Mountain Lee Wave, Alpine Convergences, Mountain Thermals and Ridge Running

New Zealand’s two main islands are about the same size and dimensions as California. They are mountainous and fortuitously placed across the prevailing westerly winds.

Soarable energy is formed by mountain thermals, wind blown ridges, valley convergences, sea breezes, frontal systems, and of course the mighty Norwest Wave. Typically at least two of these weather phenomena will dominate any one soaring flight. But sometimes all will be encountered in the course of a single day!