XXI Bajamar - La Punta

The Atlantic swell shifts rhythmically against the basalt formations of the Anaga massif as you push through the final segment of the 2000-meter crossing. Off to your left, the imposing silhouette of the Roque de los Dos Hermanos dominates the horizon, a sharp geological landmark that serves as a constant companion for swimmers navigating the coast between Bajamar and Punta del Hidalgo. This stretch of water, historically known as 'El Paso del Guanche', marks the ancient boundary between these two maritime communities. As you breathe, you might notice the sediment-rich outflow of the Barranco del Río, which historically surged with such intensity during the rainy season that it effectively bisected the local coastline for weeks, a testament to the raw power of the mountain drainage that still influences these currents today.

A legacy of the sea

This crossing is the XXI Bajamar - La Punta, a fixture organized by the local sports council that eschews the use of neoprene, demanding a pure physical connection with the Atlantic. The region's maritime identity is deeply rooted in the local culture; in July, the village channels its history through the maritime procession of the Virgin of Carmen, a celebration whose timing is dictated by the precise lunar cycles and tidal patterns that swimmers face on race day. The area's modern relationship with the ocean evolved significantly in the late 1960s and 1970s, when international travelers—documented in the film 'The Far Shore'—introduced surfing culture to the local youth, permanently shifting the way residents engage with the waves. For those seeking to test their speed earlier in the season, the V San Salitre offers a different tactical challenge in the nearby waters of Santa Cruz.

Race day logistics

The event maintains a strict 20-euro registration fee, covering the logistics required to manage safety in these dynamic coastal waters, including the coordination of water support and the necessary maritime permits. While the competition is serious, the spirit of the village occasionally leans into the eccentric; local lore recalls 1970s festivals where record-breaking 8-meter-wide pans of paella were prepared, a stark contrast to the focused, streamlined atmosphere of the race. As you reach the finish, you are swimming through the same currents that have shaped the lives and traditions of this rugged northern coastline for generations.