Glider pilots come to Gariep for a variety of activities:
For fun, to fly badges, national records, the occasional world record or any combination thereof.

No database has been kept, but apparently some 20 world records were flown in the last 10 years. Most impressive is Helmuth Fischer’s 1.000 km triangle in under 6 hours which is described further on. Another is Klaus Holinghaus’ world record of a 1.400 km triangle. Still standing is Walter Binders 1.000 km out and return world record at 152.7 kph.

Practically countless national records were flown in Gariep. Notable collectors of national records are lovely Reiko Morinaka from Japan and Sigi Baumgartl from Germany.

Whoever arrived at Gariep with a big ship will have flown his 1.000 km. We have had many 1.000 km flights in racing class gliders although this does need an exceptionally good day combined with good piloting. This represents a continuous challenge for pilots from both overseas and South Africa.

As Gariep now becomes a permanent centre with exceptionably good weather, over the next 4 years, we will have a great increase in all levels of soaring.