What can newcomers expect ?

Here's what Mark Smith, a newcomer in 2010 has to say:

"You don't HAVE to enter all rounds - its OK to enter one or two rounds and compete in those only and still have a rewarding time . It might seem obvious to everyone here - but to a newcomer to comps this is not obvious. It wasn't to me!

It's OK to be a part of a comp and not do very well or bomb out . You'll still learn stuff and no-one will laugh at you (well at least no more than every time you fly with the local club and probably less). Its also OK to come and just try to fly to goal without worrying about speed and you can achieve points by doing so or getting part way

There are people at hand who will help with the mysteries of waypoints and GPS and all that stuff - and if you achieve nothing else you'll use your GPS better at the end of the comp!

That the BP Cup is a serious comp - that is a route to higher level comps - and it has value in itself. But is open to all with pilot level rating regardless of what wing they fly or previous comp experience.

That there will be other pilots of a similar level there to pit yourself against (we all interpret the results table in the light of our open personal "handicap" or category system anyway and love to compare how we did against others similar to ourselves - the mid table battles in comps or XC league aren't published or commented on but they mean something to the pilots involved!

That it is great fun, not cliquey, beer is consumed, a good laugh is had, the usual parabollocks is talked (but with a few wiser heads talking it) - and even were it to piss down all weekend or blow a gale it's not a total write-off in the great scheme of life."

Will there be pre-task briefings for newcomers ?

Yes, our intention is that at each event we will endevour to ensure that someone is available to help newcomers with any questions they may have before the first task is flown.
If this is your first time in a comp with cylinders we suggest you take a look at the thermalling and tasks help pages. If there is anything you would like clarification on please let us know and we'll answer it as best we can, and add it to the help pages if appropriate.