For over twenty years, it has been possible to enjoy the Adapted Sella Descent for people with disabilities, organized by the Federation of Sports for People with Physical Disabilities of the Principality of Asturias (FEDEMA) in collaboration with various public bodies and companies. The event for people with disabilities takes place on the weekend before the International Descent of the Sella.
The route starts in Arriondas and ends in Llovio. It covers a total stretch of fifteen kilometers. The first ten kilometers are non-competitive, designed to enjoy the experience. At that point, all the canoes regroup and there is a refreshment station. The last five kilometers of the descent are competitive, and you can choose whether or not to complete them. This section runs from Llordón to the Llovio bridge.
The Adapted Sella Descent is organized according to the severity of the disability. There is a Category A, which includes participants with milder injuries, and a Category B, in which wheelchair users are the main protagonists.
The canoes used are two-person models (“Sella” type adapted for people with disabilities). The Escuela Asturiana de Piragüismo is the active tourism company that provides these adapted canoes and offers all participants access to its facilities, equipment, and extensive experience in canoeing the Sella River.
People with reduced mobility must be accompanied by another person without a disability so that, in the event of capsizing, they have the autonomy to reach the nearest shore safely, without putting any of the participants at risk. There is also the possibility for two people with disabilities to share the same canoe, provided that the level of injury of both ensures their ability to complete the Descent, and with prior authorization from the organizers.
If you’re considering taking part in this activity, visit the FEDEMA website.
👉 Get inspired by these photos of the adapted Sella River descent!
tag: descent of the sella adapted
