Surf, Wake, Ski Lake Norman

In this episode of The Best of LKN Podcast, Jeff sits down with Audrey Pennell and Tim Hyde, co-founders of Surf Wake Ski, a new Lake Norman business launching for summer 2026. Both North Carolina natives who met working at a Mooresville boat dealership and bonded over years spent at a Pennsylvania summer camp, Audrey and Tim share how they turned a shared love of the water into a venture aimed at getting more people on the lake. 

They walk through their full lineup of offerings – kids’ summer camps with flexible morning, midday, and afternoon sessions; private lessons and charters on Fridays and Saturdays; after-work evening events and game nights; and boat driving lessons rooted in a strong emphasis on safety. 

The conversation also covers their partnership with Race City and their boat slip at Holiday Marina near Hello Sailor, their plans for orientation cruises for newcomers to the area, a Bible study night on the water with proceeds benefiting a kids’ summer camp, and their commitment to staying closed on Sundays. 

Don’t miss their launch event at The Boatyard on Saturday, June 6th. Connect with the team on Instagram and Facebook @SurfWakeSkiSchool or learn more at surfwakeski.com.

About the Host:

Jeff Hamm is the creator and producer of The Best of LKN. He’s a licensed real estate broker and savvy digital marketing professional.

Since 2020, Jeff has been sharing the stories of Lake Norman’s most inspiring small businesses and nonprofits.

When he isn’t working, you can usually find Jeff boating on Lake Norman, RV traveling with his wife, Laurie, and taking walks with his English Bulldog, Maisy.

(Photo credit: LKN Images by Kathleen Martin)