XIII Copa Brasil AA — São Bernardo do Campo

The flooded arms of Billings Reservoir open into a sprawling labyrinth of freshwater. Here, the XIII Copa Brasil AA — São Bernardo do Campo takes open water swimmers into an expansive inland lake in the municipality of São Bernardo do Campo, in the state of São Paulo. Organized by the Federação Aquática Paulista, the competition takes place in October, offering competitors an authentic test of freshwater navigation. Swimmers can choose between three distinct distances: a 1,500-metre course, an intermediate 2,500-metre test, and a demanding 4,000-metre long-distance swim. The lake courses invite participants to find their rhythm across long, unbroken stretches of calm water where consistent pacing and sighting across the surface become paramount. In past editions, swimmers took to the reservoir under a gentle drizzle and cool air, creating brisk and refreshing racing conditions out on the open water.

Represa Billings: reversing river flows across the Serra do Mar

Designed in the 1920s and 1930s originally for hydroelectric power generation, Billings Reservoir spans an impressive total surface area of 127 square kilometres. Swimmers venturing into its wide channels navigate waters that were intentionally gathered. Construction of the monumental hydroelectric project began in 1927. The initial phase of reservoir construction reached completion between 1935 and 1937, transforming the local landscape into an immense aquatic reserve. Water collected here is diverted across the basin from the upper Tietê River toward the Henry Borden hydroelectric power plant in Cubatão down below the escarpment. The system grew further in 1956 with the addition of an underground plant that elevated its electrical generating capacity to 880 megawatts.

A vital component of this broader hydrological complex is the Pedreira Pumping Station, situated about 13 km away along the upper Pinheiros canal in the city of São Paulo. Inaugurated in 1939 to generate electricity and supply water into Billings Reservoir, the pumping station stands as a cornerstone of the regional hydraulic network. While swimmers might wonder about mechanical currents impacting the lake, water pumping is strictly controlled and occurs exclusively during periods of severe flood risk, governed by official state environmental regulations.

São Bernardo do Campo: colonial trails between plateau and sea

Settlers established their early community inland on this high terrain, creating an enduring gateway between the coastal ports and the vast interior. About 9 km away, the Ribeirão dos Meninos river valley formed a vital transport corridor, serving as the historical connection road between the coastal village of São Vicente and the nascent town of São Paulo on the plateau. Flowing through this historic landscape is the Ribeirão dos Meninos, a watercourse that originates in the Demarchi neighbourhood before joining the Tamanduateí River. The stream delineates the municipal boundary between São Bernardo do Campo and Santo André as it runs through the urban plateau. Today, tracing these old colonial corridors reminds visitors of the ancient freshwater network that sustained early inland communities for centuries before the creation of the great dams.

Parque Natural Estoril: Atlantic Forest reserves guarding the basin

About six kilometres from the race venue, Parque Natural Estoril operates as a dedicated conservation unit safeguarding both the Atlantic Forest biome and the shores of the Billings Reservoir. The reservoir perimeter is draped in native vegetation, offering quiet hiking trails beneath thick canopies that filter the mountain air and shield the aquatic ecosystem. Parque Natural Estoril spans approximately 373,000 square metres of pristine lakeside terrain. Officially designated as a Conservation Unit in November 2013, the sanctuary guarantees the preservation of resident wildlife, indigenous plants, and delicate natural water resources. In the surrounding highlands, including the protected reaches of the Fontes do Ipiranga Biological Reserve twelve kilometres away, the forest shifts into a rich mosaic of tropical rainforest intermingled with magnificent native Araucaria pines across hundreds of hectares.

Prainha do Riacho Grande: wooden decks, kiosks, and sailing waters

The Prainha do Riacho Grande has served as a favourite leisure retreat since the 1970s, drawing crowds who come to unwind beside the water. The waterfront features an expansive wooden deck lined with rustic kiosks and outdoor dining tables right by the gentle ripples of the lake. Lakeside recreation has a long tradition at Parque Natural Estoril about 6 km away, starting in 1954 with the construction of dedicated access roads, picnic kiosks, restrooms, and a water supply well. Today, the reservoir waters at the park invite visitors to explore by pedal boat, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard before or after cheering on the competitors. Beyond casual paddling, the Billings Reservoir is a celebrated hub for competitive aquatic disciplines, bustling with motorboats, jet skis, and sleek sailing craft. Renowned for hosting official sailing regattas, its broad basins offer expansive, wind-brushed horizons that make every lap in the lake feel like an integral part of São Paulo's vibrant open water culture.