Heavy pilot - what glider to opt for?

On Wednesday, October 30, 2013 12:17:44 PM UTC-7, wrote:
Good evening,



I need some assistance!



I am an early solo pilot looking to buy my first glider, but don't really know what to go for! I want it for local soaring, but eventually to go cross country in it.



The slight issue is that I am 6`4 tall and 17.5 stone - arguably too heavy, but the question is what to go for.



I'll obviously need a roomy cockpit!



Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Many years ago someone else posted a very similar question and got pretty much the same type of replies - except for mine. I recommended that he lose weight. I know it can be done: I lost 50 lbs and am back into a 34" waist. A year or so after posting that I was at Ephrata, WA when someone came up to me and introduced himself. I knew him, but didn't recognize him - he had read my post and took my advice, sucessfully! It gave my great sense of pride that I had had a material impact on someone elses life.

So, I am repeating the advice: lose weight! It is not that hard if you just commit yourself (sort of like getting your pilots license). One pound of fat is about 3500 calories. If you just cut 500 calories (two sugared soft drinks) a day out of your diet you will lose one pound a week. That is FIFTY pounds a year. I did it by cutting one meal a day and being prudent about the other two meals. Believe me, I didn't starve!

Good luck!

Tom