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!

Jake Hoefler, Cofounder

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 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. Widely regarded as a leading expert in hydrofoil coaching, he has hosted and coached watersports trips across the globe—from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia.

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.

CHRIS KEINER, PRO COACH

Chris grew up in Southern California where he fell in love with the ocean, He later moved to Stuart, Florida where he learned how to sail at the age of 12 and has been competing at a high level, and coaching sailing ever since. This passion for the sport of sailing led him to his school, Jacksonville University, where he is a starting member of the Varsity sailing team, as well as a Mechanical Engineering major. Chris was originally introduced to kiting through a friend and was immediately hooked, he later bought his first set of gear and started to teach himself how to kite by applying the skills and knowledge of the wind and waves he learned from his many years of sailing. With countless hours on a kite Chris has learned the skills necessary to share his passion with others, and is excited to get you riding.

JEAN-LUC DEPARDIEU, PRO COACH

Jean-Luc began sailing with the Long Island Sound Junior Sailing Program at age 7 and instantly developed a strong love for the water. His passion expanded to kiteboarding after visiting Nantucket and receiving a lesson from a local on Bass Point at age 11. As a snowboarder and wakeboarder the board skills came quickly, and he knew kiting was something he wanted to keep in his life after his first ride. Currently, Jean-Luc is a student and sailor at Brown University. He motivates his friends to get out on the water, teaching them to wakeboard and foil. Any time a student gets up behind the boat for the first time, Luc is as stoked as they are! At his home yacht club, Jean-Luc was a favorite junior instructor among the younger sailors, making sure everyone had fun everyday. He looks forward to seeing more ear-to-ear grins on his students this summer!

JAKKI WAGONER, BOOKING MANAGER

Jakki has always been in love with the water. 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.