Aerobunda Jacumã -- The perfect antidote to the high-tech world of the American amusement park. At Lagoa Jacumã, Litoral Norte, Km 35, there's a dune about 60m (200 ft.) high. At its foot is a big lake. At the top of the dune someone has hammered in three telephone poles to make a scaffold, then attached a thick rope from there to another peg on the far side of the lake. To execute the aerobunda, you slide your butt into a sling hanging from a pulley attached to the line. The attendant then lets go. You scream down toward the lake, gathering speed and momentum. Splash! Huge fun. Back on shore you hop into a rickety iron cart, wave your arm at the guy on the donkey engine, and he hauls you up the dune so you can go again. Cost is R$3 (US$1.50/£.80) per ride, and it's open daily from 8am to 5:30pm. For more information call tel. 084/3228-2402.
Jangada Riding -- A jangada is a narrow raft made of balsa wood (nowadays augmented with Styrofoam) and equipped with just one triangular sail. Taking a jangada is a quiet, gentle way to get out to the small offshore reefs. These little boats are still used by local fishermen, many of whom will happily augment their income by taking you to the reefs or for a quick sail. You'll find them along Genipabu beach. Cost is R$10 (US$5/£2.50) per person for an hour or so.
Sand Boarding -- Sand boarding is worth doing as long as you believe that no sport is too stupid to be tried at least once. As snowboarders, we felt obligated. Turns out that sand doesn't glide nearly as well as snow. But then, I guess you can't snowboard in a bikini. If you're interested, look for the entrepreneurs at the south end of Genipabu beach; cost is R$5 (US$2.50/£1.50) per trip (less, if you bargain).
Surfing -- The beach at Ponta Negra is a great place to learn to surf. Waves vary from small and manageable to large and exciting. Marcelo Alves of Sem Limites surf school is a great instructor (tel. 084/9418-4030 cellphone). One-on-one instruction will get you up in no time. Lessons cost R$20 (US$10/£5.50) per hour. The school is in a tent about halfway along Ponta Negra beach.
