Copa Brasil de Águas Abertas — Guarapari

The Atlantic waters off the coast of Guarapari in August are influenced by the seasonal interplay of the Brazil Current and local coastal shifts, creating a dynamic environment for long-distance swimming. Swimmers frequently encounter moderate surface chop driven by prevailing trade winds, which requires a rhythmic, high-cadence stroke to maintain efficiency against the shifting tide. Unlike the stagnant conditions of sheltered bays, this open ocean venue demands constant navigation adjustments as the current pulls along the coastline. During the race, participants will navigate past the distinctive geological features of the Espírito Santo coast, including the granite outcrops of the Três Praias region, where the water gains a greenish hue.

Historical markers in the current

While pushing through the mid-section of the 4000m course, one remains within sight of the colonial architectural legacy left by the 17th-century settlers. The structural remains of the Our Lady of the Conception Church stand as a silent observer to the event; its walls, built from a durable mixture of crushed shells and whale oil, reflect the ingenuity of early construction in the region. This area is historically linked to the Jesuit mission of Rio Verde, established in 1585 to engage the local Temiminó population. The coastline also carries the memory of the 1860 visit by Emperor Dom Pedro II, who surveyed these same shores during his inspection of local maritime infrastructure. For those seeking a different pace in the same coastal waters, the Travessia Areia Preta × Peracanga offers a distinct challenge just months after this event.

Radioactivity and regional geology

The local environment possesses unique properties, most notably the elevated levels of radiation found in the sands of Guarapari. These monazite deposits, rich in thorium and uranium, result from the erosive power of sea waves grinding down coastal mountains over millennia, with some measurements reaching 55 μSv/h in specific zones. Further inland, the Paulo César Vinha State Park preserves the Lagoa de Caraís, a body of water recognized for its unusual reddish tint caused by organic decomposition. While the coastline is marked by the Atlantic Forest remnants of the Morro da Pescaria, the race itself remains focused on the open sea, following the standard FINA and CBDA protocols regarding wetsuit usage and safety. Every registered swimmer receives an official cap and a timing chip, ensuring accurate tracking across the 1500m, 2500m, and 4000m distances.