| Golf,
diving, adventure and fishing: sports in the country of
soccer
Brazil
is world reference in terms of sports.
It is the only five-time world soccer champion, and the
largest exporter of soccer players to the most important
soccer teams in all continents. In regard to volleyball,
the Brazilian team stands out as the best in the Americas
– with two gold medals in Olympic Games and four Championships
won at the World League of Volleyball. And in “beach
volley” – a genuine Brazilian sport, created
on the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, in Rio de Janeiro
–, the Country is a world leader, winning medals in
all competitions.
But
don’t be misguided to think that these are the only
sports widely practiced and popular in Brazil. The country’s
territorial extension, combined with its diversity of flora
and geographical formation, make of Brazil a privileged
destination, where options of nature-integrated sports are
virtually numberless. Among most appreciated modalities,
visitors find surfing, free flying, sailing, diving and
sports fishing.
The
availability of adequate locations, with good infrastructure
and beautiful landscape, attract sports practitioners and
tourists from all over the world. A proof of that is the
growing number of visitors who crowd the many different
destinations in Brazil looking for great adventure, or for
sophisticated golf courses, and much more. |
|
With
8.5 thousand km of coastline, the most fish populated rivers in
the world and a great diversity of fish species, Brazil stands
out as the perfect destination for the practice of sports fishing.
Araguaia, Amazonas, São Francisco and Paraná are
some of the Brazilian rivers that have become exceptional destinations
for the lovers of environmentally sound sports fishing. Vitória,
in the State of Espírito Santo, is famous for hosting the
Oceanic Fishing International Championship, gathering enthusiasts
of the so-called “beak fish” (marlins) from all over
the world.
For
practitioners of water sports, weather and geographical conditions
on the wide Brazilian coast could not be better. Strong waves,
such as those found in the beaches of Florianópolis, in
the State of Santa Catarina, charm and challenge surfers from
all over the world. Good winds are available all through the year,
driving sailboats along the entire coastline and especially in
the Southeastern region of the country. For divers, highlights
are places like the National Sea Park of Abrolhos, on the Southern
coast of the State of Bahia, and Fernando de Noronha, an archipelago
considered a true ecological paradise. Bonito, in the very heartland
of Brazil, is also an obligatory stop for those who appreciate
diving inside grouts and caverns.
Radical
sports also have their share in itineraries available in the Country.
The peculiar characteristics of Brazilian geography – plateaus,
mountain rivers, and great natural take-off ramps – offer
exceptional conditions for the practice of adventure sports. Vertical
sports, such as rappel and canyonning - alpinism on waterfalls,
canyons and canyon rivers –, can take place in the many
spots available in the country, such as the Chapada Diamantina
plateau, in the heartland of the State of Bahia. Rafting –
practiced in groups of people, on inflated boats –, finds
an ideal environment in most Brazilian rivers. For the lovers
of free flying – divided into modalities such as hang gliding
and paragliding -, Brazil offers more than 50 official take-off
ramps, included in national and foreign circuits of competitions,
such as Pedra Bonita, in Rio de Janeiro.
Whatever
is your favorite sports modality, on land, on water or on the
air, Brazil will make you love it. Enjoy. Come visit us, and become
a fan. |
Brazil
Sports
