Praia Brava means “angry beach”, named after the feeling that locals got from it.

It’s 920 meters long, with a wide sand strip surrounded by hills and headlands on both sides. The only thing that destroys this enchanting scenery are the constructions, spread all over the area. I try to imagine how it would be without all those buildings.

The last time I flew there was years ago. When the northern breeze blows - the perfect condition for Praia Brava - I would prefer to fly at Mole which is closer to where I live. Change is good and this morning I’ve got that whisper telling me to go to Brava, then I picked up the phone to check out the conditions with my friend: “Yeah, tá Rolando!!” translating “Yeah, it is on!!”

It’s a long way from Lagoa to Brava but the road is good therefore an easy ride. Once you reach the beach you get the idea.

The open C shaped ridge has good soaring with bubbles of hot air providing an interesting flight. You can top land if the wind is not too strong or land on the beach. No other safe options available.

Tandems are also popular but more expensive if compared to other areas (priced R$100 for 15 minutes).

After a steep climb and chat, I put my gear on and took off easily. The wind was quite strong, but not enough to blow me backwards. I flew with caution, studying the area and the conditions. I never underestimate the fact that weather can change suddenly and you’ve got to have a B plan.

The flight ended with a smooth touch down on the white and soft sand.

“If you never change your direction you will ended up landing on the same spot”. Modified Chinese proverb.

First of all, Happy New Year ! My best wishes to everyone and please keep reading the blog !

The first post of 2006, a hike to Lagoinha do leste beach, was done on a beautiful sunny Sunday. Lagoinha do leste is a secluded beach, inside a municipal park set as nature preservation area. It is famous for its fantastic scenery, surrounded by forested hills, a small river and lagoon set with a perfect 600 metres strip of white sand. To get there isn’t easy, though. You have only 2 choices: by walk on 2 existing trails, one starting at Pântano do Sul ( 2361 metres) and another one at Matadeiro beach( 4304 metres), or by boat from both places.

The hike is free and I took it up as exercise, a body training. I never liked the gym, you pay money to exercise indoors without any interaction with nature.

When you hike, you exercise your legs as well as other parts of your body. You breath the fresh air and practice your balance skills. You focus your attention in the many things involved in the experience of walking surrounded by nature. The wind shaping the sea. The birds soaring over the coastline on the strong northern wind. Plants and flowers you see for the first time. Music? Use your imagination and you will hear it.

Everytime I hike to Lagoinha do leste I like go fast, without stopping. I start at Matadeiro beach and arrive at the “crown”, a rock formation at the top of a hill facing Lagoinha beach. Today I did the way in 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Of course, on the way back I didn’t push too hard. After body surfing the small but good waves, I was tired. I returned on a slower pace till I found a dog in the middle of the trail, apparently without a owner. And then I found another one. I ‘ve never seen dogs on that area, I believe they cannot find the way by themselves unless someone took them there. Both dogs followed me for some minutes as if they were lost and trying to find the way out. Then I met a group of people and asked about the dogs. No, not theirs, was the response. Then the dogs stopped following me, but I continued. Strange happening.

And finally, I crossed the finish line at Matadeiro beach. A great hike for a good start of year.

Notice: Summer brings lots of people to Lagoinha do Leste and also a lot of garbage. Some tourists simply don’t care about leaving behind bottles, cans or any trash. You can denounce it calling FATMA, phone toll free 0800 644 1523. Your action can make a difference.