Getting Speed, the Easy Way!
I've just gotten back from the STD Class, Lithuanian World Gliding Championships, 2016. It was my worst result ever, I can't remember a time that I was in so many fields. A strange feeling occurred, I'd never doubted my abilities so much, yet when I got back to Australia, I felt the expectation, I should be faster now than I was before...
I outlanded on my first task, on the 2nd glide actually! Then into a field again, this time 15km from the airfield. What on earth is happening? I'm not having fun right now.
Advice from a Friend & Coach
My teammate from Lithuania, my trusted friend, idol & coach pulled me to the side, asked me what was going on. I effectively said I feel people expecting more of me & are now judging me, I know how to go fast, but I'm just not.
My coach easily identifies the issue, I'm not having fun, I'm not relaxed, effectively. What he says next changes my racing career & sticks with me, even to this day.
Fly Contest for Fun
Adam, your next flight. Let me be very clear, I don't care about how fast you fly, I don't care what placing you get. What you must promise me is that you fly first & foremost for fun, but more importantly, you focus your energy on feeling the sky!
Let You and Your Glider do the Dancing
Feeling the sky, let the glider take you where it feels it wants to go, fly slow & extend your glides, take the best feeling climbs, slow the flight down, let you & the glider do the dancing, listen to your intuition.
Do this multiple times, forget the overall speed & placings, the speed will naturally come. Once you master the feel of the glider at slow speeds, then increase the cruise speed over time, it will feel easy & give you joy.
Try it sometime, it feels great!
Adam Woolley was born into the gliding world, being the 3rd generation in his family. Going solo at 15, his thirst for efficiency in soaring flight & quest for a world championship title to his name has never wavered. One big passion is sharing his experiences & joy with other glider pilots all around the world. Adam is an airline pilot in Japan on the B767 & spends his off time chasing summer around the globe. He has now won 7 national Championships & represented Australia at 5 WGC's & 1 EGC.