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 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.

CHRIS KEINER, PRO COACH

Chris Keiner is a seasoned waterman, coach, and foil expert with over a decade of experience in water sports. Originally from Southern California, Chris developed a passion for the ocean early in life. He later moved to Florida, where he honed his skills in competitive sailing and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Jacksonville University, where he was a standout member of the Varsity Sailing Team.

Chris specializes in downwind foiling, surf foiling, step-offs, and wing foiling, and has coached riders of all levels in top locations like Florida and Dorado, Puerto Rico. With a calm, technical coaching style, Chris brings the knowledge and experience to help riders progress quickly—whether you’re new to the sport or pushing the limits of your skills. He is committed to helping you reach your full potential on the water.    🔗 @chris_kiener_99

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

Gianluca D'Ambrosio, PRO COACH

Born into the wave-rich waters of Cape Town, Gianluca is a lifelong waterman whose coaching and riding speak for themselves. With roots in surfing, wakeboarding, foiling, and a lifelong obsession with kitesurfing, he brings a diverse and dynamic skillset to the table. Gianluca’s coaching journey began young and evolved quickly — by 20, he was signed as a Slingshot Big Air team rider, competing and training at the highest levels of the sport. As a coach, he’s methodical, approachable, and laser-focused on helping his students progress with confidence. Whether you're learning your first transitions or refining your Big Air technique, Gianluca’s expertise and coaching intuition consistently deliver next-level results. He’s not just here to ride — he’s here to help you level up.   
🔗 @gianlucadambrosio69

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.

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.