WAVE SINK

Wave lift is normally sandwiched between sink of similar volume and strength, upwind beyond the trough and probably downwind behind the crest.  Whatever your achieved climb rate has been in any particular wave, the corresponding sink will net an equivalent vertical speed downward plus the approximate 150 fpm sink rate you had while climbing – think carefully about this, or you won’t believe it.  For penetrating to the next wave upwind you’ll need to increase airspeed for that sink plus about as much more for the strong headwind, and your actual rate of sink will basically double.  If you were climbing at 6 knots before, an uncompensated vario will now be pinned on down!Having fun yet?