A Glimpse into the XXVI Travesía a Nado Isla de Lobos – Fuerteventura
This past Sunday, the 26th edition of the Travesía a Nado Isla de Lobos in Fuerteventura painted a clear picture of success and dominance by the Club Natación Nadamas. With an undeniable presence in both men’s and women’s competitions, the Lanzarote swimmers showcased their prowess in this emblematic open water event on the regional calendar.
Record Participation and Ideal Conditions
With over 280 participants registered—a new record for the event—the atmosphere was electrifying, further enhanced by a calm sea that provided ideal conditions for the competition. Organized by the Club Deportivo Herbania, this race spans 3,500 meters from Punta Marrajo on Isla de Lobos to the Corralejo sports dock. The combination of sport, nature, and emotion drew swimmers and supporters alike, creating a vibrant community of competitive spirit.
Victorious Swimmers: Herminio Fernández and Naira Jaén
In the men’s race, Herminio Fernández Alperi led from the very start. The current champion of the Lanzarote Open Water Cup set a steady pace that allowed him to distance himself from the competition, ultimately crossing the finish line with a time of 40 minutes and 16 seconds. His performance was characterized by a confidence that left no room for doubt.
Following closely behind, the impressive Matías Padrón, at just 14 years of age, finished with an admirable time of 41:57, while his teammate Nicolás Padrón trailed him at 42:16, marking a clean sweep of the podium for CN Nadamas in the men’s category.
On the women’s side, reigning champion Naira Jaén Serra was the standout performer. Demonstrating strategic pacing, she completed the race with a time of 43:39, adding another title to her growing collection. Her teammate Alexandra Sánchez Clark finished in second place at 47:07, with Elena Sarmiento Guerra from CD Swim & Train Maspalomas rounding out the top three.
A Collective Triumph for CN Nadamas
Beyond individual accomplishments, the CN Nadamas team’s collective performance was nothing short of spectacular. With five of their swimmers placing in the top eight overall, the club secured a total of two gold medals, two silvers, and one bronze. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the club’s high competitive standards and dedication to open water swimming.
The team’s coach, Ricardo Senra, expressed his pride in their performance, noting the attributes that each swimmer brought to the race:
“Our swimmers have demonstrated maturity, effort, and commitment. Facing a crossing like this requires much more than physical fitness; it demands concentration, strategy, and significant preparation.”
An International and Emotional Event
This year’s Travesía Isla de Lobos attracted athletes from all over the archipelago, the mainland, and beyond, including participants from various European and Latin American countries. The ambiance was filled with excitement as hundreds of swimmers jumped into the water to the cheers of an enthusiastic crowd, supported by those on land and in accompanying vessels.
The event earned accolades from both participants and local authorities, including Fuerteventura’s Cabildo and the Ayuntamiento de La Oliva, who praised the safety measures and logistical quality of the event. Over 60 volunteers, alongside kayaks for tracking, medical assistance, and support boats, ensured that the race proceeded smoothly.
One of the most moving moments was provided by Mauricio Zanahan, an inspiring 83-year-old participant, who once again completed the crossing and was recognized as the oldest competitor in this year’s edition.
Celebrating Community Spirit Through Sports
This edition of the Travesía a Nado Isla de Lobos not only showcased athleticism but also emphasized the spirit of community that sports can foster. The event stands as a shining example of how open water competitions can bring together diverse individuals, creating shared experiences that resonate far beyond the water’s edge.
