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WATERSKI MagazineWater skiing would seem to be about as fitting in Rio de Janeiro as bikini tops – strictly optional and not strongly encouraged by the masses.
But then you wouldn't be looking in the right places either. One of the world's top slalom skiers headed a clinic right in the middle of Rio in 1995, and liked it so much that he's been going back annually.
“It's the most incredible place I've ever skied,” says Ben Favret, who has run 38 off in the slalom course that sits undisturbed in the brackish lagoon called Rodrigues de Freitas. “You wouldn't think water from the ocean could be so nice, but it's surrounded by mountains so the water is absolute glass in the morning.”
Only recently have Brazilians taken an interest in water skiing. Just five years ago you'd have been hard pressed to find anyone who knew the difference between a wakeboard and an ironing board. Thanks to ski school instructor Greg Stassen, the sport is catching on. Rio has even established a water ski federation.
Vacationers still make up the bulk of the skiing business. They come to bake on two of the world's most famous beaches, Copa Cabana and Ipanema, and to kneel in front of Mount Corcovado, where a massive statue of Jesus hovers. Then they hop into competition inboards docked in the lagoon that's squeezed between the sand and Messiah.
No water skiing trip to Rio is complete without a drive or boat ride to Angra dos Reis, about an hour to the south. It's a series of 365 islands, one for each day of the year. Most are big enough for a single restaurant, bar or marina. There are always a few paths of flat emerald water, so you can island-hop on a ski or wakeboard. Despite popular local custom, we encourage vests. – Robert Stephens
