MTB School in Florianópolis – Flow Ride Academy

Flow Ride Academy is an MTB school in Florianópolis that helps riders of all levels, from complete beginners to competitive athletes, find more control and flow on the trail. Founded in 2016 with the island of Florianópolis as its home base, the school combines a structured teaching method with guided trail riding around the island and the wider region.

The school was founded by Lua Oliveira, a professional freeride athlete who has represented Brazil at major mountain bike events and has studied riding technique since 2012. Instructor Laura Aliperti is a member of the Professional Mountain Bike Instructors Association (PMBIA) and is certified by it, and she also guides with Peak Leaders at Whistler Bike Park in Canada. The academy additionally runs professional instructor training using its own Flow Ride method.

The Flow Ride method starts with an individual assessment to understand how you ride today, then builds a clear path of progression, from body position and braking to cornering, drops and jumps. Sessions are friendly and encouraging, and the academy places a strong emphasis on inclusion, with women-only groups, kids’ classes and a Bike for Life programme that uses riding to support wellbeing. Lessons can also travel to partner bike parks, so riders across Brazil can benefit from the same structured approach.

What Flow Ride Academy offers

• Technical assessment with exercises, a theory session and follow-up reports and videos.
• Private lessons for individuals, pairs or small groups of friends.
• Flow Ride Training – group classes focusing on a different technique each session.
• Girls Training – women-only classes open to every level.
• Kids Training for children aged 5 and over, building body awareness and confidence.
• Bike Experience – guided rides on trails in Florianópolis and the surrounding region.
• Flow Ride on the road and an online fundamentals course for riders elsewhere.

The riding around Florianópolis

• Island hill trails – forested climbs and descents between the beaches and lagoons of Santa Catarina Island.
• Lagoa da Conceição area – a popular base for outdoor sport, with hills and viewpoints above the lagoon.
• Greater Florianópolis mainland – trail networks and partner bike parks a short drive from the island.

When to ride

Florianópolis has a humid subtropical climate, so you can ride all year. Autumn and spring (roughly April to June and September to November) bring the most comfortable temperatures, summer is hot with afternoon storms, and winter is mild but can be damp. The school does not publish a set season.

Getting to Florianópolis

Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN) sits on the island itself, about 20 minutes by road from the city centre. The BR-101 highway runs along the coast of Santa Catarina, linking Florianópolis with Curitiba in about 4.5 hours by car.

Tips for your MTB school in Florianópolis sessions

• Start with the technical assessment so your lessons are matched to your level.
• Book morning sessions in summer to avoid the heat and afternoon thunderstorms.
• Bring your own bike, helmet and gloves – bike hire is not mentioned.
• Try Girls Training or Kids Training if you prefer a relaxed, like-minded group.

Book your ride with Flow Ride Academy

To schedule a lesson or a trail experience, visit the official website.