Cowboy Up XC Clinic June 2023

These are notes taken at the clinic

XC in the best location in the world - Texas, the place where world records continue to be set

Ingredients of a prefect storm

• heat
• uncomplicated regional pressure distribution - high pressure in far east and low pressure to the west. (low and high next to each other gives a solid southerly wind)
• gulf-derived airmass - humidity streets
• dry ground
• no atmospheric disturbance -from fronts, upper-level lows, regional convergences
• no Saharan dust

Flying TX streets

• be ready to launch early (on the gulf coast)
• get established and calibrated w conditions early in flight
• build a view of the lift and sink lines
• don't fret about being conservative - roll along the magic carpet
• continual observation of clouds, left strength, and wind speeds/direction
• get comfortable with being relatively low

Mid flight phase

• use the stronger conditions and height to effect course corrections
• fly as fast as the day will allow - turn in only the strongest lift, glide faster
• continual observations of clouds, lift strength, and wind speeds/directions
• savor the moment - enjoy it

Late flight phase:

• max the day
• be ready to use the weaker lift again, glide slower
• start to use ground observations of late day thermal sources and triggers to the west
• continual observations of clouds, lift strength, and wind speeds/directions