Ixtapa Open - Open Water

The descent toward the Pacific coast along the winding roads of Guerrero reveals the dramatic transition from the high ridges of the Sierra Madre del Sur to the calm, protected waters of the Zihuatanejo bay. Arriving at Playa Linda, the coastal landscape shifts from rugged terrain to the gentle arc of the bay, a geography that has provided a sanctuary for maritime traffic since the 18th century. English mariners, who frequented these shores under the names Chequetan or Seguataneo, relied on this sheltered expanse to restock timber and minerals, navigating the same currents that swimmers now face during the Ixtapa Open.

Historical currents and local lore

As you stand on the sand at the Qualton Club Ixtapa, the water holds more than just the Pacific’s salt; it carries the weight of regional history. During the 1911 Mexican Revolution, the Zihuatanejo coastline became a corridor for local movements, with the López brothers leading skirmishes that echoed along the very beaches where the 5km, 2.5km, and 1km courses are set today. The name Zihuatanejo itself is a linguistic intersection; some trace it to the Purépecha term for 'water of the yellow mountain,' while others point to the Nahuatl 'Cihuatlan,' or 'place of women.' In that ancient tradition, Cihuatlan represented the western paradise, a fitting mythology for a coastline where the sun sets directly over the swimming lanes. Modern history is equally visible, as the area transitioned from dense coconut plantations into the resort destination seen in 1994 during the filming of the production 'Marimar'.

Race day mechanics

Competition day begins early, at 07:30, to utilize the calmest window of the bay before afternoon winds pick up. Swimmers must navigate the course with a personal safety buoy—a mandatory requirement for all distances to ensure visibility for the support kayak crews. The 5km route is the most demanding, requiring precision around the floating bridge and multiple turns that test spatial awareness. If you find the logistics of this bay rewarding, those who prefer a different rhythm in these waters often look toward the 6th Isla Ixtapa Lap scheduled for February. While the marine life of the Costa Grande, including snapper and mojarras, is abundant, the race is managed with strict cut-off times: 1 hour for the 1km, 1 hour 45 minutes for the 2.5km, and 3 hours 15 minutes for the 5km. Anyone exceeding these limits is retrieved by support boats to ensure the safety of the entire field within the bay's protected waters.