Transmission device with impairment compensation and methods for use therewith

A waveguide system, comprising:

• a coupler that is positioned with respect to a transmission medium to facilitate transmission of electromagnetic waves that propagate along an outer surface of the transmission medium, wherein the electromagnetic waves transport communications data;
• and
• a training controller that detects an impairment on at least a portion of the outer surface of the transmission medium that is adverse to the transmission of the electromagnetic waves and that adjusts the electromagnetic waves to reduce adverse effects of the impairment, wherein the training controller adjusts an envelope of the electromagnetic waves to place a local minimum of the envelope in a location that corresponds to at least one of:
• a position of the impairment on the at least the portion of the outer surface of the transmission medium or azimuthal orientation of the impairment on the outer surface of the transmission medium.