What They Said about Their Lessons
Lori S., State College, PA
"Thank you very much for Saturday’s lesson with Ben [their son] and Scott [her husband]! They had such a great time! Do you happen to have any pictures?" [No, I screwed up and don't have any pictures.]
"Thank you for your time!!"
(Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, July 30, 2022.)
"Thank you very much for Saturday’s lesson with Ben [their son] and Scott [her husband]! They had such a great time! Do you happen to have any pictures?" [No, I screwed up and don't have any pictures.]
"Thank you for your time!!"
(Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, July 30, 2022.)
|
Diana P., Bellefonte, PA
"Thank you so very much for this fabulous experience that Dominic thoroughly enjoyed. I expect you will see him again." (Said of her 15-y-o grandson Dominic L. from Huntingdon County.) (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, July 5, 2022.) |
|
|
Becky W., Howard, PA
"Thanks for the lessons! It was fun! I've been looking at paddleboards that can convert for windsurfing." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, July 28, 2021.) |
|
|
Susanna A., State College, PA
"Bill's lesson was perfect for me as a student as my priorities were safety and budget. Bill is very patient and pleasant, allowing you to learn what you want to learn. He is also very knowledgeable on the topic and will pull out physics terms if you want! Meeting someone like Bill who serves our community in this way is also very inspiring, and his energy is contagious! I will definitely continue windsurfing after this experience." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, July 5, 2021.) |
|
|
Jessie A., Reading, PA
"Thanks again for the great instruction and great fun. Keep me in the loop if you see any great deals on equipment." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, June 29, 2021.) |
|
|
Michael G., State College, PA
"Thanks for sharing the videos! We had a great time! I’ll check with Britt and see if she has some still photos to share." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, June 20, 2021.) |
|
Jon L., State College, PA
"Thanks for the lesson yesterday. It was what I had hoped it would be, which means that it made me feel a connection to my former, younger self."
(Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, Aug. 18, 2019.)
"Thanks for the lesson yesterday. It was what I had hoped it would be, which means that it made me feel a connection to my former, younger self."
(Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, Aug. 18, 2019.)
|
Tiffanie A. & Tarik A., State College, PA
'We are still really grateful for the lesson and the videos!! (so cool!) Thank you so much for the wonderful windsurfing lesson!! Tarik and I expected to be falling off of our boards for most of the time, given our first lesson was 2 years ago. But you had us up and comfortably sailing within 2 hours! It was a really memorable experience, and we cannot thank you enough!" (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, July 20, 2019.) |
|
|
Paula R., State College, PA
"I will check them [links] out, but in meantime, I want to especially thank you for an amazing experience on the water, and your great instruction. It was really great to be on the water with the wind again!" (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, May 22, 2019.) |
|
Gavin & Beth N., Melrose, FL
"Thanks to you and our two lessons three summers ago, I am now actively windsurfing on our lake where we now live in north Florida. My neighbor has boards and sails to share and he and I have been starting to sail together regularly. I enjoy telling people how I got started windsurfing with you and your charity benefiting lessons back in PA."
(Lessons provided on Sayers Lake, August 23 & Sept. 6, 2016.)
"Thanks to you and our two lessons three summers ago, I am now actively windsurfing on our lake where we now live in north Florida. My neighbor has boards and sails to share and he and I have been starting to sail together regularly. I enjoy telling people how I got started windsurfing with you and your charity benefiting lessons back in PA."
(Lessons provided on Sayers Lake, August 23 & Sept. 6, 2016.)
|
Candace W. & Randall W., Gettysburg, PA
"We had a wonderful time with you. We appreciate your skill as a teacher and communicator. We are checking out East of Maui online and planning to visit them. Also we found this: https://isthmussailboards.com/2018-bic-techno-240-package.html starter package for Randy? What sail size? Which package for Candy? We had nice steady light wind on Lake Meade yesterday. That makes us eager to get some gear." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, August 25, 2018.) Later: "We got the rig Bic Techno 240 that we had asked you about from Isthmus Sailboards. We both had some good windsurfing on Saturday... Hope your trip [to Hatteras with BABA] will still take place when the Hurricane [Florence] is over. Some year we may join you on the trip." |
|
|
Sharon A., State College, PA
"Thanks so much for taking the girls out yesterday, Bill - they had a great time! Yes, it was their first lesson (but probably not Sarah’s last.) Great blog post and I’ll be sure to share." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, August 15, 2018.) |
|
|
John D. and Andrea D., State College, PA
"Thanks for the video clip. We really enjoyed ourselves. Thanks for a great afternoon." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, July 1, 2018. The video clip they refer to is at https://www.betterworldwindsurfing.org/blog/first-lesson-of-2018. The photo shows Andrea and John following me back to the "beach" at the end of the afternoon.) |
|
|
Greg B., Downingtown, PA
"That was definitely a fun day for me! Thanks again for helping me begin to get my sea legs!! ;) I plan to visit the folks at Marsh Creek later this week to see what they have and maybe try out some gear. Will let you know what I find. Thanks for all your help!! " (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, June 28, 2017. For photos and video, see http://www.betterworldwindsurfing.org/blog/gregs-lesson.) Later: (July 11) "Just wanted to let you know I have continued windsurfing here at Marsh Creek lake. Instead of purchasing equipment I bought a season pass from the boat rental co. which allows me to go windsurfing any day of the week for 2 hours at a time. I've def been taking advantage of it! Anyhow, I'm really enjoying it and hope I continue to learn fast. Hopefully I'll get to come see you again before the end of the summer and get more advanced training from you! Thanks again for the lesson!!" |
|
John D., Altoona, PA
[In response to my asking him whether he had yet tried to use the ancient $50 yard-sale windsurfer he had previously acquired]
"No. The takeaway from the time with you--aside from a solid introduction to windsurfing--was a dose of humility. It was clear that if a narrower board would be challenging, then a narrower board on a choppy sea is above my current level of competence. No point in hauling all the parts 1,000 miles to confirm that. Now that I have an idea what I'm doing, I'll mess around with it on glassy water and in a light breeze. I'll let you know how it goes. Fair winds, John" (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, June 22, 2017. For photos and video, see http://www.betterworldwindsurfing.org/blog/john-and-ryan-learn-to-windsurf.)
[In response to my asking him whether he had yet tried to use the ancient $50 yard-sale windsurfer he had previously acquired]
"No. The takeaway from the time with you--aside from a solid introduction to windsurfing--was a dose of humility. It was clear that if a narrower board would be challenging, then a narrower board on a choppy sea is above my current level of competence. No point in hauling all the parts 1,000 miles to confirm that. Now that I have an idea what I'm doing, I'll mess around with it on glassy water and in a light breeze. I'll let you know how it goes. Fair winds, John" (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, June 22, 2017. For photos and video, see http://www.betterworldwindsurfing.org/blog/john-and-ryan-learn-to-windsurf.)
|
Ray A., Colorado Springs, CO
"We had a great time and tell everyone. Beth's son couldn't make it this time but they are planning to come down [from Scranton, PA area] next summer. Next time we'll eat and be more rested so we don't poop out on you! Haha. .. Thanks again for taking us on such short notice... Thanks again for starting us on a great new sport." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, September 3, 2016. For photos and video, see http://www.betterworldwindsurfing.org/blog/ray-and-beth-improve.) |
|
|
Gavin N., State College, PA
"Fun start to windsurfing! I just watched the two videos you sent and a few more. Thanks for the links. I just put Sept 6 on the calendar. Same time same place! When it gets closer we will be in touch in case of weather issues. Thanks so much for today. It was a great time for the entire family." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, August 23, 2016.) |
|
|
Dennis D., Northfield, MN
"When I got in the water after the on-land instruction, I must have fallen a dozen times within minutes, but Bill's patient and detailed guidance got me back on the board each time, at one point staying on the board for over an hour without falling, learning to tack and catch the wind. Thanks for the great lesson and confidence builder!" (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, August 17, 2016.) (In the photo, Dennis is using the correct handwork in the sail flip in a pivot jibe. I thought it was fantastic how fast he learned this relatively advanced move on his first day ever sailing.) |
|
|
Greg W., Windber, PA
"Thanks again for teaching the kids. I am sure it was a bit crazier than a normal lesson but really appreciate it. The kids really did have a great time." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake to kids aged 6, 9, 11, & 14 with much assistance from their parents on July 9, 2016.) |
|
Cathy K., Warrior's Mark, PA
"What a treasure to find windsurfing lessons in central PA! Great first windsurfing experience with Bill. He is patient, has a sense of humor, and an easy-going attitude. Communication in setting up the lesson was a breeze (pun intended) and the instruction and length of the lesson allow you ample time to be up and sailing on your own. The baby board makes a huge difference in stability, which I very much appreciated. Can’t wait to learn more!" (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, July 7, 2016.) |
|
|
Elizabeth P., State College, PA
"Thank you so much [for the] video and teaching. You are good instructor and very kind. I was happy yesterday. I want to do one more when it will be windy day." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, July 6, 2016.) |
|
|
Juan Jose D., Danville, PA
"The lesson couple of months ago was awesome and I'm interested in another lesson . By watching your videos someday I hope on owning a windsurf and sailing fast! ...you tell me what is your schedule like." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, April 30, 2016.) |
|
|
Danielle B., Howard, PA
"This was my first lesson and it was awesome!! It was so much fun. A huge thank you to Willem van den Berg! He was a great teacher. Thanks again!" (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, Sept. 9, 2015.) |
|
|
Helen D., State College, PA
"I've taken a lesson and it's so much fun!! I highly recommend it!" (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, Sept. 2, 2015.) |
|
|
Amy D., Kevin D., Kat Y., and Gina F.; State College, PA
"Thank you so much for the windsurfing lesson the other day. It was so fun. I did not take a video, but feel free to use any pictures you want. It was a perfect day. My [Amy's] husband LOVED it." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, Aug. 30, 2015.) |
|
|
Kerry W., State College, PA
"I had a great time yesterday Aug 29), and I hope you had fun with your lesson today (Aug 30). Thanks again for all of your help." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, Aug. 29, 2015.) |
|
|
Alex P., Springfield, MO
"Bill is a wonderful teacher, and his site for instruction is equally inspiring! Thanks again Tugboat Bill, you are a great teacher, even able to call up some wind on a hot summer afternoon!" (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, July 28, 2015.) |
|
|
Danielle D.,
Duncansville, PA "Thanks again! We were lucky to have such great weather... I had a great time and hope to be up there again sooner than later!!" (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, June 24, 2015. ) |
|
Chris K., Boulder, CO
"A special thanks to Bill for his expert windsurfing instructions… and his patience as I tried to follow them…. a lot of fun regardless, and I look forward to the next opportunity!" (Lesson provided at Dewey Beach, DE, Sept. 17, 2014. ) |
Alice F., Montclair, NJ
"Tell Bill he was an amazing instructor- very patient and supportive; and Helen's comments helped a lot! I really want to do it again sometime. Maybe we should have our next reunion on Bonaire." (Lesson provided at Dewey Beach, DE, Sept. 20, 2014. ) |
|
Deanna S., Stroudsburg, PA
"That was a fun day, even without much wind! I am looking forward to trying again and improving. Thanks for all your help." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, Sept. 2014. For a short video from her lesson, see the Sept. 7 blog entry.) |
|
Charles H. and Elizabeth H., State College, PA
"I had a terrific time learning to windsurf from Bill. I had tried once before without success. Bill was patient and walked us (my 18-year old daughter and me) through every detail, from several dry runs onshore, to starting simple in the water. By the end of the afternoon, we could do the basic maneuvers and really start to enjoy the sport. When I got stuck trying to return to shore against a contrary wind (due to my total lack of sailing experience), Bill came paddling out to give very helpful instructions - yes I did make it back! We went home feeling delighted to have learned something new. The lake setting is beautiful by the way.
"As a total bonus, Bill does this to serve others in two ways, teach them a great sport (he is an outstanding teacher) and then help others across our community and the world through his program of not accepting any money. He donates it all to charities. I would recommend his program to anyone interested in learning this sport or even just want to have a great afternoon on the water!" (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, July 2014)
"I had a terrific time learning to windsurf from Bill. I had tried once before without success. Bill was patient and walked us (my 18-year old daughter and me) through every detail, from several dry runs onshore, to starting simple in the water. By the end of the afternoon, we could do the basic maneuvers and really start to enjoy the sport. When I got stuck trying to return to shore against a contrary wind (due to my total lack of sailing experience), Bill came paddling out to give very helpful instructions - yes I did make it back! We went home feeling delighted to have learned something new. The lake setting is beautiful by the way.
"As a total bonus, Bill does this to serve others in two ways, teach them a great sport (he is an outstanding teacher) and then help others across our community and the world through his program of not accepting any money. He donates it all to charities. I would recommend his program to anyone interested in learning this sport or even just want to have a great afternoon on the water!" (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, July 2014)
Peter K., State College, PA
"Bill is a great windsurfing teacher. It's partly his in-depth knowledge of the sport and how people learn, and partly his experience teaching it, but it is also his personality. Everyone, I would guess, falls in the water more than once and has to try again, struggles at least for a while with balance, etc. Bill is supportive when you fall, gentle with his helpful corrective cue, and a cheerleader when you succeed (even a little). The result: success in sailing the first day. And best of all, it is all done for charity. " (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, July 2014. For a short video from his lesson, see the July 2 blog entry.)
"Bill is a great windsurfing teacher. It's partly his in-depth knowledge of the sport and how people learn, and partly his experience teaching it, but it is also his personality. Everyone, I would guess, falls in the water more than once and has to try again, struggles at least for a while with balance, etc. Bill is supportive when you fall, gentle with his helpful corrective cue, and a cheerleader when you succeed (even a little). The result: success in sailing the first day. And best of all, it is all done for charity. " (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, July 2014. For a short video from his lesson, see the July 2 blog entry.)
John, Elias & Enoch S., Schuylkill Haven, PA
"The boys really had a good time and are talking about maybe getting their own boards someday... Appreciate your time, patience and help in getting us started with windsurfing! We had a lot of fun and also enjoyed getting to know you better... I think it is a great thing you are doing, sharing your time and experience with others!" (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, Aug. 31, 2013.) [For a short video from this lesson, click here.]
|
|
Micaiah & Helen L., Reinholds, PA
(Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, June 12, 2013.) [For a short video of this lesson, click here.]
|
.
"Great memories of a fantastic afternoon learning to windsurf! ...couple of our other children want lessons now ..."
|
Hubbard Y. & Emily F., York, PA
"Just wanted to say thanks again for taking us out for the lessons (and for your patience ...). I am looking forward to returning and working on my beach start, and my pivot jibe." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, May 30, 2013.) [For a 5-minute video of this, their very first time on windsurfers, click here.)
|
|
Betsy B., State College, PA
"WOW! I loved the video [click here]...it is really cool to see yourself do something which I thought was really hard but interesting and something that provides one with a feeling of being free...It was like traveling to a new place-hard, scary but fun in the exploration of it. Anyway, thank you for the experience. I really enjoyed it and I hope to do it again. You are a great teacher-enthusiastic and patient! I think if I keep doing it I can learn to be good enough to relax and just enjoy the ride." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, Sept. 24, 2012.)
|
Sue S., Montoursville, PA
"I felt so good after the first lesson I decided to come back for a second! Bill’s instruction was great and he was very sensitive to my reservations, (unsteady balance, falling off the board, too much wind!) to an activity I knew nothing about. Thus, a second lesson occurred, and again the instruction was provided according to my comfort level. Will there be a third lesson…..absolutely! One is never too old (I'm 54!) to try a new adventure!" (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, Sept. 20, 2012. Photo by GoPro camera mounted at end of boom. For 7-minute video, click here.)
|
Colin, Brendan and Kelly D., Loysville, PA
"The boys both had a wonderful time learning with you and are very excited to have this new sport in their lives. You were a good and patient instructor. They've been enjoying watching the videos and giving their dad the play-by-play." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake, Aug. 22, 2012.) (For a 12-minute video of Brendan[age 14] and Colin[age 12] in their two day lesson, click here.) [June 2014 update from Kelly: "The boys have talked often of windsurfing and are looking forward to the opportunity to give it another try. However, we moved down to NC a couple months ago so I don't think surfing in PA will be possible this summer. We live about 45 minutes away from Lake Norman, they have their eyes on that!"]
|
Here Brendan is trying a pivot jibe.
|
Johannes B., State College, PA
"I didn't think I could do it, and I didn't think it would be so much fun! I really did have a great time. Can't wait to see the videos." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake.) [For a 28-minute video of this, their very first time on windsurfers, click here.]
|
|
Marketa K., State College, PA
"Even though wind conditions weren't optimal, Bill did a great job at keeping the lesson exciting, and we had a lot of fun! I was surprised how easy it would be to pick up and would definitely recommend it!!!"
|
Holly C., Howard, PA
"A wonderful afternoon learning to wind surf from Willem van den Berg!!! I recommend you try it sometime! I had a great time and will have to try it again!!" (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake.) [For an 18-minute video of this, Holly's very first time on a windsurfer, click here.)
Greg W., Windber, PA
"Having attempted windsurfing without instruction in the past on substandard equipment (read Aquaglide….you too could windsurf on an air mattress….), we found a lesson with Bill to be just what we needed to improve confidence and provide proper stance and technique." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake.)
|
Nancy W., Windber, PA
"The wide beginner board eliminates balance from the learning curve, and Bill will have you up, playing in the wind and learning how to control the sail in one lesson." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake.)
|
|
Jennifer B., Washington DC
"I think that Bill is a great instructor for a beginner wind surfer. The 'baby board' that Bill provided helped me feel stable on the water and allowed me to focus on sailing. Bill's direct feedback helped me improve and drive further upwind, despite a fairly strong breeze. I liked that Bill stayed engaged and made the learning environment feel safe and fun." (Lesson provided on Pamlico Sound, Hatteras Island, Avon, NC.) [For a 3-minute video of part of Jennifer's instruction, click here. This was not her first lesson, but it was her first week windsurfing.]
Joni B., Ligonier PA
"That 'Baby Board' makes it so much easier. Thanks!" (Lesson provided on Pamlico Sound, Hatteras Island, Avon, NC.)
|
John T., Howard PA
“I knew right away that I was getting a lesson from someone who is not only an experienced windsurfer, but a seasoned educator as well. Bill creates a learning environment that is safe and fun, and with his guidance I was enjoying the wind and water in no time!” (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake.)
|
Steve C., Edgewater MD
“Bill is not only a competent teacher, but personable as well. I had purchased a couple of older boards, but couldn’t manage to stand on them long enough to get moving. When I mentioned this to Bill, he asked me to bring one of the boards to the first lesson. While he taught my son on a wider 'beginner' board, I attempted to get my old board moving to no avail. Bill got on the board and got it moving, but said it was very difficult to sail. He said 'they have board burning parties for these older models. Get yourself a wider model and you’ll stay up long enough to learn'. I was relieved to know that the problem wasn’t me but old equipment, and an hour on a more modern board had me moving along nicely at last. My son, having never had his confidence dashed with the old Mistral, was already moving along nicely on his first lesson. This did great things for his confidence, and he still shows the picture Bill took of him sailing on his first lesson. He now sails a 13ft Flying Junior all by himself. Thanks, Bill." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake.)
|
Steve's son
(This sail is way too big for the little guy, but he did great. I now have a 2.0 square meter sail, perfect for people his size.) (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake.)
|
Ron S., Spring Mills PA
"Thanks Bill. I had a blast. I learned a lot in that short period of time and actually forgot it was around 100 degrees" (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake.)
|
Justin T., State College PA
"Windsurfing is a great way to have fun in the sun, learn how to sail, and get some exercise." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake.)
|
Leonid B., State College PA
"I had a great time windsurfing under Bill's direction. I feel that I learned a lot in just one lesson. I can see right away that Bill is not just a professional teacher, but a very good one." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake.)
|
Dale E., Halifax, Nova Scotia
"I delayed my departure for Nova Scotia for a day in order to go windsurfing. Bill provided all the equipment, gave good instructions, and I was able to get up and glide along. Very enjoyable day." (Lesson provided on Sayers Lake.)
|