Hang gliders are designed to soar. The duration record is over 24 hours and the distance record is over 470 miles. In training you will start out just skimming the ground, but as you progress and become more skilled and confident you’re able to go higher and use the wing for its designed purpose — soaring! Average recreational pilots, utilizing thermal and ridge lift, routinely stay aloft for hours, soar to altitudes of over 10,000′ and can fly cross-country for extra adventure.