ECC reflections

I have a notebook that I travel with that has four pages of HG notes from Secrets of Champions and my own comp. pointers. I like to review the points a couple of times during a comp. so that they are fresh in my head and I can implement them more often. As I get more experience, I add points. Following are some points I gained at the ECC:

Gauge other pilot's lift/sink at all times - When I first began competing, I would enter a thermal and gauge my climb rate against others. I've learned that it's maybe more important to gauge pilots lift/sink when approaching a circling pilot. As I approach on glide, I glance at the vario to see my sink rate. I asses how fast a circling pilot is going up or down, and it saves time. It has taken some time to acquire this skill, but it's vital.

Search for a better core - When approaching a circling pilot, I slow down and look for a stronger core. Especially if I'm at the same level as another pilot. Driving into a thermal with a pilot at the same height can knock them out of the core. If I happen to find a better core, the other pilot slots in below me and I've helped him. If they have the better core, I slot in below them and I haven't disrupted the flow of the gaggle. I've only lost 100ft. or so and can possibly outclimb the pilot above.

Don't give up! - Conditions in Maryland were extremely light most of the time. Extreme patience and effort was required on a couple of days. In a couple of situations, I gave up and eventually landed. There were a few pilots who continued to fight VERY hard for a couple of extra miles. I must try and have a better attitude when things are tough and NEVER give up while I'm in the air.

Launch early - Each day I was within the first two pilots to launch. A couple people asked me why I did this regardless of the wind or sky. I said that I had traveled and paid to get airtime, and I was committed to get the maximum airtime possible. In an aerotow meet, there is no penalty for sinking out. You get in line and tow back up. Additionally, if you launch first, you get the maximum time to assess the day and look for changing conditions. You also don't have to wait in a sweaty, hot towline. You're up in the sky staying cool.

Points don't matter - For the most part... I don't change my gameplan at all based on points. Each day, I try and make the best decisions, and fly the best I can. I don't risk safety to get a little further, but I realize that I need maximum distance to get a few more points. I want to personally improve my flying skills by learning from direct interaction with other pilots in the sky.

Concentrate every second - One day I had a save at 300ft. When I got to 600ft. I zipped my harness back up. When I got to 900ft. I started to relax a bit, and I lost the thermal I was in and landed shortly after. Did I loose the thermal because I wasn't focused enough, or did it just disappear. I'll never know, but I do know that I relaxed my focus for a few seconds and lost it. The mental part of the game is almost always more important than the physical part. I have to strive to concentrate intently each second while I'm flying. It's hard with our imperfect attention spans, so it takes constant work.

There is safety in numbers most of the time. - Especially when conditions are light, it's best to stick with a group. Having a gaggle to help you search for the next thermal is extremely valuable.