However a paraglider has a greater sink ratio so it doesn't fly as far or as fast as a hang glider. Learning to paraglide will get you in the air faster. Hang gliding will get you farther. Whichever you choose, weather is a key element. You'll become a weather expert, able to read all the cloud formations.
All gliders use thermals to gain altitude.
Back to your science 101 class, warm air raises. Thermals are bands of warmer air raising. The goal of a glider pilot is to find thermals, so they can gain altitude and fly for a longer time. Becoming a glider pilot is similar to becoming an airline pilot. You'll need airtime to become an expert.