Executive Watersports — Local services in Austin

It’s been a shade over 20 years since I took a class at Executive Watersports and I have no doubt things have changed. So, with that in mind, this is not so much a review of the skills that one can expect to gain from attending a course at Executive Watersports. However, it is a comment to the incredible character that Jacob shows while he is off the clock and in his normal life.

Me, being a dumb dumb and riddled with nerves as I was right into the beginning of a second date, did not check the fuel gauge before setting off. This was brought to my attention 10 minutes from Walsh/Oyster Landing by the sputtering, lurching, and then the silence of a warm engine with no fuel. My date stared at me with mild amusement as the silence amplified my panic and embarrassment as I ran through our options and surveilled the lake for a friendly mariner willing to lend a hand.

Alas, the lake was empty save for a boat to which I did jump up and down and wave at. No dice. Their eyes were trained - rightly so - on their surfer who was en town. It was at this moment I resigned myself to the most horrifying and embarrassing and exhausting option at our disposal.

Like a fountain, I spewed apologies to my date and while bracing for the swim ahead back to “The Only Store” where, I had thought, gas might be; I was later informed their tanks were dry as well. It wasn’t the swim that horrified me, or the embarrassment of being a dummy in front of someone I was trying to impress, it was the simple fact that I’d have to get down to my skivvies - which I had not planned on being seen by anyone other than myself that day - to make the tow. Khakis are not optimal swimwear.

With my shirt unbuttoned and apologies still flowing, out of nowhere it seemed, a boat crested the horizon. With not much hope, I half heartedly flailed an arm in the boats direction as my date gazed on with patience, amusement, and a complex blend of pity and empathy. Just like that, the boat altered course towards us and my heart leapt.

As vessel neared, I remarked to myself how, whoever was captaining it, handled the boat with precision and care. The acceleration and deceleration were smooth and the maneuvering as it approached nearer indicated a skilled waterman with many many hours under his belt was behind the helm. Desperation made my words fall out as I explained our plight which were treated and received by a cool, calm, and collected young man named Jacob.

Without hesitation, he said “yes” to helping us get to shore, but what is most remarkable is that he did not stop there with my “ask” of him. He went on to offer everything that he had at his disposal to help us with our situation which included his time for a complete tow back to Walsh, gas from his truck which he was using to fuel his own boat for EW, his patience in dealing with my frenetic energy, and his trust that I would indeed settle up with him once he had sent us on our way with a FULL tank of gas in exchange for simply a handshake and a promise of repayment.

These moments, I find, are few and far between and the people that bring them into existence - like Jacob - are exemplary. For in such a way as I have been able, his example has stuck with me since that moment where he literally tossed a line to a boat that was adrift without any expectation of return.

So, with all of this said, while I cannot comment on his ability to teach wakeboarding, surfing, and skiing. I can say, firstly, the way in which he handles his craft shows to me the true markers of a skilled mariner…so much so that he very well could be Poseidon himself. So, I can assume that his students in the water are very well considered and looked after. More importantly, and finally, the way in which he handles himself outside of the “classroom” shows a character that shows a certain degree of maturity and caring that I have no doubt finds its way into every aspect of...

If you want your child to learn how to water ski, wakeboard, and/or wake surf (and have the most fun ever), send them to Executive Watersports!!!! Every year, it is the best week of my children’s entire summer. They have a total blast. The staff is trustworthy, knowledgeable, and SO fun. They will communicate with you as needed and Wilson is quick to remedy any issues that might arise (like reapplying sunscreen, haha!). He is amazing. It may seem pricey but it’s completely worth it (and there are sibling discounts, etc). Love these “EW” peeps and appreciate what...

It’s not just the water sport skills my kids have learned that makes me appreciate Executive Watersports and has me signing them up summer after summer. EW builds an appreciation for nature and Lake Austin. It creates a great camaraderie between the campers. The counselors are not only teachers, but awesome “big kid” mentors with EW employing the nicest, most joyful kids every summer. I’m thankful for Wilson and EW. It’s a...