The winds were definitely strong. Here is the record from the San
Marcos airport not very far away, starting at 7:35 AM and going to 12:55 AM:

Joel cancelled the day at 3:30 at the winds never decreased. The
forecast for tomorrow looks like winds at half the values that they were
today.

Jonny Durand and Ricker Goldsborough baled on the competition this morning
around 9 AM during late registration. This really is unfair to the meet
organizer who had already made arrangements and paid for tug pilots to come to
Luling to tow pilots up and who had other fixed expenses also. Pilots who make
commitments to come to a competition should follow through on their commitments
unless something very drastic happens. Just not liking the conditions on the
first day is not a reasonable excuse.

It hurts competition in general if pilots can't be relied upon to follow through
on their commitments. Especially with a meet like the Texas Single Surface
Shootout that is trying to establish itself and gain a following. It is a unique
meet with the promise of future glory, and pilots of international stature
should examine what it means if they commit to attend then fail to do so.

I am disappointed not to have the chance to compete against Jonny. He is always
great fun to fly against and I sure think that I have the machine to challenge
him. Maybe he was aware of that also. It was really unfortunate to see one
former competitor talking another out of competing. That just undercuts
everyone.

I'm still here. Ben's still here. Maybe Chris Zimmerman will show up. Dan
Bereczki is still here. Other pilots are ready for the competition. We're tough,
we're committed, we're ready to fly. There are beautiful cu's every where.

These strong wind conditions have been a feature for south Texas all spring. It
looks to be shaping up to be a record year in Zapata (and Edinburg).