Represa de Volta Grande — Rio Negrinho

The Represa de Volta Grande event in Rio Negrinho hosts competitive swimming across distances ranging from 200m to 10,000m. Scheduled for November 8, 2026, the race takes place in a freshwater reservoir located at an altitude of 790 meters, a setting characteristic of the mountainous Santa Catarina landscape where over half the territory sits above 600 meters. Participants are permitted to wear wetsuits, a practical allowance given the climate of this region.

Historical and regional context

Settled by European pioneers around 1872, the area maintains a strong cultural link to its past, most notably through the annual OberlandFest held every October. This heritage is intertwined with the town’s development, which was significantly shaped by figures such as Jorge Zipperer. The reservoir itself, part of the Alto Serro Azul site, defines the local geography. Swimmers navigate waters fed by a river network that includes the Negro, Preto, Negrinho, Salto, and Corredeiras, with the city of Rio Negrinho itself named after the waterway flowing through its center.

Race logistics and safety

Entry fees range from 20 to 39 EUR, covering the timing chip, swim cap, and medal. The event operates under strict safety protocols, including a mandatory briefing for each distance where race directors may adjust routes based on water conditions or weather. Support craft, such as kayaks or SUPs, are allowed as individual support but require registration of the operator's details during kit collection. Failure to document this support leads to disqualification, regardless of the swimmer's performance. The nature of the reservoir means that currents, wind, and solar exposure are dynamic factors that dictate the final course layout on race day. The timing chip must be returned at the finish line to avoid a penalty fee, ensuring the accuracy of the results for the circuit ranking.