The soaring gliders featured in this photo were frequently seen in action at Torrey Pines on weekends. The cliff tops offered such amazing vantage points for spectators. San Diego has a rich history of aviation. Gliding has been a central component of the aviation culture in San Diego over the years. Due to the unique free wind resources, Torrey Pines rapidly developed into a gliderport in the 1930s. The first annual Pacific Coast Midwinter Soaring Championship took place at Torrey Pines in 1947, and this exciting competition persisted until 1979.