The Avenida de Playa Honda hosted the official launch of the XIII EMMAX – Playa Honda Open Water Swim on Friday morning, one of the most established events in the open water calendar in the Canary Islands. The event, scheduled for Saturday 6th September, will bring together approximately 250 swimmers from up to five different nationalities, including participants from the Basque Country, Barcelona, Valencia, Canary Islands, and other areas of the mainland.
Inclusion and Impact
The swim will count towards both the Canary Islands Open Water Cup and the Lanzarote Insular Cup, featuring a special element: more than 50 participants will be taking part in a swimming event for the first time, illustrating the inclusive and beginner-friendly nature of this competition.
Official Presentation
The presentation event was attended by San Bartolomé’s mayor, Isidro Pérez; the Lanzarote Cabildo Sports Councillor, Juan Monzón; the Sports Councillor of San Bartolomé, Alexis Hernández; and Alejandro Acuña, representing Tripasión Eventos, the organising body. Mayor Isidro Pérez highlighted that the EMMAX Swim “is now a well-established event in Lanzarote, thanks to the efforts of Tripasión, the Cabildo, all collaborators, and the work of the Sports Department of the local council.” He added that the aim for 6th September is for “the Avenida de Playa Honda to be vibrant with colour, people, and sport, while also energising the terrific hospitality in the area.” Pérez emphasised the value of the permanent open water circuit installed on the beach, which is “unique in Lanzarote and has provided great support for swimmers over the past six years.”
Significance of the Event
Juan Monzón, the Sports Councillor for the Lanzarote Cabildo, underscored the importance of this event within the regional and local calendar. “We are here once again for this much-anticipated date. This is the 13th edition of the swim and also the 4th stage of the Insular Cup for Open Water. Additionally, it forms part of the Canary Islands Cup, which adds further value to its standing in the regional circuit,” he noted. Monzón congratulated Councillor Alexis Hernández “for keeping such a highly anticipated event alive in the calendar” and reminded attendees that these types of events “not only encourage participation across all ages, from children to adults, but also help to revitalise the commercial, tourist, and pedestrian areas of the island.”
An Open Invitation
In his address, Alexis Hernández, the Sports Councillor of San Bartolomé, highlighted the family-friendly and inclusive values of the swim. “We return with the 13th edition, which is now part of the Premium Canary Islands Cup and the Insular Cup, making it a prominent event regionally. Furthermore, we have categories from Pre-babies to inclusive and family-friendly formats, which makes the EMMAX Swim an event open to all,” he stated. Hernández encouraged the public to enjoy a different day: “This is not only for water professionals but also for families who can swim together.
We want Playa Honda to be a celebration of sport, the beach, the avenue, and local gastronomy on 6th September.” Finally, Alejandro Acuña, representing Tripasión Eventos, expressed gratitude to all organisations that have made the event possible. “We would like to thank public and private institutions that continue to support this event, allowing it to remain a reality,” he stated. He also gave special recognition to the participants: “They will be the true stars, enjoying the open waters in a competitive manner, but also in a fun and friendly spirit that characterises the EMMAX Swim.”
