The 2026 Rio Grande do Sul Paragliding Championship reaches its fourth and final round from December 11 to 13 in Sapiranga, in the Vale dos Sinos region of southern Brazil.

Organized by the Rio Grande do Sul Free Flight Association (AGVL) together with the Rio Grande do Sul Free Flight Federation (FGVL), the event brings pilots together for three days of racing from the legendary Morro do Ferrabrás. Depending on the wind direction and flying conditions, takeoffs will be made from either the South or West launch, with tasks set across the region around Sapiranga, Nova Hartz, Igrejinha, Taquara and Parobé.

International pilots are very welcome. Competition briefings will also be provided in English, making the event an excellent opportunity for foreign pilots to experience Brazilian racing, local flying culture and one of the strongest free flight communities in the country.

### More than a competition: fly Rio Grande do Sul

December is one of the best times of the year to fly in Rio Grande do Sul. During the South American summer, the state becomes one of Brazil’s top free flight destinations, with a full XC season and consistently flyable conditions across several different sites.

More than six flying sites in the region offer excellent cross-country potential, with routes available in virtually every direction, large areas free from restrictive airspace and terrain that allows pilots to explore different styles of flying.

The conditions can be friendly and enjoyable for newer XC pilots looking to build confidence, stay high, connect thermals and make their first longer transitions. At the same time, experienced pilots will find plenty of potential to push serious distance, stay on bar, work long lines and turn good days into big kilometers.

It is the kind of region where you can climb out, get to cloudbase, pick a line and just keep going.

### XC season in full swing

The championship takes place right in the middle of the local cross-country season. That means pilots coming to race can also extend their stay and explore other launch sites before or after the competition.

Rio Grande do Sul offers a mix of hills, valleys, open flatland and long XC lines. On the right day, pilots can leave the hills behind, connect into the flats and start eating kilometers.

For pilots who enjoy racing, the region offers plenty of opportunities to sharpen decision-making, improve thermal efficiency and practice fast transitions. For those focused on XC, there is space to work on route planning, cloud reading and maximizing the day.

And when the conditions line up, it is time to climb to base, push on glide and see how far the day will take you.

### Easy access from Porto Alegre

Sapiranga is located approximately 60 km from Porto Alegre, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul.

Salgado Filho International Airport receives frequent flights from São Paulo, Brazil’s main international aviation hub, with a flight time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. This makes the competition especially accessible for international pilots connecting through São Paulo.

From Porto Alegre, Sapiranga can be reached by rental car, taxi, ride-hailing services or public transportation.

### Come race. Stay for the XC.

The final round of the Rio Grande do Sul Championship is not only about crossing the ESS and making goal. It is also a great opportunity to discover an entire flying region during its prime season.

Race in Sapiranga, explore the other launch sites, chase cloud streets, stay high, push your lines and enjoy the southern Brazilian summer from the air.

If you are looking for a competition combined with serious XC potential, welcoming flying conditions and a strong free flight scene, Rio Grande do Sul should definitely be on your list.

See you at launch!