A Remarkable Swim: The XXVI Edition of the Travesía a Nado Isla de Lobos
The sun shone brightly over Fuerteventura this past Sunday, marking the occasion of the XXVI edition of the Travesía a Nado Isla de Lobos. This event, renowned for its picturesque scenery and competitive spirit, showcased a clear narrative: the Club Natación Nadamas is enjoying a magnificent era. Dominating both the men’s and women’s categories, the Lanzarote-based swimmers delivered exceptional performances, proving their prowess in this prominent fixture of the regional open water swimming calendar.
A Record-breaking Participation
This year’s event witnessed a fantastic turnout, with over 280 participants—setting a new record for the competition. The calm waters provided ideal conditions for the 3,500-meter swim from Punta Marrajo, located on Isla de Lobos, to the Corralejo sports harbor. Organized by the Club Deportivo Herbania, the Travesía once again brought together the elements of sport, nature, and exhilaration, as swimmers plunged into the crystalline waters, driven by adrenaline and the cheers of an enthusiastic crowd.
Dominance of Herminio Fernández and Naira Jaén
In the men’s category, the contest was anchored by Herminio Fernández Alperi of CN Nadamas. The reigning champion of the Lanzarote Open Water Cup established a commanding pace right from the start, distancing himself from his competitors and finishing with an impressive time of 40 minutes and 16 seconds. His closest rival was a distant figure, underscoring his dominance throughout the race.
Trailing Herminio was Matías Padrón, a promising 14-year-old talent, who finished remarkably well with a time of 41:57. He was closely followed by fellow team member Nicolás Padrón, who clocked in at 42:16, rounding out a complete podium sweep for the CN Nadamas.
On the women’s side, exuding confidence and skill, Naira Jaén Serra stood out with her impressive performance. The Lanzarote champion crossed the finish line at 43:39, adding yet another title to her growing list of accolades. Following her, Alexandra Sánchez Clark, her teammate, secured the second position with a time of 47:07. The third spot went to Elena Sarmiento Guerra from CD Swim & Train Maspalomas, showcasing the competitive spirit of the event.
Team Excellence: Five Nadamas in the Top Eight
Beyond individual accolades, the collective performance of the CN Nadamas was remarkable. All five of their representatives finished within the top eight of the overall classification, accumulating a total of two golds, two silvers, and one bronze. This incredible haul reflects not just individual talent but also the team’s dedication and strategic preparation for open water challenges.
Ricardo Senra, the club’s coach and technical director, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting their maturity and commitment. He noted, “Our swimmers have displayed not only physical conditioning but also concentration, strategy, and significant preparation.”
An Established International Event
The Travesía Isla de Lobos continues to attract athletes from various regions, featuring competitors from the islands, the mainland, and even several European and Latin American countries. The atmosphere was electric as hundreds of swimmers took the plunge into the inviting waters, cheered on by a lively crowd from the shore and support boats.
Participants and local authorities alike lauded the organization of the event. Officials from the Fuerteventura Cabildo and the La Oliva Town Hall praised both the safety measures and the logistical quality of the gathering. Over 60 volunteers, alongside kayaks for monitoring, medical assistance, and support boats, ensured the event ran smoothly.
One of the standout moments of the day was when Mauricio Zanahan, an awe-inspiring 83-year-old participant, completed the swim, earning recognition as the oldest participant of this edition. His perseverance and spirit served as a poignant reminder of the event’s essence—the celebration of human endurance at any age.
A Celebration of Community and Achievement
As the sun set over Fuerteventura, the echoes of cheers and celebration continued. The Travesía a Nado Isla de Lobos not only serves as a testament to sporting excellence but also as a celebration of community, resilience, and the sheer joy of swimming. Each stroke in the water tells a story, and this edition surely penned many memorable chapters.
