That's right, this activity, whether practiced in calm waters or in slalom, has awarded no more and no less than 4 of those 17 medals, with three golds and one bronze. And this, well, it doesn't cause us to get bitten and want to practice it. Hence today's topic.
And Spain is a perfect place to get on the kayak or canoe. Perhaps that is also why the success in Brazil. And we have various inland areas, in addition to 8,000 kilometers of coast to practice it. A hydrographic network that combines quiet places of unstoppable beauty with others with wilder waters. It is not an easy job and I am sure I left more than one in the pipeline, but we are going to try to navigate through some of the best places to enjoy or understand those medals more closely. Shall we row?
GÁLLEGO RIVER
We move through Aragón, a river that originates in the Pyrenees and becomes one of the largest in our geography, especially in its beginnings. During this channel, calm areas alternate with rougher ones, such as the segment that covers the points of Sabiñánigo and Murillo de Gállego.
The most popular route covers about 12 kilometers and lasts more than 2 hours. Throughout it the difficulty increases, being able to reach grade IV (high), in one of its most violent steps called "The funnel", only suitable for canoeists with a lot of hand.
But it not only stands out for its difficulty, since the Río Gállego offers beautiful panoramic views, such as the flat stone of "Isla Perejil".
NOGUERA PALLARESA
Probably the bravest river in Spain. And at the same time one of the most spectacular, taking into account its birthplace: the Aran Valley. Its most complicated section, which requires great technical knowledge, starts from the Fornet Refuge and ends at the Borén Dam, a route that sets the bar at the level of experienced canoeists.
Even so, its most commercial route covers about 54 kilometers, established between Llavorsí and Figuereta, where we also find intermediate level sections, as well as points that offer a great dose of fun, such as the section that leads from Llavorsí to Rialp.
And we also highlight sections to release all the adrenaline and work the zig zag with our kidneys, such as "El Salto del Ángel" or the rapids in the area known as "El Pastis".
SELLA
The Sella is an ideal option for beginners. A classic, since you have probably heard of this descent, which is marked by its increasing and voluminous beauty as the path progresses. It all begins in the"Fountain of Hell", back in the Picos de Europa and from there every rowing movement is a treat for the eyes. Along the way one comes across dense forests, with the presence of willows, oaks and also ash trees. And blackbirds, salmon and trout surrounding the boat.
This popular route goes from Cangas de Onís to Llovio, which is about 19 kilometers and about 6 hours long, and can be shortened starting from Arriondas. The deepest sections (6 meters) will only guarantee a fun-filled experience.
LONG-LASTING
Born in the Sierra de Guadarrama, it acquires its highest point of beauty in Segovia, when it merges with the "Hoces del Duratón" Natural Park. On board the kayak you will navigate 25 kilometers, full of canyons, rocky areas and ruins, such as monasteries and hermitages, see San Frutos.
But this quiet tour also offers a mystical character through the fauna that flies above us. The vultures and peregrine falcons will be your company, along with the golden eagle and its nests.
Finally, next to the Vencías dam you will find a leisure area with a beach bar to cool off when the Lorenzo gets stronger.
GENIL
And we We move a little further south, where Sierra Nevada contemplates the birth of this river of compulsive character and ignored slope. It is on its descent to Granada where the Genil River shows us its most violent face, only to calm down later once we reach the historic city of the Alhambra.
As we leave Granada behind, the Iznájar dam awaits us at the oars, undoubtedly the largest in the entire Andalusian community and the one that offers us a stretch of tranquility. But it will only be for a moment, because if this route is known for something, it is for the so-called "Black Hole", slipstream steps that raise the heart rate but at the same time do not pose danger. Finally, a piece of advice: if you complete the route and reach Palenciana until you see the bridge, jump!
ULLA RIVER
And from south to north. We surround ourselves with the magic of Galicia and more specifically the Ulla River that offers us diversity. Brave areas with calmer sections, such as"The Route of the Cruceiros". Along the way, the presence of mill dams and dense vegetation stands out.
We have several sections to navigate with the kayak, such as the one that goes from Herbón to Rianxo or the one that takes us from Vedra to Puente de Sarandón. The first is about 12 kilometers and 4 hours and the second is 2 and a half hours for 8 kilometers.
But among all the steps that are especially appreciated is that of "El Lapido", a rapid with a pyramid-shaped stone in its central part that causes a jump of just one meter. Don't worry, in case of man overboard, it's not easy. For the most daring, dare with "El Portugués", level V.
CUEVA D´EN GISPERT
And we are going with this option, more contemplative, in Girona. Ideal for any audience, this route will leave you amazed, because for some reason it has become one of the most popular in our geography.
We leave from Tamariu on a tour that lasts just over 3 hours, as we find ourselves in the largest cave on the Costa Brava, up to 150 meters deep. You will be especially fascinated by the small island that we find in the central room called "Taula" and on which you can sit.
Sierra Nevada contemplates the birth of this river of compulsive character and ignored slope. It is on its descent to Granada where the Genil River shows us its most violent face, only to calm down later once we reach the historic city of the Alhambra.
As we leave Granada behind, the Iznájar dam awaits us at the oars, undoubtedly the largest in the entire Andalusian community and the one that offers us a stretch of tranquility. But it will only be for a moment, because if this route is known for something, it is for the so-called "Black Hole", slipstream steps that raise the heart rate but at the same time do not pose danger. Finally, a piece of advice: if you complete the route and reach Palenciana until you see the bridge, jump!
ULLA RIVER
And from south to north. We surround ourselves with the magic of Galicia and more specifically the Ulla River that offers us diversity. Brave areas with calmer sections, such as"The Route of the Cruceiros". Along the way, the presence of mill dams and dense vegetation stands out.
We have several sections to navigate with the kayak, such as the one that goes from Herbón to Rianxo or the one that takes us from Vedra to Puente de Sarandón. The first is about 12 kilometers and 4 hours and the second is 2 and a half hours for 8 kilometers.
But among all the steps that are especially appreciated is that of "El Lapido", a rapid with a pyramid-shaped stone in its central part that causes a jump of just one meter. Don't worry, in case of man overboard, it's not easy. For the most daring, dare with "El Portugués", level V.
CUEVA D´EN GISPERT
And we are going with this option, more contemplative, in Girona. Ideal for any audience, this route will leave you amazed, because for some reason it has become one of the most popular in our geography.
We leave from Tamariu on a tour that lasts just over 3 hours, as we find ourselves in the largest cave on the Costa Brava, up to 150 meters deep. You will be especially fascinated by the small island that we find in the central room called "Taula" and on which you can sit.
