I remember my early contests. The cameras that you had to master, the maps.... it's become way easier. And the mentoring back then was fantastic.

I then disappeared for 14 years. When I reappeared, the rules had utterly changed. While I was initially intimidated, I rapidly realized it was WAY easier than the old camera days. The computer does everything for you. Yes, you have to understand what it's doing, byt a couple of evenings reading books and manuals will let you know. And before anyone complains about cost... an Ilec SN 10 is an excellent instrument, and people on this website (including me) can't give them away!!!)

Mentorship has always been amazing. Just show up to the first meeting and let them know you'd like a mentor, and a bunch of world class pilots will line up to help you.

And remember, you don't have to win. you don't even have to finish! Just fly the first few times. So what if you miss a turnpoint, or leave early, or come back early? As long as you fly safe, no one will criticize you. In fact, if after three days, you feel tired, just take a day off!

There is absolutely a "ramp up". Start by just flying along and making a few mistakes. Not safety mistakes, those of course are not excusable, but they're easy to avoid. Come home high, come home early, miss an intimidation turnpoint, land at an airport if the return looks intimidating and miss the next day, and you CAN ramp up over time.

And you'll find the competitors unbelievably eager to help you. I can't think of another keenly competitive sport where the competitors are so friendly immediately after the end of the day's contest.