I was thinking along the same lines Adrian.
I was pretty much self taught by following ARRL cassette tapes (the only audio tapes I still possess!) and a book (The Morse Code for Radio Amateurs?) published by RSGB.
I was encouraged (forced?!) by ham friends to have a go at the Morse test at a rally back in 1999 when I was a teenager. I was nervous and completely lost track of the Morse I was being sent when a car alarm started going off. The examiners were obviously keen for me to pass the test so they asked me to take the test again after a brief break. I passed the 12wpm test on the second run. I’d only gone in for the test to have the experience really so I was chuffed!
I had a few QSOs but I’d always struggled with CW and I soon concentrated my efforts on 2FM SOTA activations.
I’ve always been interested in the construction side of ham radio so when I found out about Kjell LA1KHA’s challenge, I couldn’t wait to have a go!
I knew I’d have to get my CW going again so, encouraged by Tom M1EYP, I activated Great Whernside G/NP-008 using my FT817. Despite not having a narrow filter fitted, I managed OK and the chasers were very forgiving of my slow Morse and mistakes. Whilst the activation was a bit scary, it was also exhilarating.
I took up Kjell’s 9V challenge, starting off at around 11wpm. After a while, CW became more and more enjoyable, whereas at first it had been a bit of a slog to be honest. Using CW as a means to take part in the challenge certainly made me stick at it, it’s totally due to Kjell"s idea that I am now able to do CW activations.
I’m still not fully competent at CW, but I have definitely crossed the line from all hard work to now enjoyment.
So yes, in summary, as above, it’s practice that gets you there. Actually using CW on air once the basics are mastered speed up the process enormously and it then becomes fun.
I still have wobbles, like earlier this month, and I find my brain is fried after about 15mins of working chasers at 20wpm. There’s something strangely appealing about good CW QSOs that keeps me going back for more despite the fact I actually find it really difficult.
I agree that fun makes the learning process easier.
73, Colin M1BUU