Editing Omarama (section)

== Gliding ==

Due to the strong gliding conditions in the Omarama area, and [[Mackenzie Basin]], it is known as a world-class [[gliding]] location, gaining fame among [[sailplane]] pilots around the world after hosting the 1995 [[World Gliding Championships]].

Pilots come to Omarama to experience strong [[lee wave]] conditions, ridge soaring and thermal flying.  It is common for Omarama-based gliders to soar hundreds of kilometres along the Southern Alps each day. In ideal conditions, it is possible for gliders to reach distances in excess of 2000&nbsp;km.  Several national and world gliding records have been achieved from Omarama,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Tollan|first1=Jeff|title=Gliding on to a world record|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3155973/Gliding-on-to-a-world-record|access-date=9 April 2017|work=STUFF|date=14 December 2009}}</ref> and the prevailing conditions have attracted record seekers such as [[Steve Fossett]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylor|first1=Marty|title=Updraft|url=https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/updraft/|website=New Zealand Geographic|access-date=9 April 2017}}</ref>

The Omarama Gliding Club and several commercial gliding organisations are based in the town.