Celebrating the XXV Travesía a Nado Isla de Lobos – Fuerteventura
The Club Deportivo Herbania is buzzing with excitement and accomplishment after the resounding success of the XXV Travesía a Nado Isla de Lobos, held on Sunday, October 13. This year, the event attracted over 270 swimmers, including a remarkable 110 women and 146 men, who traveled from various corners of Spain, including Toledo, Madrid, Sevilla, and Barcelona, as well as international participants from the United Kingdom and Germany.
A Thriving Community Atmosphere
What truly distinguished this year’s event wasn’t merely the impressive participation numbers but the community spirit that filled the avenue along the Corralejo quay. Family and friends gathered in droves, turning the waterfront into a vibrant hub of encouragement, as they cheered on the competitors. For many, it was not just a swimming race; it was a day to celebrate resilience, determination, and the love for the sport.
Overcoming Challenges in La Bocaina
Navigating through the complex waters of La Bocaina, which separates Isla de Lobos from Fuerteventura, presented its own challenges. Nevertheless, every swimmer bravely crossed the finish line. Many emerged with beaming smiles, with one participant humorously saying, “I was asking for fresh water after so much saltwater!” After conquering the 3,500-meter distance between the two islands, everyone shared a sense of victory, their efforts echoing the spirit of sportsmanship.
A Festive Celebration of Sport
The atmosphere was electric, enhanced by the infectious rhythms of the local batucada group, Bloco Da Ilha. Their lively beats set the mood for a spirited gathering, alongside energetic Zumba sessions led by instructors from Zumba Fuerteventura and music provided by DJ Joe Valdivia. The combination of athleticism and celebration created an unforgettable ambiance that resonated with participants and spectators alike.
Outstanding Performances
In the competitive spirit of the event, Tomás Carrascosa from Club Nadamas emerged as the male winner, finishing the race in an impressive 43 minutes and nine seconds. Hot on his heels were Daniel González and Raúl Fernández from the Club Tridan Danysport, taking home the second and third places, respectively.
For the female category, Sarai Del Pino Afonso won first place with a time of 52 minutes and nine seconds. Close behind were Erika Rivero and Carla López from Club Salinas de Santa Lucía, securing the second and third spots.
Inspiring Stories Among Participants
The event also celebrated inspiring figures like Arancha Aranega, a European Champion and World Championship bronze medalist, who added a touch of star quality to the day. Notable too was the presence of 82-year-old Mauricio Zanahan, illustrating the idea that passion for swimming knows no age limit. Young talents, some as young as 15, participated enthusiastically, highlighting the promise and future of swimming on the island.
A Quarter-Century of Tradition
Reaching its 25th edition, this iconic event has solidified its reputation both within and beyond the Canary Islands. It stands out not only for its impeccable organization but also for its significant role in promoting tourism, economy, and sports within Fuerteventura and the municipality of La Oliva.
Inma Díaz, president of Club Deportivo Herbania, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, volunteers, and collaborators who contributed to the event’s success. “It’s a source of pride to see how this event continues to grow over 25 editions, attracting athletes from around the world who come not only to compete but to enjoy all that our island has to offer,” she noted.
Essential Support and Contributions
The smooth execution of the Travesía was made possible with essential support from local paddlers who guided and accompanied swimmers throughout the bay, as well as the dedicated team of volunteers who ensured everything ran smoothly.
Awards and Recognitions
Recognizing their hard work, the first-place male and female winners each took home €250 in cash. Second-place finishers were rewarded with product bundles from Euronics, while third-place participants received gifts from Quesería Felipa La Montañeta.
The success of this year’s Travesía was made possible through the collaboration of the Cabildo Insular de Fuerteventura, the Sports Department, Puertos Canarios, the Ayuntamiento de La Oliva, and other sponsors including Crimera Fuerteventura SL, Tripasion Eventos, and others.
As the XXV Travesía a Nado Isla de Lobos – Fuerteventura wraps up, the excitement continues to build for next year’s 26th edition, positioning itself as one of the island’s emblematic events.
