Rio de Janeiro Sports & Outdoors Tips by acemj

Hang Gliding over Rio

One of the highlights of my trip to Brazil was hang gliding over Rio. I met a couple Canadians in my hotel who were planning this hang gliding adventure and asked me if I wanted to join in. Since I had seen the episode of The Amazing Race where they jumped off this mountain, I had wanted to do it, so I told my Canadian friends that I'd love to join them. I called Ricardo, the instructor, on his cell phone and made the arrangements. His company is called Delta Flight and Ricardo Hamond has been flying since 1987. He is certified by the Brazilian Hang Gliding Association and is a great pilot. However, if you ask him how long he's been doing this, he'll probably tell you that you're his first student (he's a funny guy). His English is great, so don't worry about calling him.

Since the weather was bad, we had to wait on top of Pedro Bonita Mountain in Sao Conrado for a couple hours before we could jump. I let the Canadians go first to make sure they would get their flight in since they had an evening plane to catch. This was a good idea, because by the time I was able to go, I was the last one of the day and Ricardo wasn't in a hurry to get another jump in (and collect the fee) so we ended up flying for about 25 mintues. It's an amazing experience and certainly the closest thing I've ever done to flying like a bird.

*** A SAD INCIDENT: In mid-November, 2003 (only a couple weeks after I was here) there was a fatal accident involving a tourist (a doctor from Manaus) and an instructor. Sadly, they both lost their lives in this accident and all tandem jumps were temporarily suspended in Rio pending the investigation of this tragic accident. They are back and jumping today, but keep in mind that life has no guarantees.

Other Contact: 245 R, plus 40 extra for photos

Phone: Ricardo's cell: 2575-8626

Theme: Other

Maracana!

Another highlight of my trip was going to see Flamengo play Vasco de Gama at Maracana, the world's largest soccer stadium. The other main teams in Rio are Fluminense and Botafogo and seeing a game between any of these four teams is sure to be entertaining since there will be passionate fans on both sides and a loud atmosphere at the stadium. I went with Richard and Linnea my new VT friends in Rio and we had a great time. We bought tickets for 15 Reais at the stadium and our seats were great. It was pouring rain, but we were under an overhang so we stayed dry.

My guidebook said that games here are much less rowdy than they used to be because they stopped serving beer, but I can assure you that this is flat out wrong. I bought two beers inside the stadium myself. There are beer guys (just like at a baseball game back home) and vendors that sell beer for 2 reais (nothing like at home where they are $7 US!). The Flamengo fans were on one side and the Vasco fans on the other and both sides unveiled enormous flags supporting their teams. The sound of samba drums were in the air the whole night and the play on the field was excellent despite the wet and sloppy field conditions. Flamengo scored with seconds left to win it 2-1. After the game, the Flamenguistas poured out into the wet night singing and celebrating while the Vasco fans went home with their head hung low.

Theme: Sports Watching

Surf's up!

Surfing is definitely another option in Rio and the best spot (at least near Copacabana and Ipanema) appeared to be Aproador Beach near the rocks. The waves were decent here and the surfers were out in force.

If you didn't bring your own board, you can rent one from Spirit in Galeria River on Rua Francisco Otaviano, 67 in Ipanema. You can call them at 021 2267 9943.

Theme: Surfing

Volleyball

If using your hands is your specialty, then you can give volleyball a try. The beaches of Rio provide ample opportunities for recreation and you'll always see some locals engaged in a game of volleyball.

When I was visiting in October of 2003 the World Championship of beach volleyball was being held on Copacabana. Brazil is a world power in this sport and it's easy to see why when you realize how many miles of coastline and beach there are in this country and when you observe the enthusiasm with which Brazilians approach the beach lifestyle.

Theme: Beach Activities

Footvolley

I've seen this sport written as footvollei, foot volleyball or just footvolley but whatever it's called, it's really cool to watch. The skill displayed by these player is impressive as they put the ball over the net just like in volleyball, but without using their hands. Kicking, chesting, shouldering, kneeing and heading the ball are all acceptable methods of sending it over and any soccer fan can appreciate the difficulty of accomplishing this effectively.

Theme: Beach Activities

You can watch if you want

If you're traveling with someone who is a little more adventurous than you and you're just not up to flying like a bird over Rio, then you can simply watch your friend from the safety of these seats just below the ramp on Pedra Bonita Mountain.

Theme: Sports Watching