the 'para-wing' gained recognition due to the extensive research nasa conducted around the invention - many tests were initiated to explore its potential use for returning space capsules back to land in the 1960s. in 1974 the united states hand gliding association was formed and in the same year frenchman stephan segonzac, handglided from corcovado mountain in rio de janeiro - this was the first glide made on brazilian soil.

the practice was further connected to the city when the carioca luís claudio mattos became the first brazilian to pilot a hang glider. another native from rio de janeiro, pedro paulo lopes, was the first brazilian world champion, conquering the cup in japan of 1981.