Tips

To conquer the Triple Crown of the End of the World

With years of experience in planning, organizing and supporting open water swim crossings, and having shared this experience with swimmers from all over the world, we recommend that you read the following tips carefully. These will help you achieve a successful and rewarding crossing of the Río de la Plata, the Beagle Channel or the Strait of Magellan.

Before embarking on the crossing of the Río de la Plata, the Beagle Channel and/or the Strait of Magellan, it is essential to read and understand all the information provided on this website. The rules, recommendations and essential requirements for carrying out the crossing safely are detailed here. Becoming fully familiar with these guidelines ensures that swimmers are well prepared and aware of the challenges and safety protocols. Ignoring this information may result in confusion or avoidable risks during the crossing.

Open water training is key to achieving the crossing of the traverses of the Triple Crown of the End of the World successfully. This type of preparation exposes swimmers to real ocean conditions, including currents and waves, helping them adapt to these unpredictable factors. In addition, practicing in open water builds endurance, improves swimming technique, and allows swimmers to acquire the ability to orient themselves without the visual references of a pool. It is also essential for swimmers to become familiar with the experience of swimming in colder waters, which is essential for this type of challenge.

Speed plays a crucial role. Swimming at a fast, steady pace helps swimmers overcome currents and complete the course in less time. In addition, swimming faster reduces the time they are exposed to difficult conditions. Therefore, training should focus on increasing speed and endurance, so that swimmers can maintain a good pace throughout the entire journey.

The Organisation is available to assist the swimmer with food and support at any time, but it is recommended that swimmers bring their own trusted person with them. This person not only helps with the crossing, but also provides psychological support. It is important that this person accompanies the swimmer on the Organisation's boats and that unnecessary personnel be avoided, as this could be an additional problem if someone feels unwell or dizzy.

In multiple crossings, up to four swimmers are allowed to swim at the same time. It is essential that they coordinate their movements well to maintain an even pace. Swimming in a group allows them to support each other and be more visible, which improves safety. To avoid misalignments and delays, it is crucial that all swimmers have similar abilities and speeds.

The use of wetsuits is prohibited in the Rio de la Plata Crossing, so it is essential to protect yourself from the cold in other ways. It is suggested to apply a mixture of Vaseline and lanolin (60%-40%) to the areas of the body most exposed to the cold, such as the neck, armpits, groin and feet. This mixture acts as a barrier to reduce heat loss and prevent chafing, helping the swimmer to stay more comfortable and protected during the crossing.

Both the swimmer and the entire accompanying team must carry their passport or ID card on board for identification.

Having personal accident insurance is essential to participate in the crossing. This insurance should cover any medical problems or accidents that may occur during the crossing. Make sure the insurance is valid in both countries and covers high-risk activities, such as open water swimming. It is necessary to present the insurance policy to the organizers before the event in order to participate.

It is essential to be aware of and plan around the dates of each crossing. Crossings are usually scheduled between November and April, when weather conditions are most favorable. Make sure you are available during this period and adapt your training and preparation to the specific date of the crossing. Also, stay abreast of any changes in date due to adverse weather conditions, as safety is always the priority.

The Triple Crown of the End of the World is not suitable for swimmers with little open water experience. This challenge demands a combination of endurance, navigation skills and the ability to handle unpredictable conditions such as currents and waves. Only swimmers with considerable open water experience should attempt these crossings. If you are a less experienced swimmer, it is advisable to gain further experience and training before attempting them.

All participants must present a medical certificate confirming their physical fitness to undertake the crossing. This certificate, issued by a sports doctor, must include cardiovascular endurance tests and a general health assessment. Presenting this certificate ensures that swimmers are in optimal condition to meet the challenge and helps reduce the risk of medical emergencies during the event.