Rough seas test 300 swimmers at the 27th Lobos Island Swim

The 27th Lobos Island – Fuerteventura Swim brought 300 swimmers together again this Sunday, 18 October, for one of the most emblematic sporting events in the municipality of La Oliva. Organised by Club Deportivo Herbania, the race was marked by heavy swell that made the 3,500-metre course between the islet of Lobos and Corralejo Marina more challenging.

The event reached its maximum capacity, with all available places filled just eight minutes after registration opened, reflecting the competition’s popularity among open-water swimming enthusiasts.

Unlike the 2025 edition, when the sea was especially calm, this year’s participants faced a much more demanding swim, both when entering the water and throughout the course.

A swim shaped by the swell

The sea conditions were already noticeable before the start. The boats Oby Group and El Majorero, which transported the swimmers to the starting point, rocked heavily in the waves, forcing participants to choose the right moment to jump into the water.

Once the race was under way, swimmers tackled the 3,500 metres to Corralejo accompanied by a comprehensive safety operation involving inflatable boats, kayaks and maritime support staff.

The swell also tested the support teams, who kept a close watch on participants throughout the swim.

Despite the difficult conditions, swimmers were greeted at Corralejo Marina with applause and embraces, and the satisfaction of those who completed the course.

Herminio Fernández Alperi retains his title

In the men’s classification, Herminio Fernández Alperi, of the Santa Olaya club, was again declared the winner, repeating his 2025 victory.

He completed the course in 40 minutes and 49 seconds, ahead of Tomás Carrascosa Hester, of Fuertri, who crossed the finish line in 42 minutes and 57 seconds.

Third place went to Erik Manuel Suárez Martín, of the Nadamas club. Just 15 years old, he secured a place on the podium with a time of 42 minutes and 59 seconds.

In the women’s category, victory went to Isabel Valido Carreño, of Club Natación Las Palmas, in 49 minutes and 15 seconds.

Runner-up Lola Fernández Andrés, of CN Salinas Santa Lucía, also aged 15, finished in 49 minutes and 37 seconds. Third place went to Elisa Razzi, of Fuertri, in 50 minutes and 32 seconds.

Top finishers

Men’s category

Herminio Fernández Alperi (Santa Olaya): 00:40:49.

Tomás Carrascosa Hester (Fuertri): 00:42:57.

Erik Manuel Suárez Martín (Nadamas): 00:42:59.

Women’s category

Isabel Valido Carreño (Club Natación Las Palmas): 00:49:15.

Lola Fernández Andrés (CN Salinas Santa Lucía): 00:49:37.

Swimmers aged 15 to 84 from eleven countries

This year’s edition also stood out for the range of ages and backgrounds among its participants.

The youngest swimmers were 15, the minimum age set by the rules, while the oldest participant was 84-year-old Mauricio Oshanahan Roca, a regular in the competition.

Women accounted for close to 40% of total registrations.

The event brought together athletes from eleven countries: Spain, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Ireland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia and the United States.

As well as participants from across the archipelago’s different islands, swimmers also travelled from Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga, A Coruña and Valladolid, among other places on the mainland.

A sporting event with a festive atmosphere and a charitable cause

Once again, the competition combined sport, music and solidarity.

Before boarding, participants enjoyed a street parade accompanied by the Sambuka batucada group, while Gente Nueva performed live as swimmers waited and arrived at the pier.

As in previous years, the swim was held in aid of the Spanish Association Against Cancer.

Overall winners Herminio Fernández Alperi and Isabel Valido Carreño each received €250 in cash, donated by Asesoría Umpiérrez Rebordinos.

The runners-up received a selection of cheeses from Grupo Ganaderos de Fuerteventura, Quesos Maxorata, while the third-placed swimmers received products from Quesería Felipa La Montañeta.

The awards ceremony was attended by La Oliva mayor Isaí Blanco Marrero; Sports Councillor Gleiber Carreño; and Fuerteventura Island Council Sports Councillor Luis González, among other officials.

Club Deportivo Herbania praises the efforts of swimmers and volunteers

Club Deportivo Herbania president Inma Díaz praised the efforts made by the swimmers and the entire organising team in the challenging sea conditions.

“This year the sea made things difficult for us, and that makes us even prouder. Seeing 300 people, from youngsters aged 15 to Mauricio at 84, jump into the water in that swell and reach Corralejo with a smile is what makes 27 editions worthwhile. Thanks to the whole team out on the water and on land, because today they’ve gone home soaked, but with every swimmer safe,” she said.

More than a hundred volunteers took part in the event, alongside safety teams, firefighters from La Oliva and Puerto del Rosario, police officers, medical staff, boat skippers, kayakers and other support professionals.

The Lanzarote club Los Marlines also took part in this edition.

Club Deportivo Herbania thanked the Canary Islands Swimming Federation, the Fuerteventura Island Council, La Oliva Town Council, Puertos Canarios and the many businesses and organisations that helped make the event possible.

With 27 editions now held, the Lobos Island – Fuerteventura Swim continues to establish itself as a key event for open-water swimming enthusiasts, who are already looking ahead to 2027.

The full results are available at tripasioneventos.com.