the venue. Income is seasonal and builds with repeat students and good reviews.

• Strong water skiing ability
• Patient, clear teaching
• Water safety and confidence around boats
• Good with kids and nervous beginners

• General liability insurance, and check whether the venue's policy covers you or you need your own
• Check your state's boating rules and whether a boat operator or safety course is required if you drive the boat
• Check with the lake owner, park or city whether commercial instruction needs a permit
• Work is seasonal and weather dependent, so plan for quiet months
• Ask clients to sign a liability waiver and ask a local advisor to check it

Estimates typically run around $300 to $1,500, depending on the gear you bring and where you work. Since you use a club's, resort's or camp's boat, you need little equipment of your own.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $2,500, depending on how many lessons or seasons you book. Work is seasonal and weather dependent, so plan for quieter months.

Check liability insurance and whether the venue's policy covers you. Check your state's boating rules and any operator course if you drive the boat, and whether the lake owner, park or city requires a permit. Use signed waivers.