+1.9727620171
email: Safety@waterskiworks.com
Tim & Linda Nelson – Veteran Show Skiers, WaterskiWorks Trainers & Family Mentors
Tim and Linda Nelson are a cornerstone of the waterski community, known for their deep dedication to the sport, water safety, and family legacy. For the past 15 years, they have served as trusted instructors and safety coordinators with WaterskiWorks, helping train thousands of summer camp staff across the country in boating safety, watersports instruction, and accident prevention.
Tim is a certified professional show ski driver with over 35 years of experience behind the wheel. He has earned a stellar reputation for his precision, calm leadership, and deep understanding of watercraft safety. Both Tim and Linda are USA Waterski-trained drivers and certified safety coordinators, bringing decades of practical experience and a hands-on, supportive teaching style to every training session.
Proud parents of two children who both became beloved and respected professional show skiers, Tim and Linda have lived and breathed the waterski lifestyle for generations. Their family reflects a passion for performance, education, and community spirit on the water.
They currently reside in Iron Mountain, Michigan, where they continue to be active in local and national waterski programs. Whether on the dock, in the boat, or mentoring young staff, Tim and Linda are committed to building a safer, stronger waterski community for the next generation.
Eric Tackett – Watersports Professional & Safety Educator
Eric Tackett is a lifelong water-sports enthusiast and educator with deep roots in the world of competitive waterskiing. Growing up as a competitive skier, Eric went on to ski collegiately for the University of Arkansas, where his passion for the sport continued to evolve. After college, he served as a ski instructor for Club Med in Mexico, refining his instructional skills and sharing his love for the water with guests from around the world.
With over 26 years of experience in summer camp water-sports, Eric spent 23 of those years as the Waterski Director at the renowned Camp Taconic. In 2005, he co-founded WaterskiWorks alongside longtime partner Jim Surber. Together, they’ve built a nationally respected program that has trained over 7,000 summer camp staff in water-sports safety, technique, and accident prevention. Eric himself has personally taught boating and waterfront safety classes at more than 100 camps across the country.
Eric brings a unique blend of competitive experience, technical knowledge, and instructional expertise to everything he does. He currently resides in sunny Southern California with his wife, a dedicated family medical provider, and their teenage son. His mission remains clear: to promote safety, fun, and excellence in water-sports education.
Erik & Valerie Berglund – Professional Waterski Veterans & WaterskiWorks Trainers
Erik and Valerie Berglund are celebrated figures in the watersports world, combining over five decades of professional performance with a strong commitment to education, youth mentorship, and water safety.
Erik Berglund spent over 30 years as a professional water skier and show driver at iconic venues including Cypress Gardens, Legoland, SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Antonio, and Marine World California. A long-standing member of the internationally renowned Stars of Florida waterski team, Erik has performed and driven in water ski shows across the globe. A 35-year USA Waterski member, he is a certified boat driver and safety professional. For the past 15 years, Erik has also been a lead trainer with WaterskiWorks, helping educate and certify thousands of camp staff at summer camps nationwide. Outside the water, Erik is a dedicated middle school teacher, coach, and mentor. He and Valerie are proud parents of two boys, ages 19 and 14—one of whom is now a professional skier with Stars of Florida.
Valerie Berglund spent 25 years as a professional skier with Cypress Gardens and as a performing member of Stars of Florida, traveling the world to showcase the sport. A 35-year USA Waterski member and safety-certified instructor, Val has also spent the last 15 years training summer camp staff with WaterskiWorks, sharing her expertise in safety and performance. She now works as an elementary teacher, coach, and mentor, continuing her lifelong commitment to guiding youth in and out of the water.
Together, Erik and Val bring a rare combination of elite performance experience and educational leadership, making them respected voices in both the waterski and camp industries
Jim Surber – Watersports Expert & Safety Leader
Jim Surber is a seasoned water-sports professional with a rich background in performance, instruction, and safety. A former professional show skier and world-ranked hydrofoil competitor, Jim has showcased his talents on international stages and captivated audiences with his athleticism and precision. He began his instructional journey as a waterski coach for Club Med in Mexico, where he combined his technical skills with a passion for teaching.
With nearly 20 years of experience in the summer camp industry, Jim has become a trusted name in water-sports education and safety. As co-founder of WaterskiWorks alongside Eric Tackett, Jim serves as Head of Safety Compliance, developing and delivering training programs that prioritize accident prevention and proper technique. He has personally trained staff at nearly 100 summer camps across the country, helping shape a safer, more skilled generation of waterfront leaders.
Jim is based in Austin, Texas, where he also operates WaterskiWorks Texas—a premier destination for private water-sports training, charters, and customized instruction. Whether coaching a new camper or a seasoned athlete, Jim brings a deep commitment to safety, fun, and excellence on the water.