Riding the Waves with Bill
An American’s Adventure in Troon
Melanie Faller
Troon, our picturesque coastal town in Scotland, is famed for its kitesurfing community, attracting enthusiasts from around the globe. Among these passionate riders is Bill Weishaar, an American who made Troon his home three years ago. Now, as he prepares to return to the United States, Bill shares his story of life in Troon, the allure of kitesurfing, and the vibrant community that has been his anchor.
Our conversation ebbs and flows, much like the waves that draw kitesurfers to Troon’s shores. Bill’s enthusiasm for the sport is infectious, but beneath the energy lies a hint of melancholy as he contemplates his departure.
From St. Louis to Troon!
“My wife’s job brought us to Scotland, and when we discovered Troon during a house-hunting trip, the sight of kitesurfers sealed the deal. I told my wife, ‘We’re going to live here,’” Bill recalls with enthusiasm.
How did you first get into kitesurfing?
“Funny story,” Bill begins, leaning back as he reminisces. “About 22 years ago, I was on Margarita Island, off the coast of Venezuela. We visited El Yaque Beach, where hundreds of sailboarders dotted the sea like butterflies. Among them were three kitesurfers. My partner at the time, Cara, and I were fascinated. A German instructor offered to teach us but insisted we transfer money to his bank account – no credit cards allowed because of government restrictions. It was a bizarre process, but it worked out, and we had lessons all week. That’s where it all began.”
Troon is known for its kitesurfing, even though it’s not the tropical paradise most people associate with the sport. What makes Troon stand out?
“I’ve kited in places like the Dominican Republic, Aruba, and North Carolina. But none of them compare to Troon. If I were to rank my top spots, Troon would be number one, followed by North Carolina – specifically Nags Head and Kitty Hawk, the birthplace of aviation. Number three? Maybe St. Thomas. But honestly, Troon is unbeatable. The difference is that in places like Margarita or Florida, you can’t just walk onto the beach, launch your kite, and go. You’d get arrested in some spots. In Margarita, we had to be taken out by boat to kite in the middle of the ocean. Here in Troon, you just walk out, set up, and start. That freedom is amazing and makes kitesurfing here so special.”
Bill describes Troon’s beaches with enthusiasm.
“The sandy, gradual shoreline is perfect. You can quickly tell if someone knows what they’re doing. It’s safe, with no rocks or dangerous currents. In the US, you have to watch out for sharks and jellyfish. Here, the only thing you might encounter are jellyfish, but they’re rare.
“If there is wind up, you will see the windsurfers and kitesurfers take to the sea, on the calm days you will see swimmers so it works hand in hand. Therefore, there’s plenty of space, and kiters stay about 50 or 60 meters apart, always looking out for one another.”
What was it like learning kitesurfing in the unique weather and conditions of Scotland?
“When I first started, I was definitely intimidated,” Bill admits. “The waves, the wind – it was all a bit overwhelming. One day, I pulled into the South Beach parking lot and saw a van that said, ‘Kitesurfing Scotland’. I decided to wait until they came back, and that’s how I met Grant.” Bill recounts introducing himself to Grant: “I told him I’d just moved here for three years, I’d done a bit of kiting before, and I could go left and right, but I didn’t know how to go up.”
Using helmets with headsets for real-time guidance, Bill quickly mastered advanced skills. “Grant assured me I didn’t need more lessons after just two sessions – and he was right. The community here supports and watches out for each other, which made a huge difference.”
Chasing Thrills on the Water
“When I first started, the adrenaline was overwhelming,” Bill says. “Now that I’ve been kiting for three years, it feels safe and controlled – relaxed, even. The only time I get that rush is when I pull down the bar and launch into the air.”
Beyond kitesurfing, what has life in Troon been like for you?
Bill describes Troon as charming and reminiscent of quiet US beach towns along the East Coast like Virginia Beach. “Living by the sea, with views of Goatfell on Arran and stunning sunsets, has been a highlight.
Initially, the move presented challenges. “Making friends was tough at first,” Bill admits. However, immersing himself in kitesurfing and climbing helped him form meaningful connections. “After all, Troon isn’t just a place to live – it’s a place where you feel connected.”
What’s been your most memorable kitesurfing moment in Scotland?
“One day in Barassie, the wind shifted sooner than expected, blowing me off my board,” Bill recalls. “I followed my training – released the safety, collapsed the kite, and swam back to my board.”
Despite tangles and challenges, he stayed calm. “When things worsened, I did what Grant always says – release the kite to save your life. The lifeboat crew came, and I made it to shore safely.”
Bill laughs, “I later brought a bottle of whisky to thank them. That day taught me the vital lesson of knowing when to let go of your kite.”
Life in a Coastal Community
Beyond the sport, Troon’s welcoming community left a lasting impression. “The camaraderie here, especially among kitesurfers, is incredible. Grant, the backbone of the kiting community, and others embraced me like family,” Bill shares. Through WhatsApp groups and local events, he stayed connected with a diverse, inclusive group of enthusiasts. “You meet people from all over – Poland, South Africa, Italy, Denmark, Australia, the US, and, of course, Scotland. It’s a melting pot of nationalities.”
Advice for Aspiring Kitesurfers
“Commit to lessons and invest in good gear,” Bill advises. “The learning curve is steep, but once you master the basics, it’s like riding a bike – you’ll retain it forever. Even if you haven’t kited in months, the process becomes automatic. You’ll remember how to turn, how to handle the kite.”
Gear is critical – invest in a quality wetsuit, gloves, and booties to stay warm here in Troon. He encourages locals to embrace Troon’s unique environment. “If you live here and don’t kite, you’re missing out!”
What aspects of Scottish culture stood out to you after moving?
“When we moved here, I wasn’t sure how Americans would be received,” Bill admits. “Trump was in power at the time, and I thought we might face some negativity. But the Scottish people were incredibly welcoming – their hospitality is unmatched.”
He contrasts this warmth with experiences in other countries. “In France, I didn’t feel the same reception, but here, people hear our accent and say, ‘Awesome, you’re from America!’”
Bill notes some cultural differences, like the rarity of reciprocal dinner invitations, but through climbing and kitesurfing, he’s built lasting friendships.
As Bill prepares to return to the US, he reflects on how Scotland changed him. “These three years taught me to cherish time and embrace adventure,” he says. “I’ll miss Troon deeply.”
For golfers, Bill has a suggestion: “If you’re tired of chasing a white ball, chase the excitement of kiteboarding instead. It’s a unique way to spice up your life in this incredible area.”
And one may wonder if Bill will be back. Trust me… he’ll be back visiting for sure and he’d better because he is not only great at sports but at making Pina Coladas!
This is what Grant Clayton (Owner/principal instructor of Kitesurf Scotland) has to say about our friend Bill: “Bill’s love for kitesurfing was infectious, and he jumped headfirst into the local scene with enthusiasm that made you want to get out on the water, even if you’d never considered it before. Bill brought something special to the community, making everything feel a little brighter – his laughter was constant, and his positivity was magnetic. Beyond the water, Bill was a friend to everyone and had an uncanny ability to bring everyone together. He was always up for a chat, always interested in how you were doing, always bringing good energy into whatever space he walked into and quickly became part of the fabric of the local kiting scene. Bill made a real impact on Troon, and on everyone who had the pleasure to know him. He wasn’t just here for the waves; he was here for the people, and he left behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and that unmistakable sense of fun. We’re all a little bit better off for having known him. And while he’s moved onto new pastures, we’ll always remember the energy he brought to our little corner of Scotland.
