Almost anyone can fly a hang glider. If you can jog while balancing a 50 lb. weight on your shoulders you can learn to fly. While flying does not require great strength (since the straps not the pilot’s arms – hold the pilot up) long duration flights in turbulent conditions require a moderate degree of upper body endurance. This typically develops as the pilot progresses through training to these longer flights. Since flying depends more on balance and endurance than on brute strength, woman and men make equally good pilots. While the fraction varies regionally, about 10 – 15 % of the hang glider pilots in the US are women. More important than physical conditioning, is being physically and mentally alert and prepared. To be a successful hang gliding student and pilot, you need to be able to think clearly and to pay attention.