Wow, 18th place in my first paragliding competition, from a field of 89 competitors. A better result than I could have hoped for! I got to goal three times, and was challenged by big strong thermals, cloud suck, valley winds, and frustrating bomb-outs.
- Successfully jumped up a glider class to an EN-C glider after years flying a 1-2 glider - without any handling issues, scares, major collapses or discomfort in 6 really intensive days of flying.
- Made huge increases in my understanding of 'speed to fly', with extensive use of speedbar during tasks.
- Make goal in three of the five tasks.
- Flew one task to goal almost completely alone after restarting 5 minutes before the end of the start window, and finishing less than twenty minutes before goal close.
- Flew in big start gaggles in small areas of airspace
- Met or listened to many of the biggest names in US paragliding. Eric Reed, Nick Greece, Brad Gunnascio, Bill Belcourt, Arnie Frankenburger and Josh Kohn.
Goal for next year: Get to goal every day and get into the top ten in the Rat Race Sprint.