I am not sure George was correct about Eastern pilots being better than Western pilots. I am thinking world team pilots Bill Bartel, Gary Ittner, Chip Garner, Sean Franke, Garett Willet, Jim Payne, Texas (known for booming thermals) Ron Tabery, David Mockler with apologies for anyone not mentioned. Winter flying in the west I am happy to find a 2 knot thermal or even a one knot thermal.