A Splashing Success: The XXI Travesía a Nado of Isla de Lobos-Fuerteventura
This past Sunday, Corralejo hosted the remarkable XXI Travesía a Nado of Isla de Lobos-Fuerteventura, setting a new record with 400 participants hailing from diverse backgrounds. The event was organized by the CD Herbania and the Ayuntamiento de La Oliva, and it showcased three thrilling swimming modalities: the Long Distance (7,000 m round trip), the Short Distance (3,400 m from Lobos to Corralejo), and the Popular category in the Bay of Corralejo.
Perfect Conditions and a Tribute
Participants enjoyed excellent weather, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere at the Muelle de Corralejo. Before the race began, a touching tribute was held to honor Carmelo Santana, the legendary Gran Canarian swimmer who recently passed away. Key figures at the ceremony included Sergio Melián, president of CD Herbania, the Sports Councilor of La Oliva, Gleiber Carreñeo, the second deputy mayor, Óliver González, and Alejandro Jorge, Sports Councilor of the Cabildo, a collaborating entity.
Outstanding Performances
The race was a showcase for exceptional talent, particularly in the 3,400-meter distance. Víctor Manuel González crossed the finish line first at an impressive time of 43:02, closely followed by Rebeca Santos with a time of 45:05. This distance also included a segment of the Copa de Canarias de Aguas Abiertas, where 60-year-old Enrique Mata from the Club Swim and Training of Maspalomas secured victory with a remarkable time of 44:59.
In the longer 7,000-meter route, Davide Ledda and Ainhoa Santana emerged as the fastest competitors, finishing at 1:31 and 39:02, respectively. This race also saw impressive times, further highlighting the high level of competition.
A Growing Popular Event
The organizers also expressed their satisfaction with another record turnout in the Popular category, which saw 66 participants in its third edition, ranging in age from ten to sixty years. According to Inma Díaz from CD Herbania, a young swimmer named Javier García, just 15 years old, was the first to complete the 1,300 meters in this event.
Notable mentions include the presence of Xavi Torres, a seasoned veteran of the event, who has earned 16 Paralympic medals, including five golds from 1992 to 2008. Currently, he serves as a national coach and is part of the Spanish Olympic team.
The Challenge of a Lifetime
On Saturday, before the main event, the second edition of “El Reto” was held, which involved a complete lap around the islet, totaling 15 km. This year saw another remarkable achievement from international swimmer Rebeca Santos, who finished with a stunning time of 3:44, shaving an hour off her previous record. Santos’s accolades are impressive; she is a world champion in the 800 meters and holds the +44 Spanish record (9:32). She also made history as the first woman to win the 18 km at the Travesía del Mar de Las Calmas, along with being a double European champion in open water for the 3,000 and 5,000 meters. Following her were Martín Julio and Daniel González, clocking times of 3:55 h and 4:02, respectively.
Boosting Local Tourism
Highlighting the event’s significance, around 75% of the 400 participants came from outside the island, resulting in approximately 300 visitors along with their companions. This influx emphasizes the role of sports events in boosting tourism in La Oliva, a sentiment echoed by the local mayor, Isaí Blanco. Participants included 60 swimmers from the Real Nuevo Club Náutico de La Palma, groups from the Club de Tenis Valle de Aridane, and competitors from Toledo, Madrid, and the Basque Country, along with international entrants from Germany, Argentina, England, Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
The event was not merely a race; it was a celebration of sport, community, and the beautiful waters surrounding Isla de Lobos, reaffirming the island’s position as a premier destination for open-water swimming enthusiasts.
