River— Russia

Сборы X-WATERS Волга 2026

Jul 21, 2026
Last edition date
📋Camp
Awaiting confirmation of the next edition

About the race

The X-WATERS Volga camp, scheduled for July 21-26, 2026, in Nizhny Novgorod, is a five-day intensive training program designed for open-water swimmers. Led by Olympic swimmer and European champion Kirill Abrosimov, the curriculum covers open-water technical drills, dry-land strength conditioning, and race-day strategy. Participants are provided with a starter pack, and a wetsuit is required equipment for the water-based training sessions. The camp concludes with the main event, the X-WATERS Volga race, which takes place on July 26, 2026.

## The surroundings of the swim

Training sessions at this Volga location provide a unique perspective on the city's historical infrastructure. As you navigate the water, the Chkalov Stairs rise sharply above the embankment, a monumental figure-eight staircase that serves as a primary visual reference. At the base of these stairs, the 'Hero' boat monument marks the area for river navigation, standing as a constant point of orientation. Looking toward the riverbanks, you pass the Dmitrievskaya Tower, the main gate of the citadel that has remained unconquered since the 16th century.

Further along the route, the Church of St. John the Baptist stands near the Ivanovskaya tower, marking the site where the 1612 militia was organized. Swimmers should note that the river environment here is defined by the confluence of the Oka and Volga, which created the natural defensive moat for the city's historical center. While training, you may notice the local river traffic; this includes vessels like the 'Aleksandr Suvorov', which has continued operation on the Volga despite a significant 1983 collision with a railway bridge. The environment is further characterized by the hilly terrain of the Dyatlovy Mountains, which provide the steep elevation change defining the city's geography. The Volga in this region is a continental river, generally reaching comfortable temperatures by late July.

Sources: Aleksandr Suvorov (ship) · Chkalov Stairs · Dmitrievskaya Tower · Church of St. John the Baptist (Nizhny Novgorod)

Course

How to get there

Arrival in Nizhny Novgorod.

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Сборы X-WATERS Волга 2026

Where to stay

Nizhny Novgorod offers a variety of lodgings, ranging from boutique hotels along the riverfront to traditional apartments in the historic city center. Many participants prefer the hotels located near the Lower-Volga embankment for easy access to the training zones. Prices typically range from $40 to $120 per night, depending on the proximity to the Kremlin and the level of service. For those seeking a quieter environment, the Upper City area provides guest houses with views over the hilly banks.

Things to do nearby

Beyond the water, the city features a deep industrial and cultural heritage. Participants often visit the GAZ Museum to explore the history of Soviet automotive engineering. The historic center hosts theatrical quests that offer a localized perspective on the city’s past. For active recovery, the banks of the Volga are popular for walking, while the confluence of the rivers provides vantage points for viewing the city's architecture. Sampling local cuisine in the traditional taverns of the historic district is a common way to end the training days.

Swimmers

Other stages of this series

Other races by this organiser

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