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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS >>



How do the waterskiing/wakeboarding lessons work? The format for the lessons is simple. We can take up to six passengers in the boat at one time and we do not put you in a lesson with people you don't know. If your group is more than six people we can split the group up and split times between your entire party. We fit you for your wet suits and equipment at the dock. Once you are out on the Lake we customize the lesson to meet your groups needs.

Water Ski Lesson
Wake Board Instructor
Water Skiing Lesson
How long does it take to learn how to waterski/wakeboard?
When you make your reservation we recommend you allow about 1/2 hour per person to get the most out of the program. Obviously everyone learns at a different pace, but you can expect to be up and waterskiing or wakeboarding if not during the first lesson, by the second.
 
What kinds of boats do you rent?
We rent a variety of Ski and Sport Nautiques, manufactured by Correct Craft. The Sport Nautique is 23.5', open bow that seats up to nin adult passengers. The Ski Nautique is 20' with closed bow that seats up to six adult passengers. The boats have 275 - 330 hp engines. They vary in year and are all very easy to operate. Some boats can equipped with bimini shade tops upon request.

Do you rent tubes?
No, High Sierra does not rent out our tubes for personal use. Tubes are reserved for customers who have booked a lesson/session with one of our captains. if you would like to go tubing check out our lesson page or see what other equipment we do rent.
 
Do I need a special license to drive the power boats?
All you need to rent the boat is to be 18 years old or over, have a sense of adventure and a credit card for the deposit. You will be required to sign a liability release and should you damage the boat in any way you will be responsible for all costs associated with the repair of the boat. Due to the nature of regulations and practices in the boating industry, we are unable to offer any additional insurance for the boats.
 
I don't need a lesson but may I waterski or wakeboard behind the rental boats?
Sorry, for liability reasons, there is no towing of any kind behind the rental boats. We understand that many people have boats of their own and would like to waterski on their own but it is not our policy. We do have several great licensed and certified instructors that would be happy to take your group out, and can provide excellent instruction and a helpful tip or two. If not, they will simply drive the boat for you. Going out with an instructor is less expensive, and includes fuel and all necessary water sports equipment.

Do you offer multi-day and long-term rentals?
Yes! We are happy to provide multi-day and/or weekly rentals of boats, jet skis, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. We can also provide, upon request, delivery and pick up service with a fee based on the distance, amount and type of equipment.
 
How old do my kids have to be to ride the Wave Runners by themselves? California state law requires that riders must be age 16 or older to ride alone. Guests under the age of 16 may still drive, however, they must have someone over the age of 18 on the machine with them. For example, a 16 year old may not take out someone younger by themselves. All riders under the age of 18 must also have a parent or guardian sign a liability release form.
 
 
What type of water sports lessons do you provide?
High Sierra Water Ski School offers lessons for water skiing (double or single ski, and freeride ski), wake boarding, wake surfing, wake skating, wake kiting, knee boarding, barefooting and tubing. All lessons include equipment, wetsuits, PFD vests, and gloves.
 
What ages do you provide water sports lessons for?
High Sierra Water Ski School is the largest volume water ski school in the U.S. In our 38 years of operation we're proud to have offered water sports instruction for ages two to seventy six . Our school and instructors specialize in teaching children as young as two years old. Our program has developed a specialized system where the child skis first off the back of the boat without a water start, assisted by the instructor to develop proper body position and form to resist the pull of the boat. Then, once these skills are accomplished, the child can move on to individual unassisted water starts with specialized equpment.
 
What do I need to bring for lessons?
We provide all the equipment you'll need. You should bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, snacks, water, a camera and a sense of adventure. Where/how far can I go on a Jet Ski? We have no official boundaries for jet ski rental use. However, we do kindly request that all Jet Ski renters stay in sight of the marina.

How long does Emerald Bay cruise take?

We recommend a minimum of 2 hours for a round trip to Emerald Bay. It is about 45 min. each way from our Homewood location at a comfortable speed. This allows for around half an hour for lesiure.

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