I have a problem with calling it a "skill." Maybe it is a "skill" by some standard. You have to know your radio and adjust it fast, correctly, the first time so you don't miss the call sign. You have to copy that call sign. You have to send your info. You have to log it. Running or searching and pouncing. This skill varies by the amount of radio and antenna you have, the amount of computer you have and the amount of "butt in chair" (that's a great way to describe it!) you can tolerate.
I think I've gone through the entire spectrum of contesting. At first, decades ago, it was fun. VFO, headphones, paddles, and paper. It helped tremendously to have two people, one handling the paper log and dupe sheet and the other on the radio and paddles. Then, VFO, headphones, paddles and computer logging. And in the last few years, headphones and computer connected to your radio, type in call, hit send on the keyboard. QSO rates up around 6 per minute. Never did "assisted". Never just clicked on the call sign and hit send. I've always typed in the call I heard.
After a few minutes, you see your score automatically update on the screen. This adds a bit more motivation to keep it up.
After an hour, you straighten your back because it's starting to hurt if you don't sit right. Can't seem to get that volume right, even on these expensive headphones. Switch back and forth between headphones and loud speaker. I keep having to increase volume, make it louder and louder to hear. That static is starting to get annoying no matter how narrow you make the filter. Can't make it too narrow, can't make it too wide. Always moving the top/bottom of the filter.
After several hours, you look at the clock and realize why you all of a sudden feel so tired-- you missed dinner, the sun set 4 hours ago and your ears are ringing.
Go to sleep with ringing in the ears after slamming a PBJ sandwich. Start again first thing tomorrow after one cup of coffee.
Then the final rush of the last 1/2 hour! Watching the seconds on the GPS synchronized clock on the computer in that last minute. Just ONE more new call?
Then, upload your cabrillo log and wait.
Several months later, the REWARD! Your call sign buried in micro-print in the last 20 pages of QST!
The way for me to move my call sign up that long list of others the next time is to increase my back pain, the ringing in my ears, stop drinking any fluids so I don't have to use the bathroom and maybe start using some better chemicals to keep me awake longer.
pass...