Swimming in the sea was never an option. Here in the Minho region—even though I lived just twenty minutes from the beach—the water was cold, the waves were rough, and rip currents lay in wait to sweep away anyone daring enough to venture in. Rivers or reservoirs? Fine for a quick dip, but never for actual swimming. Stories of more or less inexplicable drownings kept everyone on high alert—even those who never missed a swimming lesson at the pool.
I am well aware that the situation improves further south or at other latitudes. But I had never come across that particular desire before.
It happened the first time I encountered the sea off the island of Madeira, four years ago. When I stepped into those blue waters, I discovered an Atlantic I hadn't known before—with pleasant temperatures, marine life, and beautiful scenery—where swimming in the sea felt completely natural.
Crédito Fotos: Swim Madeira
The following year, I returned to the island. At Ponta do Sol beach, I saw swimmers in the distance. I later realized that the Oceanman event was taking place and that there were human beings capable of swimming 30 kilometers non-stop. Wow.
E percebi que a tradição era grande. No Complexo Balnear da Barreirinha li sobre um tal de José da Silva “Saca”, um nadador de águas abertas que ali era descrito como uma lenda na ilha. Já mais atento, uns meses depois, li notícias sobre uma mulher que tinha acabado de dar a volta à ilha de Porto Santo a nado – e que já tinha feito a travessia entre o Porto Santo e a Madeira, sendo que entretanto não tem parado. Aplauso de pé, Mayra Santos!
Decidi voltar à piscina, mais de 15 anos depois de ter deixado a prática para me dedicar a outros desportos que adoro. Recomecei a nadar há três anos, sempre com vontade de enfrentar o mar, mas primeiro foi preciso nadar mais do que 25 metros seguidos. Consegui. Fiz as primeiras competições de águas abertas, em distâncias curtas, como um quilómetro ou mesmo 500 metros. Grandes conquistas, foi como descobrir um super poder. Mas queria nadar até mais longe e, por isso, continuei.
In the process, I discovered that even in the rugged North, people were swimming in the sea and rivers. I found that it was possible to swim safely and enjoyably in the Lima River and at beaches like Cabedelo—right here, close by in Viana do Castelo. Thanks to the National Open Water Circuit, these surprising discoveries continued across the country.
It was during this journey that I discovered Swim4Fun, and in 2026, I conquered a new beach: Matosinhos. More than that, I found a community of people who share my love for open-water swimming. And there is nothing quite like swimming in a group! Added to this is the experience of training with coach José Ferreira—an absolute phenomenon in long-distance open-water swimming and an inspiration for my personal odyssey of always swimming further than the day before. And I mustn't forget how it all began: swimming in beautiful locations, free from stress—yep, *swim for fun*.
Pedro Gonçalo Costa