Above the scenic mountains surrounding the Marfa Plateau, abundant atmospheric energy has attracted gliding enthusiasts from around the world. Since 1960, sailplane pilots have used convective thermal updrafts, the Marfa Dry Line, and wave lift for record-setting soaring flights, four US National Soaring Contests in 1967, 1969, 1991, and 2006, and the first World Soaring Championships flown in the United States in 1970. In addition to formal competitions, pilots continue to gather at annual soaring camps to explore the superb weather conditions in this area. Men and women developed Marfa as a historic soaring site.