An amazing holiday destination for sea lovers
The island of Lanzarote offers a unique opportunity for tourists, locals and athletes who find in the ocean their particular haven of peace or even inspiration. For this reason, more and more local swimmers and visitors are showing interest in participating in one of the open water swimming competitions that take place on the island.
Year-round swimming locations and competitions
In Lanzarote, the summery weather and the sea have come together to give rise to open water swimming competitions. Increasing numbers of locals and visiting swimmers want to participate in these swims. And although most of the training takes place in swimming pools, swimmers need to practice in the sea twice a week.
During your holiday in Lanzarote, you can exercise by swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, a large natural pool available all year round. This also provides the opportunity to observe the island’s marine fauna, making for a spectacular swimming experience surrounded by aquatic life.
Sailfish Lanzarote Open Water
This is a swimming event that can be attended by everyone from professional athletes looking for the thrill of competition to amateur swimmers who just want to have fun. There is also a children’s circuit for kids to learn about swimming.
The Sailfish Lanzarote Open Water event will be held this year in May at Playa Grande, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and fine sand. It also has all the necessary services to make it an internationally recognised holiday destination.
In terms of places to swim, Puerto del Carmen is the main tourist area of Lanzarote, located in the centre-south of the island and only 10 minutes from the international airport. It has become one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Canary Islands all year round and a popular destination for swimming enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Papagayo Beaches
Papagayo beach is a glorious place on the southern tip of the island, which looks like something out of a dream with its clear sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This group of 8 unspoilt beaches and coves is located in Playa Blanca, in the municipality of Yaiza in Lanzarote.
Last year, the Asociación Deportiva Aguas Abiertas de Lanzarote organised the Travesía Playas de Papagayo Dreams competition. The distance was 5000 metres, and the start was at Playas de Papagayo, finishing at Playa Dorada.
“El Río” Swimming Crossing
All the athletes taking part in this crossing meet at the Caleta de Sebo dock in La Graciosa. There, a collective warm-up is carried out, after which all the swimmers take to the organised boats to move to the starting line.
The crossing starts at the “Playa de Bajo Risco” in Lanzarote and ends at the beach of “Caleta de Sebo” in La Graciosa. The distance to be covered is 2,600 metres and the participants have a maximum time limit of one hour to complete the crossing after the first participant arrives. The date of the next edition has not yet been announced, but it is likely to take place in mid-October.
Marina Colón, in El Cable
This place is very popular with local swimmers due to its easy access and the presence of several buoys that delimit a triangular circuit for training. It is advisable to bring a buoy to be more visible in the sea.
In short, if you love the sea and swimming, keep a close eye on all the events we have shared, as well as the Copa Insular de Aguas Abiertas (Insular Open Water Cup), which will be held in 2023 again during the third and fourth quarter of the year.
Benefits of open water swimming
Open water swimming can be an exciting and health-enhancing experience. This form of swimming is ideal for those looking for a challenge, as natural environments vary constantly and present unpredictable challenges. Here are some of the main benefits of practising open water swimming during your stay in Lanzarote.
Improving cardiovascular endurance
Open water swimming challenges your pulse and heart rate because it often requires swimming longer distances with less rest between sets. It also leads to improved cardiorespiratory performance.
One of the most important tips is to learn to breathe bilaterally. This means alternating breathing between your left and right side while swimming. This will help you maintain an even rhythm and prevent fatigue during the swim.
High probability of setting and achieving personal goals
As an athlete or swimming enthusiast, it is easy to relate to any aquatic environment, be it a lake, a river or the sea. Determining and then achieving your goals will be a matter of your own dedication and confidence during swimming practice or competition in Lanzarote.
Supporting mental health
Open water swimming allows you to be outdoors, enjoying the weather without worrying about air pollution or other external factors. This accentuates the feeling of freedom and reduces the anxiety associated with tight schedules and even restrictive situations commonly found in the gym or indoor pool.
Recommendations to improve your open water swimming on the Island
Swimming is an important contribution to keeping fit and healthy, but you need to be rigorous in your training before swimming in open water. If you prepare well enough, you will soon be able to cross the finish line of a swim with a smile on your face. But before putting on your cap and diving into the water, read these indispensable tips for open water swimming in Lanzarote:
1. Practice breathing techniques
It is important to practice your breathing and swimming techniques regularly to stay safe and comfortable. This will help you get used to the environment and increase your lung capacity for open water swimming.
2. Be confident and safe
In swimming, your confidence in your aquatic skills will allow you to face challenges without fear and to feel ready to swim alongside other swimmers, whether beginners or experienced.
However, confidence comes bit by bit, based on training and gradually building up the distances you swim, going a little further each time. it is important to keep in mind that ocean currents and weather changes can affect the ease or difficulty of any planned swim.
3. Swimming a circular route
When swimming in open water, try to swim following a circuit (either a circle or a triangular route). This avoids having to fight the current head-on and keeps your body more stable. It is also easier to navigate with this technique while looking for landmarks during the swim.
By following these tips, you can improve your cardiovascular breathing when swimming in open water and reach new heights of performance.
