Next Level Watersports was founded in 2016 by Jake Hoefler and Jon Beery after the two met coaching at one of the top kiteboarding schools in the world on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. What began as a small watersports school has grown into Nantucket’s go-to destination for kiteboarding, foiling, wakeboarding, and tubing adventures.
For over 10 years, Next Level has been a trusted part of the Nantucket community and remains the island’s most experienced and professional watersports provider. At the helm on island are Jake and Jakki, who are rooted on Nantucket and oversee the daily operations. Backed by a crew of elite coaches — hand-selected talent from around the world — our team delivers every lesson with unmatched expertise, professionalism, and passion.
Next Level Watersports is dedicated to making days on the water unforgettable. Our goal is simple: to share our stoke for these sports and to transform an ordinary day into an active, exciting, and educational experience that keeps you coming back for more.
Jake Hoefler
Cofounder, Pro Coach
Jake Hoefler is a D1 athlete turned professional waterman, passionate coach, and cofounder of Next Level Watersports. Originally from Hampstead, NH, Jake learned to kiteboard in the Outer Banks at just twelve years old and never looked back.
A former Northeastern University hockey player, Jake now holds certifications as a Camp Director, Lifeguard, and US Coast Guard Licensed Captain. Recognized as one of the leading hydrofoil coaches globally, Jake has coached alongside some of the top talent in the sport. He has also hosted and led watersports trips across the globe—from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia. With expertise in kiteboarding, winging, and tow-in foiling, Jake excels at helping athletes of all levels push their limits and refine their skills.
With thousands of hours on the water, Jake brings a calm, clear teaching style that simplifies complex concepts and builds real confidence in his students. Whether you're just starting out or pushing your limits, he brings the energy, experience, and stoke to help you reach that next level.
Kyle Kelmenson
Pro Coach
Kyle Kelmenson is a highly experienced kiteboarder and instructor from Maui, Hawaii, with over six years of professional coaching experience. Since 2019, he has taught riders of all ages and skill levels, helping students progress safely and confidently while developing strong technical skills on the water. Kyle combines his passion for kiteboarding with extensive hands-on product testing and industry experience, bringing expert knowledge, professionalism, and a deep understanding of wind and water sports to every lesson and adventure.
Thijmen Faas
Pro Coach
Energetic, passionate, and endlessly stoked — Thijmen brings the Dutch charm and international expertise to every session. Originally from the Netherlands, Thijmen has built an impressive coaching career with years of hands-on experience teaching kitesurfing in some of the world’s top destinations, including Amsterdam, Cape Town, and beyond. His approach to coaching blends deep technical knowledge with a laid-back, encouraging vibe that helps students progress confidently while having a blast. Known for his patience, professionalism, and magnetic energy, Thijmen is a standout coach who’s equally effective working with first-timers or seasoned kiters chasing progression. When you’re on the water with Thijmen, every session becomes an experience. 🔗@thijmen.faas
Adrian Bartyzel
Pro Coach
Precision, passion, and pure performance — Adrian “The Machine” Bartyzel is a force of nature both on and off the water. A high-performance athlete with a background in competitive training and elite-level watersports, Adrian blends a tactical mind with relentless energy. Whether it’s kiting, coaching, or carving lines across glassy flats, he brings Navy SEAL discipline and an unmistakable intensity to everything he does. Adrian’s deep technical knowledge, paired with his infectious enthusiasm and elite coaching ability, makes him a game-changer for students looking to truly elevate their riding. From building foundational skills to pushing big air limits, Adrian has a reputation for unlocking breakthroughs in a single session. Built different. Programmed to win. And yes — still convinced this is Arsenal’s year. 🔗 @forever_gunner
Teddy Rowen
Pro Coach
Born in Southern California, Teddy was introduced to the Ocean at a very young age. He first started surfing in kindergarten and continued to level up in the sport throughout his life-even founding and captaining his middle school surf team. As a lifelong Nantucket Island summer resident, Teddy discovered Next Level Watersports almost a decade ago and was a passionate camper for many years. As he continued to grow in his passion for these newfound watersports, he joined the team in 2022 with the goals of learning as much as possible about every watersport and spreading the stoke of watersports to the next generation of shredders. If you see Teddy on the water, he is probably having as much fun as possible–and doing it safely.
Liam Gardner
Pro Coach
Born and raised in Cape Town, Liam grew up immersed in the ocean — first finding his rhythm through surfing before quickly expanding into the world of kiteboarding and other watersports. With a natural talent and deep respect for the water, Liam’s passion evolved into a career coaching in diverse, world-class locations like Langebaan, Zanzibar, and Cape Town. These varied conditions helped him develop a well-rounded, adaptive coaching style that meets each student exactly where they are — whether it’s mastering the basics or fine-tuning technique. Calm, clear, and confidence-inspiring, Liam brings the kind of focused energy that makes every session both productive and unforgettable. When the wind’s not blowing, you’ll still find him on the water — surfing, wakeboarding, or chasing fun behind a boat.
Jon Beery
Cofounder
Asked when he started on the water Jon says, “My parents used to tie my crib off to the handrails on the inside of their boat so that I was suspended. That way I wouldn’t roll out when the boat heeled over.” Jon grew up in Darien, CT and has spent his whole life on the water. He has raced dinghies and big boats across the country, was captain of his high school and college sailing teams, and has coached juniors and adults in dinghies, big boats, and kiteboarding at premier locations from Puerto Rico to Boston. Jon is a Certified Public Accountant who, after working in professional services in Boston for four years, decided to marry his passion for the water with his career. Next Level Watersports is a dream come true for Jon, and he’s excited to teach you the same sports that make him smile every day!
Jakki Wagoner
Booking Manager
Growing up her parents would call her a fish because she never wanted to leave the water. In college, she worked as a lifeguard manager and swim instructor. After graduating from Appalachian State, Jakki moved to DC and worked in a corporate job for 5 years. While traveling for work, she decided to take a kite lesson and has been kiting since then! Once she purchased her first kite quiver, she knew that she wanted to pursue her passion. She lived for over a year in Saint Kitts where she kited and started her own swim company. Since then, she has kited around the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Belize and multiple locations across the United States. On a windy day, you can always find Jakki at the beach where she works remotely and, on her lunch breaks, you will see her kiting away! Jakki helps as Next Level Watersports' incredible office manager coordinating for our instructors and our clients each and every day.
Richard Knight
Executive Board
Richard has spent the past 28+ years on Wall Street but would rather be kiteboarding. He took up the sport in 2014, taking lessons from both Jon and Jake and qualified as an IKO level 1 instructor in 2016. Richard helped Jon and Jake start Next Level Watersports and enjoys advising the team on business matters over a couple of Whale’s Tale Pale Ales.
Wonder Workshop Films Presents
Learning to Fly
Join Our Team
We are not your average Kiteboarding and Watersports school.
So, we are not seeking your average kiteboarding instructor. Eligible candidates will be seasoned, personable kiteboarding instructors, have experience working with premium clientele, handling boats & watercraft, and must be talented, passionate kiteboarders and surfers. We are seeking team members looking to be a part of a growing company, take a leadership role, and who never turn down a fun day on the water!