I'm sorry Rich had a bad experience but that is unusual.

Taking off: taxi out and line up into he wind. The plane will weathervane into the wind if you're idling and neutralize the controls.
Hold full UP, advance the throttle, and when the plane pops up onto the step (2 seconds maybe) relax the elevator, let the plane gather speed and gently pull a little elevator to lift off.

Landing:
Make a normal approach from downwind. Flare and try to hold a small (1-2" ) altitude. WHen the plane runs out of airspeed or lift it will settle in. If the plane skips or bounces you were too fast or you landed too hard. WATCH THE REFLECTION OF THE PLANE TO JUDGE ALTITUDE. When the plane touches its reflection you are on the water.