It's important to remember that a good windsurfer does not necessarily make a good instructor, especially if they are someone like your boyfriend or an impatint friend. When they want to go sailing it is windy and that's not the time for you. When it's not windy they they want to do something else, and the chances are their gear will not be suitable for learning. . Good instructors make learning an enjoyable experience. They have the right gear, they have learning tricks to accelerate your learning rate, and the gear changes as you progress.
Simulators are a feature of today's better schools.
These teach you where to stand or you tip off, but no sweat just jump back up. You can learn how to steer the board and get your balance before you go out. The best place to learn to windsurf is where windsurf schools tend to be. Waves are a real hassle when you are learning. You are just getting things organised and you lose it because the waves are making it tricky, so remember that, and your instructor will help you notice if the conditions are favourable or not that day.