A new way to launch...

I've wondered why we have to get to altitude to catch thermals to climb.
Why not just locate the thermals when they are the ground or right over the
airfield - wouldn't that save a whole lot of effort? Just pull the glider
to the base of the thermal (with a bit of a running start) and go!

Yes yes - I know you're all going "d'oh, what a brilliant idea why didn't I
think of that!"

And ... oh crap, I'm two weeks early with this post.

We in Europe call that a winch launch!

Toungue firmly planted in cheek!

Bob