Been wanting to get into portable ops and can't decide between SOTA and POTA. I'm reasonably fit but not a hardcore hiker. I understand SOTA requires hiking to summits with lightweight gear and making at least 4 contacts within 25 meters of the peak. POTA seems more accessible - you can operate from parks and need 10 contacts for a successful activation.

Which would you recommend for someone just starting out? Looking for the path of least resistance to get on the air portable.

POTA is definitely more beginner-friendly and suitable for less athletic participants. It's family-friendly too, so others can enjoy the park while you operate. Plus POTA allows driving to your site and operating from your vehicle, which SOTA doesn't.

Started with POTA myself and loved it! You can turn any day into a mini-fieldday at short notice. Get a lightweight rig like the FT-818 or IC-705 and you're set. Way less intimidating than hauling gear up a mountain!

Don't let SOTA scare you - even a 150m hill satisfies the minimum requirements. Since you're operating from high locations, VHF/UHF handhelds work great, making it perfect for Techs. Both have their merits - try POTA first, then graduate to SOTA when you're ready for more adventure.