Further Description of Soaring The pleasure and enjoyment of this spectacular sport is difficult to describe, and even more difficult to imagine. You just have to try it. Once you do, you'll realize there's not another thing in the world that comes close. It's unique to fly without an engine, fly in harmony with the soaring birds of prey, and not return to earth until you choose to do so. Of course, the sky doesn't produce that quality of lift every day, but for the 90 to 100 days a year that it does occur here in Northern California, it is unforgettable.
Pilots routinely fly hundreds of miles, while in the air for four to six hours at a time.
Sailplane pilots often fly together, both to share their discoveries of the conditions on that day as well as to compete against one another. Of course, we aren't always racing against each other, although there are many organized contests. We just chase the wind, trying to see how far or how high we can go on a particular day. If you want more info, check out the links on this page, especially the listing of clubs. Most of them have sailplanes for members to fly at minimal costs, and there are other clubs as well, so keep searching.