Frequently Asked Questions about the Sella River Descend
In this FAQ post about the Sella Relegation, you'll find some of the most common questions. If you still have questions, write to us or send us a WhatsApp message:
- When is the Sella 2021 International Descent?
- How long does it take to make the descent of Sella?
- How long does the Sella Descent last?
- What is the Sella Descent?
- What clothes to wear on the Sella Descent
- How many people canoes are there in Sella?
- The Sella Descent is Dangerous
- Can children do the Sella Descent?
- Dogs can be taken down
The Sella International Descent, also known as the Les Piragües festival, is held on the first Saturday in August. In 2021, it is held on August 7 and runs between the towns of Arriondas and Ribadesella along the Asturian river Sella.
The origin of the Sella canoe descent is a 20-km competitive race known as the "Sella International Descent," which is why it has become one of the most popular activities in northern Spain. A fun experience to enjoy adventure and nature.
Its founder was Dionisio de la Huerta, who first canoed down the Piloña River in 1931 with some friends after having done so the previous two years. Since that feat, the route has become popular, and an international competition is held each year, which counts toward the World Canoeing Championship. The recreational descent of the Piloña River takes between two and five hours.
The time depends on the kilometers you want to travel and the stops you make along the riverbank. If you didn't stop at any time and rowed at a leisurely pace, you would cover 6 kilometers in approximately one hour. You can check the schedules and how the Descent is organized in this link. He route of the Sella Descent From Arriondas to Llovio (Ribadesella), it's a 16 km walk that you can do at leisure, stopping to eat, swim, visit a beach bar, and take photos. You'll have between 3 and 5 hours to complete it, which you'll find is plenty of time.
If you get tired and want to abandon either option, you can get off at our Omedina stop, having covered 13 km on the long route and 9 km on the short route.
You choose whether you want to descend like a professional canoeist, breaking records as if you were being chased by a Tyrannosaurus, or if you prefer to stop and enjoy the scenery, both leisurely and entertaining.
When you arrive, we'll be waiting for you on the riverbank to take you back to our offices. If you'd like, you can also take a hot shower, visit the Ribadesella silver mine, and enjoy a well-deserved rest!
- Swimwear or wet clothes, a t-shirt, and comfortable shoes or booties (preferably attached to the foot) that can get wet because even if you don't intend to, it's easy to get wet or even fall into the water.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a towel to dry off or simply sit on the riverbank you like best.
- For slightly cool days, a raincoat or windbreaker is best.
- A change of clothes in case you want to change after the activity. You can leave them in the free lockers available at our facilities.
You can also take a nice hot shower at the end of the activity. - Toiletry bag
- You can bring additional food and drinks in addition to your chosen picnic, but keep in mind that everything must fit into the 24L watertight container.
- There are beach bars serving food and drinks along the Sella, so don't forget to bring some cash.
- For online reservations, Your printed or on-screen ticket, along with the ID of the person in whose name the reservation was made. If you have any questions, remember that you can always call us and we will assist you by phone.
- If you booked by phone or in person, you can pay just before the activity begins, either by cash or card.
- And although we don't recommend using technology while descending, you'll definitely want to at least have a cell phone with you to take some photos or call us if you need to.
The most important thing: I'm looking forward to an unforgettable day! Canoes can be 1, 2, or even 3-seaters. 3-seater canoes are for a maximum of 2 adults and a child weighing no more than 35/40 kg, as weight and coordination affect forward movement. The middle passenger in a 3-seater canoe doesn't carry a paddle, as it's uncomfortable.
You can choose the type of canoe to be used at the time of booking.
If you come with a 45 kg child, for example, you'll have to go down in a double canoe and a single canoe. We'll automatically assign a single canoe to odd-numbered groups. Absolutely not.
Although the Sella canoe descent isn't a simple boat ride, you must heed the instructors' recommendations. The activity isn't dangerous, but don't forget that you're in a natural environment and will encounter currents, rocks, tree branches, and that, just like you, there are hundreds of canoes with inexperienced people trying to do the same thing.
It's best to go slowly, not jump into the water from a height without knowing the depth, and not get out of the canoe without first approaching the shore.
If you capsize, don't worry. The life jacket (which is mandatory) helps you float. From there, calmly pick up your paddle and water bottle (in case it fell), and let yourself be carried to the nearest shore. Don't try to swim vigorously, as it will be of little use and you could hit your feet on a rock. The only danger is getting nervous. Canoeing down the Sella River is one of the most popular adventure activities in eastern Asturias. No one wants to miss this experience. It consists of paddling down the Sella River aboard a rental canoe or kayak from the municipality of Arriondas to the municipality of Ribadesella. The route, or distance in kilometers, is free and varies between 16 and 9 km.
Sports, nature, and fun to enjoy alone or with friends, your partner, or your family. A very safe, relaxing, and easy route to enjoy alone or with your friends.
It's open to children ages 5 and up, provided they are accompanied by at least one adult. You can check out our personalized tips if you're coming:
Descent of the Sella with children is an experience highly recommended to enjoy with the family A water activity in the heart of nature. We know that water, splashing around, and nature are the environments children enjoy the most. If you want to enjoy the experience, it's important for parents to consider whether your children enjoy this type of activity. If they can swim properly and defend themselves in the water, then it's time to take the plunge.
As for the age minimumThere is no legally recognized age for descending the Sella River, so active tourism companies use a combination of logic and experience, taking into account different factors and setting the cut-off point at 6 years or 1.15 meters in height.
You can check out our personalized advice in the section Descent of the Sella with children Rafting the Sella with dogs is an activity neither you nor your pet will forget, a place to enjoy the outdoors, nature, and water. If your dog accompanies you on your trip, you can perfectly bring him or her along for the Sella canoe trip.
Simply You should consider whether your canine adventure companion is ready to do so so as not to get any surprises during the canoe trip.
You can check out our personalized advice in the section Descent of Sella with dogs
