Yes it is expensive (
or certainly feels that way). Yes there is quite a bit of waiting around between times on the shooting peg, although that definitely seems to have improved with double layouts.
But apart from that, everybody should try this fantastic discipline at least once during their shooting life. I have shot it a few times now, and would definitely have done more this year if dates hadn't always clashed with other priorities.
It is a fantastically exciting discipline and not only to shoot, but also very watchable as well since every target is different and there is, without doubt, a considerable amount of luck involved in which traps get released and which direction the target happens to fly. You could get three almost identical "sitters", or three absolute snorters requiring the accuracy and speed of movement that would put a Cobra strike to shame.
Don't try to over think it to make it something it isn't. The discipline is what it is, and if you go with the right relaxed mindset that you are only going to shoot about 20 targets over a four hour period, then I would almost guarantee that you will love the challenge of it. That's not to say there is no room for change. Personally I would like to see it changed to a 25 target discipline, with competitors shooting 5 lots of 5 x targets. Yes I know that would mean that each shooter would know which trap the last bird is coming from but, trust me, that will NOT guarantee a successful strike.
As has been said previously, I have also found the regular shooters of this discipline to be very friendly and helpful. If you get the chance then do go to a "have a go" day. It is usually quite a bit cheaper than competition charges, but I would be surprised if it didn't give you enough of a buzz to at least consider a try for your County Championship !
A couple of pics attached of TinkerBell in action, and our glorious leader Matt taking on a nasty low skimmer heading straight for the fence, at A1.
Try it before you knock it :beach: