I don't know we are still giving this thread the time of day.

The sport is NOT dying. There are some people that can sit and bitch about
it all they want, but in the end, the sport will always appeal to a certain
crowd. I'd say for myself, that as other soaring sports mature, people will
find their way to us and our beautiful sport. Yes, it costs some dollars to
play. But there are numerous sailplanes of varied price ranges and I
personally have never heard a negative comment made at any gliderport, about
the equipment guys show up with. I think that's all crap...on the few
occasions I've seen guys show up with old, ratty or out of date equipment,
it is generally accompanied by some nice older European gentleman who rigs
and leaves and puts some of the locals to shame and then politely goes about
his way...

We are going to attract new members, because we are going to try to...each
of us is aware that we need new blood and should try to make some level of
effort to involve a new person.

People who leave the sport are inevitable. But I'll say...they never loved
soaring the way I love soaring, or they could simply never fathom leaving.
I'm sorry they are offended because not everyone can afford it...but for
those of us fortunate enough to do so...we are blessed to be involved in the
greatest thing I've ever experienced. Anyone who leaves or quits can choose
to offer constructive commentary to help others...or choose to be
destructive...we all know and understand the difference and should take the
adverse comments with a grain of salt.



Steve.