Contesting encompasses many more skills than is at first apparent to the novice.  At the club level, effective contesting is a team effort and we try to win!  Generally, the objective is to make as many qualifying contacts (QSOs) as far away as possible within a defined set of rules and period of time.  Without giving too much of the game away, some of the skills required by the team are:

• Planning- Much work goes into locating a site which will give the station the best possible chance at maximising range and numbers of contacts.  Factors include height above sea-level, immediate geography influencing antenna choice, siting and direction.  Detailed knowledge of the contest rules allows the optimum setup of the station within the rules.  Careful selection of equipment maximises the time on air.  Power supplies, defence against inclement weather, catering, permission to use land etc. must all be readied before the contest date.
• Logistics- Who provides what?  How does it get to site?  How does it all get back?
• Teamwork- A team of friends, all willing to give their time, effort and resources, pull their combined talents together to form a strong, competitive entry. All will have given from simple logistics, manpower in pitching tents, pulling up antenna masts, manning the station at the dead of night, coffees and fried bacon butties to maintain peak station performance. 
• Antennas & Propagation- Antenna selection, siting, feeders and tuning are all vital to the success of the entry.
• Metrics- Accurate measurements such as antenna height and transmit power are essential to ensure that the station remains within the rules of the competition.
• Previous experience- Knowledge from 'Old-hands' at this game is vital.

At the end of the contest, all said and done, it's the taking part that counts!  And loads of fun is had by all- especially if the weather holds out.

Check out the forthcoming events and contact John Cockrill G4CZB if you feel like getting some fresh air and having some fun!