Ice formation and seasonal drawdown are part of how the lake is operated, and they explain why docks and boat lifts on Candlewood are typically seasonal rather than permanent. Understanding this winter-to-summer cycle helps homeowners (and buyers) know what to expect along the shoreline and why proper dock and lift timing matters on one of Connecticut’s most actively managed lakes.
The “440 line” is one of the most misunderstood terms on Candlewood Lake—and it explains why docks, shoreline work, and property rights operate differently here than on most Connecticut lakes. Tied to the Rocky River hydroelectric project, this boundary affects what homeowners can build near the water and why permits are often required. This guide breaks down what the 440 line actually means, why it exists, and what every Candlewood Lake owner or buyer should understand before making changes along the shoreline.
Building a dock on Candlewood Lake is possible—but it’s not as simple as most people expect. Because Candlewood is part of a federally regulated hydroelectric system, shoreline work is governed by a mix of FirstLight permitting, town wetlands rules, and dock-rights limitations. Understanding the “440 line,” the Rocky River Project Boundary, and how permits actually work is critical before starting any dock or boat-lift project. This guide breaks down the process in plain English and explains how to do it right the first time on one of Connecticut’s most regulated lakes.
Dock houses on Candlewood Lake aren’t just rare by coincidence—they’re a product of history, regulation, and scarcity. Unlike most lakes in Connecticut, Candlewood is part of a federally regulated hydroelectric project, which means shoreline land, docks, and over-water structures fall under strict oversight. Modern permitting rules, deeded dock-rights limitations, and shoreline management policies make building new dock houses extremely difficult today. That’s why the few existing dock houses you still see are typically older, grandfathered structures—and why they’ve become some of the most unique and desirable features of lakefront living on Candlewood.
Discover why Lakeside Watersports is the #1 boat charter business in Connecticut, offering luxury MasterCraft NXT boats, elite instructors, and unmatched family-friendly watersports experiences.
Are you ready to experience the thrill of wakeboarding for the first time? At Lakeside Watersports, we make learning easy and fun with expert instruction, helpful analogies, and hands-on coaching. Whether you're searching for "how to wakeboard" or "where to wakeboard in Connecticut and New York," we've got you covered! Here's how to prepare for your first lesson and set yourself up for success on the water.
Planning a summer day trip can feel like a production—but not at Lakeside Watersports. We take care of everything so you can focus on having fun. No need to rent equipment or plan logistics—just show up, and we’ll handle the rest!
Looking for the best boat rental in Connecticut for summer 2025? This guide covers the top boat rental spots on Candlewood Lake, Bantam Lake, and Lake Waramaug, with expert tips on wakeboarding, wakesurfing, tubing, and captained boat rentals. Learn why Lakeside Watersports is the #1-rated boat rental in Connecticut and why booking early ensures the best experience. Whether you’re planning a family lake day or an action-packed watersports adventure, this article has everything you need to know.
📅 Book your Connecticut boat rental now before summer weekends sell out!
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Renting a boat on Candlewood Lake? Choose wisely! This guide explains why you should avoid non-legit companies and highlights the safety, quality, and reliability you get when renting from trusted providers like Lakeside Watersports and Echo Bay Marina. Protect your experience and the lake!
Looking to take your wakesurfing to the next level? At Lakeside Watersports, we’ve tested countless boards and narrowed it down to the top three wakesurf boards for every skill level. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to master advanced tricks, this guide will help you choose the perfect board to progress quickly and have more fun on the water. Discover the boards that work—and why they’re the only ones you need!
Discover an unforgettable summer adventure at Lakeside Watersports Camp on Candlewood Lake! Perfect for kids aged 6-15, our camp offers exhilarating watersports like wake surfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing with professional one-on-one coaching. With flexible, value-packed sessions available throughout June, July, and August, ensure your child's summer is filled with fun, skill-building, and thrilling water activities. Book now to secure a spot in our personalized sessions, designed for maximum enjoyment and safety. Give your child the gift of adventure and watch them build confidence and create lasting memories at Lakeside Watersports Camp!
If you are looking to take your wakeboarding skills to the next level, it is highly recommended to install a wakeboard tower onto your boat. This will raise your tow point and allow you to get more air, enhancing your wakeboarding experience.
To get started in wakeboarding, you will need a wakeboard, a rope, a life vest, and a jet ski or boat. These are the basic essentials to enjoy the sport and have a great time on the water.
Water skiing is a popular watersport where beginners learn to balance on the water while being pulled by a boat. It involves starting in the water or on a dock, wearing skis, and holding onto a tow rope.
Yes, falling is completely normal in water skiing. It is a part of the learning process. Beginners are encouraged to keep getting back up and not be discouraged by falls. At Lakeside Watersports we are here to make water skiing as safe as possible for you. We have methods in which we will safely get in the water with you or your kids to make sure they get up safely and feel comfortable!
The key to water skiing for beginners is to try and keep their legs in the same position while being pulled. This helps maintain balance and stability. For added support, beginners can use training skis that connect both skis together. We have connectors that we use for our smaller skis that really help you for your first time.
Beginners start in the water or on a dock, with their feet in the skis and holding onto the tow rope. As the boat starts to move, they are pulled up and out of the water until they are on top of it. We walk you through every step of the process and will help you succeed!
Waterskiing is one of the oldest water sports and a lot of parents learned how to water ski growing up and since it’s been around the longest people tend to favor it because of it’s simplicity. The core concept of waterskiing is really letting the boat do all the work in pulling you up out of the water and sets you up to understand how the rest of the water sports work as far as getting up and riding on the water!
It is important to have someone keeping an eye on you while the driver is in control of the boat during wakesurfing.
It is crucial to have the right equipment for wakesurfing, including a good fitting life vest.
Wakesurfers will ride the wake right behind the boat, and the waves will keep the rider going.
No, wakesurfing does not require calm water; in fact, choppier water may make it easier.
Wakesurfing is considered to be more mellow and beginner-friendly than wakeboarding.
For beginners looking for a slight challenge, hydrofoiling and foil surfing are recommended. These sports require calm water and the right equipment. It is advised to learn from videos and try these sports away from crowds.
Wakeboarding and wakesurfing are similar watersports. The main difference is that in wakeboarding, the tow rope is used to get up onto the board and is held throughout the ride, while in wakesurfing, the tow rope is only used to start and then the rider surfs the boat's wake. Both sports require the right equipment, such as a good fitting life vest, and someone to keep an eye on the rider while the driver controls the boat.
To learn wakeboarding, it is recommended to try it yourself and learn the basics. For kneeboarding, once you feel comfortable, you can try shifting your weight and doing tricks. In waterskiing, it is okay to fall, just keep getting back up. For wakesurfing, having the right equipment, a good fitting life vest, and someone keeping an eye on you is crucial. Hydrofoiling and foil surfing can be learned from videos and it is advised to do it away from crowds. Paddleboarding allows you to go at your own speed and make it as laid back or rigorous as you want. Kayaking is similar, where you can go at your own pace and find calm water for a relaxing experience. Canoeing is easier with someone else and involves using a one-sided paddle and alternating sides. For bodyboarding, being a strong swimmer is a requirement.
Each watersport requires different skills and equipment. For example, wakeboarding requires learning the basics of balancing on the board and there are guides and videos available to help beginners. Kneeboarding requires core strength and balance. Waterskiing involves lessons in balancing on the water while being pulled. Wakesurfing requires the right equipment, a good fitting life vest, and someone keeping an eye on you while the driver controls the boat. Hydrofoiling and foil surfing are slightly more advanced and require calm water and the right equipment. Paddleboarding only requires a paddleboard and its paddle, focusing on balance. Kayaking requires a kayak, paddle, and life vest, and involves alternating paddling with a double-sided paddle. Canoeing involves using a one-sided paddle and alternating sides to propel the boat forward. Bodyboarding only requires a boogie board and strong swimming skills.
Besides tubing, there are various watersports suitable for beginners. These include swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, waterskiing, wakesurfing, hydrofoiling, foil surfing, and bodyboarding.
When it comes to watersports for beginners, there are numerous options to choose from. Some of the most popular watersports for novices include wakeboarding, tubing, kneeboarding, water skiing, wakesurfing, hydrofoiling, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, canoeing, and bodyboarding. These activities provide an exciting introduction to water-based recreation and can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages and skill levels.
Wakeboarding involves riding a wakeboard, which is a small, narrow board that is towed behind a boat. It combines elements of water skiing and snowboarding, making it an exhilarating activity for beginners to try.
Tubing is a fun and easy watersport where individuals ride an inflatable tube that is towed behind a boat. It offers a thrilling experience and is perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed and less physically demanding activity.
Similar to wakeboarding, kneeboarding involves riding a board that is towed behind a boat. However, in kneeboarding, the rider kneels on the board instead of standing. It provides a great sense of stability and is an ideal choice for beginners.
Water skiing is a classic watersport that involves being towed behind a boat while standing on skis. It requires balance and coordination but can be easily learned by beginners with proper guidance.
Wakesurfing is a relatively new watersport that has gained popularity among beginners. It entails surfing the boat's wake without being directly pulled by a rope. With the right technique and a moderate level of skill, beginners can quickly master this activity.
Hydrofoiling combines elements of water skiing and wakeboarding by using a hydrofoil board. The board is designed to lift out of the water at higher speeds, creating a unique and exciting experience for beginners.
SUP involves standing on a large board and propelling oneself through the water with a long paddle. It is an excellent option for beginners as it offers a low-impact full-body workout while enjoying the tranquility of being on the water.
Kayaking is a versatile watersport that can be enjoyed on lakes, rivers, and even in the ocean. It provides beginners with a great opportunity to explore their surroundings while improving their paddling skills.
Similar to kayaking, canoeing is a fantastic watersport for beginners. It involves paddling a canoe with a partner and offers a more social and team-oriented experience.
Bodyboarding is a watersport that involves lying on a small board and riding the waves. It is often considered a stepping stone to surfing and is a great option for beginners to get comfortable in the water and learn wave-riding techniques.
These ten watersports highlighted above offer a range of choices for beginners looking to dive into water-based activities. Each sport provides its own unique experience and allows individuals to enjoy the excitement and serenity of being on the water.
DISCLAIMER: We don’t offer all of these watersports at Lakeside Watersports.
Gear up for the 2024 season at Lakeside Watersports, now officially open for bookings! Join us for another year of thrilling water activities, with the added bonus of personal guidance from Connor Kostyra, our Head Instructor and Owner. Dive into a season of unforgettable lake adventures!
Discover the unparalleled performance of MasterCraft boats with the 2024 MasterCraft X24, ideal for wakeboarding and watersports enthusiasts. Learn why MasterCraft's precision engineering and luxury design make it the top choice for wake boats at Lakeside Watersports. Experience the thrill with our latest demo on the water - watch our video and book your adventure today!
Join the exciting team at Lakeside Watersports for Summer 2024! We're hiring Spotters, Boat Drivers, and Greeters for high-paying, fun-filled summer jobs. Apply by March for a chance to work in a dynamic environment, develop valuable skills, and be part of an unforgettable summer adventure. Visit our website to apply now!
Welcome to Lake Life Connecticut, a new chapter in our journey at Lakeside Watersports! Dive into the heart of Connecticut's vibrant lake culture, where we go beyond the well-known Candlewood Lake to uncover hidden gems and celebrate the diversity of our state's beautiful lakes. From boating adventures to serene lakeside escapades, our blog is dedicated to bringing you the latest news, stories, and insights about Connecticut's lakes. Whether you're a boating enthusiast or simply love the tranquility of lake life, join us as we explore the richness of Connecticut's waters. Stay tuned for objective, engaging content that connects you with all aspects of lake life in our enchanting state.
