You haven’t truly experienced Rio de Janeiro until you’ve seen it the way birds do — soaring above it. That’s exactly what I did when I went hang gliding from Pedra Bonita, one of the most iconic launch points on the planet, perched 1,700 feet (520 meters) above sea level in the lush Tijuca National Park.

It wasn’t just a thrill. It was clarity. Peace. Awe.

🌄 THE LAUNCH SITE: PEDRA BONITA

Pedra Bonita is tucked inside one of the largest urban rainforests in the world. The wooden ramp juts out dramatically from the hillside, looking out across:

The dense green canopy of Tijuca Forest
The towering granite presence of Pedra da Gávea
The bustling beach neighborhoods of Leblon, Ipanema, and São Conrado
And the endless expanse of the Atlantic Ocean

The view alone is worth the hike. But the real magic happens when you run full-speed off the platform… and leave the earth behind.

🪂 THE FLIGHT: 10 MINUTES OF PURE FREEDOM

Once airborne, everything goes still. No engine. No noise. Just wind and movement.

You drift silently over Rio, catching aerial glimpses of:

Christ the Redeemer standing watch over the city
Sugarloaf Mountain rising from Guanabara Bay
The serpentine curve of the coastline, bright and alive
The contrast between rainforest cliffs and urban sprawl

It’s a surreal 10–12 minute glide that ends with a smooth landing on the sands of São Conrado Beach, where locals are playing beach soccer and sipping coconut water — totally unaware you just flew in from the clouds above.

🎥 VIDEO, PHOTOS, AND PROOF YOU DID IT

Trust me: get the video package. My instructor mounted a GoPro to our glider and captured every second of the launch, the flight, the views, and my face — which said everything. You don’t just want to remember it. You’ll want to show it. Over and over. Watch my flight here on YouTube.

🧠 WHAT I TOOK AWAY FROM THIS EXPERIENCE

This wasn’t just about adrenaline — though it delivered plenty. It was about perspective.
Looking at one of the most vibrant cities on Earth from above gave me a kind of clarity I didn’t expect.

You feel small — in the best way
You feel grateful — for your feet, the sky, the moment
And you feel reminded that life is meant to be lived from all angles

✅ FINAL THOUGHT: DO IT.

If you're headed to Rio de Janeiro — make time to fly off Pedra Bonita. You’ll never look at the city (or your own life) the same way again.

“Once airborne, everything goes still. No engine. No noise. Just wind and movement.”

— George Stroumboulis

how many people HANG GLIDE annually?

Hang gliding is a niche yet exhilarating sport that continues to captivate adventure enthusiasts worldwide. While precise global participation figures are challenging to ascertain, estimates suggest that the number of active hang glider pilots ranges between 3,000 and 4,000 individuals. This relatively small community underscores the sport's specialized nature and the dedication of its participants.

Despite its modest size, the hang gliding industry is experiencing steady growth. The global hang glider market is projected to expand from USD 56.82 million in 2024 to USD 65.94 million by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.02% . This growth is fueled by increasing interest in adventure tourism and the allure of unique aerial experiences.

Safety remains a paramount concern in hang gliding. Statistics indicate an average of 3.5 fatalities per year among the estimated 3,000 to 4,000 participants . While this highlights the inherent risks associated with the sport, it also emphasizes the importance of rigorous training, proper equipment, and adherence to safety protocols.

In summary, hang gliding offers a unique blend of thrill and serenity, attracting a dedicated community of pilots. Its steady market growth and the emphasis on safety measures suggest a promising future for those drawn to the skies.

where is the best place to HANG GLIDE in the world

Here are some of the best hang gliding spots in the world, each offering unique landscapes, thrilling conditions, and unforgettable views — whether you’re a first-time tandem flyer or an experienced solo pilot:

🏞️ 1. Pedra Bonita – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Why It’s Iconic: Launch from 1,700 ft above sea level and glide over rainforests, beaches, and the entire city of Rio.
Bonus: Land right on São Conrado Beach after flying past Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Perfect For: First-timers and experienced gliders looking for tropical urban beauty.

🏔️ 2. Interlaken – Swiss Alps, Switzerland

Why It’s Special: Fly over turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, and the quaint village of Interlaken.
Views Include: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.
Perfect For: Those who want Alpine magic and clear mountain air.

🌅 3. Kitty Hawk – North Carolina, USA

Why It’s Historic: The birthplace of flight — where the Wright Brothers made aviation history.
Unique Feature: Gentle dunes make it perfect for beginners and low-altitude gliders.
Perfect For: History buffs, families, and first-timers.

🏞️ 4. La Jolla – San Diego, California, USA

Why It’s Popular: Coastal cliffs, ocean views, and year-round good weather.
Launch Point: Torrey Pines Gliderport — one of the most iconic in North America.
Perfect For: Coastal views and soaring above surfers and sea lions.

🌋 5. Queenstown – New Zealand

Why It’s Epic: Known as the adventure capital of the world, this spot offers jaw-dropping views of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps.
Perfect For: Adventurers looking for rugged, cinematic landscapes.

🏖️ 6. Ölüdeniz – Fethiye, Turkey

Why It’s Unique: Launch from Mount Babadağ (~6,500 ft / 1,960 m) and glide down to the Blue Lagoon.
Stunning: Mediterranean coastline, turquoise waters, and dramatic cliffs.
Perfect For: Romantic views and high-altitude coastal gliding.

🛫 7. Himalayas – Bir Billing, India

Why It’s Wild: One of the highest commercial flying sites in the world.
Bonus: The chance to fly over remote mountain ranges and forest valleys.
Perfect For: Experienced gliders looking for raw altitude and culture.

✅ Final Thought:

If you want urban-meets-nature, Rio’s Pedra Bonita is unmatched. For dramatic mountains, head to Interlaken or Queenstown. For high-altitude beauty, Turkey and the Himalayas deliver world-class views.

advice for first HANG GLIDERS

You’re not falling — you’re flying.

✅ 1. Go Tandem with a Certified Instructor

For your first time, always choose a tandem flight with a certified professional.

They handle the technical part — you focus on the experience
Great for learning how the glider works, without the pressure of piloting
It’s safe, smooth, and beginner-friendly

🌤️ 2. Choose the Right Location

Pick a launch site known for:

Steady winds
Safe landing zones
Scenic views (Rio, Interlaken, Torrey Pines, etc.)

The right setting enhances your comfort and makes it unforgettable.

👟 3. Dress Smart

Wear:

Comfortable, athletic clothing
Closed-toe shoes (avoid sandals or loose footwear)
Layers if flying in cooler areas — the air gets colder as you gain altitude

Avoid jewelry or anything that could get caught in harness straps.

🧘 4. Relax and Trust the Process

It’s normal to feel nervous, but:

Your instructor is highly trained
The glider is built for stability
Most people say it’s calmer than they expected

Breathe deeply, keep your body relaxed, and enjoy the lift — it’s more float than fall.

🎥 5. Get the Video

Yes, your face may look hilarious midair — but trust us:

The views will be epic
The memory will be worth it
Great conversation starter for the rest of your life

🧠 6. Know What to Expect

You’ll take a few running steps off the launch ramp (don’t stop!)
After takeoff, the glider catches the wind and lifts you
You’ll soar, not drop — the sensation is gentle and gliding
Most flights last 10–20 minutes, depending on conditions

🌍 7. Be Present

The first few seconds will be a rush — but after that, soak it in.

Look around
Take mental snapshots
Appreciate the silence, the perspective, the moment

✅ FINAL THOUGHT:

Your first hang gliding experience isn’t just about the thrill — it’s about perspective. You’ll leave the ground as one person… and land a little more fearless, a little more free.