Based on my experience, BB is right on!

The SSA website has one or more "flying your first contest" documents that have great information. Read those first. Then show up.

I've been to 4 contests in the last 2 years and everyone, to a person, has been exceedingly helpful. Strategy, instruments, flying in tough conditions - you name it - help was there for the asking.

The biggest hurdle for me was being willing to land out. It happens. Be trained and ready - both skills and mentally. Then go fly!

The old adage about contest flying improving your soaring skills is also spot on. In my last contest, I spent 22 minutes at 1200 feet trying to stay up (yes, I had a landable field right underneath me.) I managed to get away on that one. I would never had worked that hard at my home field.

Finally - to every experienced contest pilot who has mentored a "newbie" - thank you very much!

Lou

PS - See you at the Region 7 contest in Albert Lea! It will be a great one this year!