One of the most iconic canoeing competitions in the world and the oldest sporting event in Asturias. Every year, on a Saturday in August, thousands of athletes paddle the 20 km separating Arriondas from Ribadesella, cheered on by more than 200,000 spectators along the banks of the Sella.
Born in 1930 at the hand of Dionisio de la Huerta, the International Sella River Descent is the longest-running flatwater canoeing competition in Spanish canoeing history. Every year it attracts the world’s best kayakers and canoeists — from Olympic champions to amateur athletes — alongside a crowd that turns the riverbanks into a continuous 20-km festival.
The side activities begin the Thursday before with the arrival of the peñas in Arriondas and peak on Saturday with the official race start at 11:30.
Festive groups gather in Arriondas. The party atmosphere kicks off.
Folk celebrations, bonfires and music in Arriondas.
The race begins at the Puente de los Piragüistas.
Only tourist start of the day, right after the elite. Special booking with limited capacity.
Finish-line festival and trophy ceremony by the sea.
Official ceremony and Canoeist’s Mass. The weekend wraps up.
The official date depends on the Spanish Canoeing Federation calendar. We confirm each January the edition for the current year.
The course of the International Sella River Descent traces the same river you paddle on your tourist descent — only in its competitive, crowd-packed version.
The best spots to watch the International Sella River Descent are Arriondas (start), the Puente de Llovio (spectacular last rapids) and the finish in Ribadesella.
Recent editions of the flagship category of the International Sella River Descent. We update the table every September after the official ceremony.
| Year | Absolute winners (K2 senior) | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Rodrigo Germade / Diego Romero | 🇪🇸 ESP |
| 2024 | Javier Reja / Adrián Sieiro | 🇪🇸 ESP |
| 2023 | Walter Bouzán / Manuel Vargas | 🇪🇸 ESP |
| 2022 | Walter Bouzán / Manuel Vargas | 🇪🇸 ESP |
| 2021 | Íñigo Peña / Pedro Vázquez | 🇪🇸 ESP |
Source: Spanish Canoeing Federation · For the full record since 1930, see the Wikipedia entry.
Right after the elite professional start, the river opens to tourist descent. A single departure of the day at 12:00, with limited capacity and special conditions — an unrepeatable experience living the atmosphere of Asturias’ biggest day.
Only with online prepayment. Reservations open weeks ahead and close 2 days before the event. Spots usually sell out before that week.
Vehicle traffic into town closes at 10:00. The streets are pedestrianised and private vehicles cannot enter. If you arrive late, you will not be able to drive in and would miss the activity.
We welcome you at our base, hand over the gear and you leave your car in the private guarded parking until the end of the activity in the afternoon. All sorted, no scrambling for parking in the crowd.
Only one start on the day of the International, right after the elite professional race has passed. No other slots are possible that day — that is why capacity is limited.
Important: we work by prior booking only. No walk-in service — this is how we secure your spot and a personalised service.
It will be
the best day
of your holiday
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