I had my sites set on making it to Lakeview the last day of the meet, yet I write to you again from the bailout LZ. My flight was a 37 minute struggle with two low saves back above launch, but ultimately I could not get over the back of Sugar Mt.
However, I had the privilege of sharing the bailout LZ with Chris Culler, Tom Flynn, and Bill Cuddy. Both Chris and Tom had great flights on Day Six and Bill has been flying hang-gliders since 1968. He's a great guy to speak with if you ever get the chance. I admire anyone who has been in the sport that long...
Flights like this, though, should build character and experience. In hind site, I appreciate this flight more so than others, and feel bad I didn't realize this at the time. Swearing a blue streak into one's helmet while scratching low does no good whatsoever...
Final stats from the meet:
Flex:
1st Place: Zac Majors (WW T2)
2nd Place: Jeff O'Brien (WW T2)
3rd Place: Dave Gibson (WW T2)
Sport:
1st Place: Jon James (Sonoma Winger!) (WW U2)
2nd Place: Karl Yates (Aeros Discus)
3rd Place: Christine Nidd (WW Sport 2)
Rigid:
Bill Vogel (Only entry...great guy!)
Female:
Christine Nidd (Only female entry, but still kicked everyone's butt!)
Zac after being tossed into the pool...
Pilots by the pool...Mike and Gail Haley did a great job at putting this meet together and gathering volunteers to help out. They are extremely passionate about the sport and promoted it with a well run competition. It was a pleasure to meet them and all the other pilots, drivers, and significant others throughout the week.
Lessons learned:
* Stay Positive: A positive attitude means everything not only as a hang-glider pilot but as someone who competes in the sport, as well. Chris Arai mentions this in Secrets of Champions, by Dennis Pagen. Chris tries to keep a lid on negativity and accentuate the positive. Another side to this lesson is how we react to negativity as opposed to dishing it out...
* Push Yourself Within Your Limits: Competition can be good to help one grow as a pilot. This event in Lakeview did just that for me as I was able to walk away with two personal best flights flown safely and well within my own comfort level. Other pilots had personal best flights, as well, and that was good to see...
* Learn from the Best: The Lakeview Nationals offered a wealth of knowledge from pilots who compete on a regular basis. Each pilot was assigned a mentor to provide advice throughout the meet. Take advantage of a mentor and don't be shy. Eaves dropping in on conversations helped a lot, too. Stay tuned to what is being said and try to apply what you hear to your hang-gliding...
* Learn from your marginal flights: I ended up in the bailout LZ three times during this meet. The flight where I went to Lakeview was actually an easy flight all things considered. It was the scratching-until-the-very-end flights to the LZ where more lessons were learned, or should have been learned. Don't get tweaked because you have not flown as far as others on a given day, and be happy for your buddies when they out fly you...
* Get to know the locals: I can't tell you how fascinated people are with this sport. Slow down and realize you are in a different time and place and let people know you're having fun...
That's all!
Fly safe...