Celebrating Tradition: CD Herbania’s Swimming Competitions Shine in the Waters of Fuerteventura

As October rolls in, so does a beloved tradition for the CD Herbania—a celebration of their various swimming events that showcases the incredible talent and spirit of swimmers in open water. This year, the event attracted an impressive 455 participants, all eager to demonstrate their skills against the backdrop of the serene yet challenging ocean waters.

A Diverse Array of Events

On October 13 and 14, the CD Herbania organized five distinct swimming competitions in open water. This lineup included one event that contributed points to both the I Copa de Aguas Abiertas of the Canary Swimming Federation and the Open Water Series. The effort put forth by the organization highlighted their commitment to promoting competitive swimming in this breathtaking location.

“El Reto”: An Intense Challenge

The excitement kicked off on Saturday, October 13, with the exhilarating “El Reto” swimming event. This grueling 18-kilometer challenge began at the Corralejo Nautical School, taking swimmers around the stunning Island of Lobos before returning to the starting point. Among the sea of dedicated participants, Rebeca Santos Arriaga emerged victorious, finishing the race in an impressive 4 hours and 24 minutes.

Sunday Highlights: The XX Travesía a Nado Isla de Lobos

The following day, the XX Travesía a Nado Isla de Lobos – Isla de Fuerteventura took center stage. Covering a distance of 3,400 meters, this event drew 275 swimmers. Not only did it highlight competitive spirits, but it also united swimmers in their love for the ocean. The event was further enriched by the V Travesía Corralejo – Isla de Lobos- Corralejo, a challenging 7,000 meter round trip with 37 participants, along with the II Travesía Popular of 1,300 meters, which had 40 entrants. Additionally, the inaugural Travesía Isla de Lobos-Corralejo, part of the competitive series, saw around a hundred enthusiastic participants diving into the challenge.

First Finishers and Standout Performances

In the 3,400-meter race, the podium was graced by impressive performances. Nicolás de Smaele Espino took first place among the men, securing a time of 43:17. He was closely followed by Airam Carretero Santana and Miguel Ángel Santana Sarmiento with times of 44:24 and 44:25, respectively. On the women’s side, Flavia Maunder clinched first place in a time of 43:51, closely trailed by Érika Rivero González and Ainhoa Santana Flores, who finished within a hair’s breadth of one another.

On the longer 7,000-meter course, Miguel Ángel Malmierca Julian clocked in first with a time of 1:22:26, showcasing his stamina and skill. Michael Ledda Alemán and Davide Ledda Alemán followed closely, proving their prowess with remarkable finishing times of 1:25:40 and 1:29:32, respectively. In the 1,300-meter popular race, Nadia Martín Christiansen was the standout, finishing in just 14:30.

Weather Challenges and Enduring Spirit

Participants faced a moderate swell and a gentle breeze, which added to the event’s excitement and tested their endurance. Yet, these challenges also enhanced the overall experience, creating an ideal environment for the diverse range of swimming modalities.

Celebrating Achievements Together

As each swimmer crossed the finish line, they were greeted with a commemorative token celebrating the 20th anniversary of the event. The festivities continued with refreshments and camaraderie at the Corralejo Nautical School, where participants and organizers alike toasted to their accomplishments. Esteemed guests, including Marcial Morales Martín, president of the Cabildo de Fuerteventura; Andrés Díaz Matoso, the Cabildo counselor; Isai Blanco Marrero, the mayor of La Oliva; and Gleiber Carreño Lasso, the sports councilor, celebrated alongside them.

A Tribute to 20 Years of Heritage

This year marks a significant milestone for CD Herbania, with the 20th anniversary providing an opportunity to reflect on its long-standing legacy. A special photographic exhibition paid homage to the history of these open water challenges, reinforcing the club’s role as pioneers and champions of swimming in the majorera island community.

With every splash and stroke, participants and organizers alike have woven an enduring tapestry of tradition, competition, and community spirit in the azure waters of Fuerteventura, promising many more years of passionate swimming to come.