The International Descent of the Sella River is one thing, and the Descent of the Sella River by canoe is another . The latter fuels the former throughout the year, providing it with athletes and fans of the event, preparing everyone for a massive celebration where the elite paddlers, the fittest representatives of the river's enthusiasts, will take center stage.
Canoeing down the Sella River is very affordable and suitable for all fitness levels. Plus, there are extra incentives: enjoying the scenery, taking a dip, having an impromptu riverside picnic, or, if you prefer, taking it to the next level and finding rivals who want to go as fast as possible.
The most complete information about the Sella River descent can be found at ribadesella.com
How much does it cost to do the Descent of the Sella? Offers
The average price per person ranges from €18 to €27, depending on the time of year. Going as a group or booking online usually results in a discount on adventure sports company rates .
How long does the Descent of the Sella last?
The descent takes between 4 and 6 hours . It's a 15 km route—between the Arriondas bridge and the town of Llovio ( Ribadesella )—of great beauty. Several companies offer different sections, from shorter to longer, allowing you to choose the one best suited to your fitness level.
How do you do the Descent of the Sella?
The first step is to go to the offices of these companies. In their changing rooms, we change our clothes and get our paddles, food bag, water, and a watertight container to store everything we decide to take with us on the expedition. The container must also be used to store our trash; polluting the Sella River is not allowed . Once we're equipped, the instructors are waiting for us by the river. They show us how to use the paddles to steer the canoe correctly, and explain some other basics, such as the importance of always wearing a life jacket, even if we know how to swim.
Descent of the Sella
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When everything is ready, the adventure begins … Little by little, we learn to handle the canoe. We cross the first rapid: La Raíz. It's an easy rapid. Next comes the Remolina rapid, the Fuentes fork and rapid, the Pozo del Arco pool, the Picu la Vieya rapid… We reach the area of Toraño. In a calm pool under the bridge, everyone usually takes the opportunity to have a dip in the tranquil waters and rest on the banks.
We didn't linger too long after lunch and continued on our way to the Cantabrian Sea. Soon we arrived at the Devil's Rapids , one of the most spectacular spots on the river. The water rushes powerfully between the rocks. It's not dangerous since the river isn't very deep in this area, but you should still wear a life jacket.
Next, we'll cross La Requexada , the longest straight stretch of our route, one of the best spots to watch the International Descent. We'll reach the Santianes dam and get that thrill again as the river surges once more. And little by little, we'll reach the end. On the banks of Llovio, the instructors will be waiting to pick us up and take us back to the changing rooms.
What is the best company to do the Descent of the Sella?
It's difficult to say which is the best, as nowadays they all have the same protocols, almost all offer discounts for online booking…; we offer you a good number of companies that are undoubtedly good adventure sports companies.
Where does the Descent of the Sella take place?
This famous river flows through eastern Asturias, its 60 kilometers opening up new possibilities for adventure in nature . The surrounding landscape is ideal for this. In the upper reaches of the river, you can enjoy canyoning or caving . A little further downstream, in Cangas de Onís , you'll find yourself immersed in the landscape of the Picos de Europa mountains and their opportunities for hiking or 4x4 excursions; the river's course in this section is more suitable for rafting. Further downstream still, in Arriondas, if you've already taken the plunge in a canoe, you can start hiking, exploring the impressive Sierra del Sueve mountain range. In Ribadesella, on the coast, right on the Sella estuary, you should try water sports or hop on a quad bike or a horse; discover the coastal plains, the valleys and surrounding mountains, the beaches…
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
