Soaring High: Week of January 4, 2026 Highlights on Volandoo\n\nWelcome to Volandoo, the world’s leading platform for live tracking and logging paragliding and hang gliding flights. This past week, our global community logged an astounding 578 flights, showcasing a remarkable range of flying styles and breathtaking locations. From technical cross-country distances to challenging hike & fly adventures, pilots pushed their boundaries and shared their progress with peers worldwide. Join us as we celebrate six standout flights that embody determination, skill, and the adventurous spirit soaring through our skies.\n\n### Angel Giménez’s Monumental Free Distance at Mercedes \nAngel Giménez impressed with a masterful Free Distance flight around three turning points at Mercedes, a renowned site for skillful cross-country challenges. Covering 207.53 km in just under 6 hours aboard his agile Niviuk Peak5 glider, Angel executed 130 thermals—a true testament to his endurance and mastery of the day’s atmospheric intricacies. This flight not only demonstrates technical finesse but also inspires the community by pushing the limits of what’s possible in long-distance paragliding. \n\n\n### Miguel Martinez Boero’s Sharp Free Triangle at Adolfo Gonzales Chaves \nMiguel Martinez Boero carved out a precise 161.25 km Free Triangle flight at Adolfo Gonzales Chaves in just over three and a half hours. Flying the classic and trusted ASW-20 Cr glider, Miguel executed 52 efficient thermals to maintain a swift yet tactical pace. The site’s dynamic conditions make it an ideal arena for such triangles, and his performance adds an inspiring chapter to the rich XC heritage of this region. \n\n\n### Victor Aguilera’s Epic Hike & Fly Journey in Zarzal \nVictor Aguilera delivered an extraordinary 157.56 km hike & fly expedition at Zarzal, blending four demanding hikes with thirteen flights over nearly 9 hours in the air. Piloting the agile Gin Gto3, Victor skillfully managed 88 thermals throughout this marathon adventure, showcasing not only technical soaring skills but also impressive physical endurance and navigation. His journey embodies the spirit of exploration beloved by hike & fly pilots worldwide. \n\n\n### Joel Miron’s Persistent Free Triangle at Piedra Del Condor \nAt the soaring walls of Piedra Del Condor, Joel Miron completed a challenging 146.29 km Free Triangle flight lasting over 7 hours. Flying the high-performance Niviuk Klimber 3 P, Joel utilized 101 thermal climbs to finesse his route and optimize performance across variable lift conditions. This track highlights both technical flying and resilience, reinforcing Piedra Del Condor’s reputation as a hotspot for ambitious XC pilots. \n\n\n### Pablo Lopez’s Tactical Free Triangle from Despegue SAT \nPablo Lopez’s flight from Despegue SAT stands out with a 137.59 km Free Triangle completed in nearly 7 hours. His chosen wing, the Niviuk Artik 7 P, allowed him to gracefully navigate 87 thermals while maintaining excellent glide ratios. This flight is a fine example of strategic route choice and thermal exploitation, inspiring pilots to refine their triangle tactics in the dynamic skies above Despegue SAT. \n\n\n### Manuel Canale’s Marathon FAI Triangle at El Bolsón \nManuel Canale capped the week with a remarkable 128.15 km FAI Triangle flight at the iconic El Bolsón site. Flying his Niviuk Artik R, Manuel demanded the sky’s fullest with 137 thermals and a 9-hour flight duration, a marathon of mental focus and physical stamina. His accomplishment is a stirring reminder of the pure joy and extreme challenge of FAI triangles, further elevating El Bolsón’s status in the global XC flying community. \n\n\nThese top flights from the week not only highlight individual excellence but strengthen the bonds of our worldwide hang gliding and paragliding community. Keep tracking, sharing, and soaring with Volandoo — where every flight adds to our collective story of the skies.