Grupo Tchê Travessias closes 2025 on a high note in open water swimming in Rio Grande do Sul - Brazil

 

Active for seven years, Grupo Tchê Travessias has established itself as one of the leading collaborative initiatives in open water aquatic sports in Rio Grande do Sul. Throughout 2025, the group recorded significant growth in athlete participation and engagement in sustainable sports practices, currently bringing together approximately 285 swimmers and paddlers.

Dedicated to organizing open water swimming meetups, as well as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) activities, Tchê Travessias uses a WhatsApp group to schedule and coordinate crossings, promoting integration, safety, and the exchange of experiences among participants.

Lake Guaíba, at Praça José Comunale in the Belém Novo neighborhood of Porto Alegre, has become the group’s main meeting point and a reference location for carrying out activities.

Initially created with the goal of leisure and the promotion of physical and mental health, the group expanded its scope over the years and adopted environmental preservation as one of its core principles. Raising awareness about caring for rivers, lakes, and seas is part of the Tchê Travessias culture, reinforcing the environmental responsibility associated with practicing sports in natural settings.

More information about the group, activity schedules, and initiatives can be found on Instagram: instagram.com/francisswim.

Text and photo: Soraya Siviero