The hang gliding federation of Australia practically doubled the annual fees this year to about $400. That coupled with the constant whining about "marketing hang gliding to attract new members" in the magazine they send out (Soaring Australia) is almost enough to make me want to get out.
What is it with obscure sporting groups being obsessed with spreading the word on their hobby? The spearfishing club I was in was the same.
I started flying a couple of years ago and they don't do much with all that money that effects new pilots like me who just want to fly locally for fun.
Anyway, maybe these factors will drive others out of the sport and my local ridge will have less traffic this summer. That might make it worthy of staying in for me!