Finswimming is one of the most exciting water sport ever. Finswimming is a sport belonging to the aquatic specialties which, using specific equipment (monofin, fins, snorkel or cylinders) allows the athlete to reach much higher speeds than swimming. There are indoor (swimming pools) and open water (sea, lake, rivers) championships.

To which federation belongs Finswimming?

The international federation to which fin swimming belongs is CMAS, the Confédération Mondial des Activités Subaquatiques, which is part of the ARISF, and is a discipline recognized by the IOC.

Is there an age limit to join Finswimming?

Finswimming is suitable for any age . In fact, there are competitions for very young people, for children and adults and for veterans, over 25 years old.

How can I find a Finswimming club?

You can find Finswimming clubs easily, just looking on the internet.

How can i stay updated with Finswimming News?

Finswimmer Magazine is the most comprehensive web site about Finswimming in which you can find events, updates and everything about Finswimming.

Lignano Sabbiadoro to Host 2026 CMAS World Cup Finswimming - Italy - Finswimmer Magazine

Lignano Sabbiadoro to Host 2026 CMAS World Cup Finswimming Indoor Championship

The Italian coastal town of Lignano Sabbiadoro will welcome finswimmers from around the world this March for the 2026 CMAS World Cup Finswimming Indoor competition. Scheduled for March 6-8, 2026, the event promises to showcase elite aquatic athletes competing in one of the sport’s premier international tournaments.

Location: Lignano Sabbiadoro, Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, 33054, Italia

A Perfect Coastal Setting

Nestled on a pine-covered peninsula at the southwestern edge of the Marano lagoon nature reserve, Lignano Sabbiadoro offers an ideal backdrop for this prestigious competition. The resort town, which comprises three districts—Sabbiadoro, Pineta, and Riviera—has evolved from a small fishing refuge into a thriving tourist destination since its first hotel opened in 1903. Today, its approximately 7,000 residents host visitors attracted by the town’s sandy beaches, natural beauty, and vibrant cultural scene.

The competition venue, Bella Italia Sports Village, sits within 60 hectares of verdant pine forest on Central Avenue. The facility features a modern Olympic-sized pool measuring 50 meters in length with eight lanes and a depth of 2.10 meters. With a water temperature maintained at 26°C and seating for 400 spectators, the venue provides professional conditions for both athletes and observers.

Competition Structure and Categories

The championship will feature multiple racing categories across three age divisions. Senior athletes (18 years and over), Junior 1 competitors (16-17 years), and Junior 2 participants (12-15 years) will compete in both men’s and women’s events across four distinct disciplines: Surface swimming, Apnea, Immersion, and Bi Fins.

Race distances vary by discipline, with Surface events ranging from 50 meters to 1500 meters, while Immersion and Bi Fins competitions span 50 to 400 meters. Relay events will add team dynamics to the individual competitions, with 4×100 Surface relays and mixed relays scheduled throughout the three-day event.

The competition will follow a structured schedule, with morning and afternoon sessions each day. Day one opens with 100-meter and 1500-meter Surface races, along with Bi Fins and Immersion events. The second day features 200-meter and 800-meter distances, while the final day concludes with 400-meter races and the relay competitions.

Awards and Recognition

Organizers have planned comprehensive recognition for competitors across multiple categories. Individual medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each race, while team prizes will honor the leading clubs and national teams. Special Achille Ferrero prizes will recognize the fastest senior competitors in the 100-meter Surface events for both men and women.

Classifications will be compiled for individuals, clubs, national teams, and countries, with separate rankings for different age and gender categories. The scoring system follows CMAS guidelines, with points accumulating throughout the competition to determine overall winners.

Participation Requirements and Logistics

Only athletes holding valid CMAS licenses may compete, and all participants must register through the CMAS Portal. Registration fees include 25.53 euros for CMAS participation fees per round, plus organization fees of 10.20 euros per individual distance and 18.30 euros per relay.

The deadline for preliminary registration is February 8, 2026, with payment of participation fees due by February 15. Late registrations will incur a 10% surcharge. For competitors requiring visas, applications must be submitted by February 5.

Lignano Sabbiadoro is accessible via multiple transportation options. The nearest airport is Ronchi dei Legionari in Trieste, located 58 kilometers away, though Venice’s Marco Polo Airport (100 km) and Treviso’s Antonio Canova Airport (110 km) offer additional access points. The Latisana train station, just 20 kilometers from the venue, connects to major Italian cities and is serviced by regular bus lines to Lignano.

Safety and Fair Competition

The organizing committee has emphasized its commitment to fair play and athlete safety. An international jury will oversee the competition according to CMAS rules, with doping controls conducted in accordance with CMAS and WADA standards. Judges are authorized to inspect swimmers’ equipment at any time, and athletes must present themselves with full equipment at least 10 minutes before their scheduled races.

For Immersion events requiring compressed air bottles, specific regulations apply. Bottles must be delivered empty for inspection and refilling by 8:00 PM each evening and will be returned the following morning. All equipment must meet Italian legal requirements and pass physical integrity inspections.

As the competition approaches, Lignano Sabbiadoro prepares to demonstrate why it has become a favored destination for international sporting events, combining world-class athletic facilities with the natural beauty and hospitality that have made it a beloved resort for generations of visitors.

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