What are hang gliding competitions about?
Competitions involve racing on a predetermined route. For Example: A task of 80 km will be called to a nearby town and the pilot who completes the task in the shortest possible time will be the winner. Sometimes there are multiple turn-points making a task into an out and return or triangle flight. Competition flying is made even more interesting because of the changing weather conditions that occur throughout the day. A Pilot setting of early might run into an area with very little lift because of the ground being wet from previous rain. Pilots launching later might fly over these areas after the sun has warmed it sufficiently for good thermals to form. So the variables become endless. It is allot more than just a race, pitting your skill and knowledge to find the best that mother nature has to offer. For world reports on flying and competitions, this is a fantastic link! http://www.davisstraub.
