1800 ft, Rio de Janeiro

It was the words ” RUN RUN RUN” , that confirmed everything I have been doing so far was an Adventure…
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Video- Around 7 minutes to view, the landing is on the beach, where the all the locals watch.
“WHOOO WHOOO WHOOO, big man.  I am not sure I can take you today”.
These were the words of one of the many instructors.  Being 6’4″ and 225 lbs, I was the largest thing they had seen in a while.  The wind was light and the instructor was in no hurry for extra business.  The regulations only allow each instructor to take 6 people per day, and there were plenty of people.  This was my second and last day before I had to go home, I couldnt possibly leave without jumping!
That’s when I met Ricardo.  Ricardo a seasoned hang glider of 9 years was always up for the challenge.  After all, he was an ex-mechanical engineer, who gave up years of education to pursue what he calls, ” Pure Happiness”.  Its people like Ricardo, I admire.  Similar to the stories in the Four Hour Work Week, its the risk they decide to take, with a reward bigger than my weight. 
“Its not about the money, my friend”, said Ricardo, after I attempted to give him 50 Reais for a tip (About 30 US Dollars).   “The reward is enabling me to take you today when the odds arent in your favor.  Especially after we perfected our landing!”
Notes: I was the only person to move to the right before we jumped, although Ricardo wont admit it, saying “I cant reveal my secrets”.
-In case your wondering about the shoes, they are the vibram five fingers.  This sponsor has been quite the topic with the locals everywhere I go and allowed me to be quick enough to make it off this platform   For More, see the post about Vibram.