Travesía Fabio Guerzoni 2027 — Ramallo

The Paraná River dictates the rhythm of the Travesía Fabio Guerzoni, presenting a dynamic environment where the flow of one of South America's largest waterways becomes the primary partner for every swimmer. In early March, as the austral summer begins to wane, participants encounter a robust current that demands respect and strategic positioning. The water in this section of the river, near the town of Ramallo, is heavily influenced by the upstream discharge, often carrying a significant volume of sediment that characterizes the brownish hue typical of the lower Paraná basin. For the athlete, this means navigating a medium where visibility is limited, forcing a reliance on rhythmic sighting and constant adjustment to the river’s push. The main channel maintains a steady downstream drift, which can be deceptive; while it assists in speed, it also requires calculated line management to avoid being swept wide of the buoys or losing efficiency against localized eddies near the banks.

Race day logistics

Organized by the Club Náutico y Pescadores de Ramallo, the event offers two distinct challenges: a 3000-meter integration swim and a 7000-meter competitive distance. The logistical backbone of the day centers on managing the start and finish sequences within the river’s natural cycles. Because the Paraná is a major commercial artery, the event coordination relies on strict timing to ensure safety during the crossing, with support craft positioned to manage the interaction between the swimmers and the natural flow of the water. Swimmers should prepare for a river environment that is warm, yet periodically subject to changes in water level depending on recent rainfall in the vast drainage basin of the north. The event has become a staple for regional swimmers looking to test their endurance against the raw, moving power of the river rather than the static conditions of a lake or a pool.