Canoeing in Catalonia

Canoeing is an increasingly popular way of doing sports or enjoying nature. It is an aquatic sport that is realized using a small light boat and moving it with the aid of a paddle. There are different modalities that differ according to the number of people who propel the watercraft (one, two or four) or of the surface on which the activity is carried out (river, lake, artificial channel, sea). The most common boats used are kayak, propelled by a double bladed paddle, and the canoe, usually propelled by a single paddle. Both the inland and the coasline of Catalonia offer required conditions for practicing canoeing.

The lovers of strong emotions can practice wildwater canoeing. The river Noguera Pallaresa is the cradle of whitewater sports in Catalonia and one of the best rivers in Europe to practice them, especially in spring and summer. Other favorable rivers are Noguera Ribagorçana, Garonne and Segre. The Olympic Park of segre, in La Seu d'Urgell, has a 500m long canal that allows the wildwater canoeing all year round.

If, on the other hand, you prefer to enjoy a pleasant walk and sightseeing, canoeing on flat waters is the perfect solution. In the Banyoles lake we find the ideal characteristics to practice the kayaking. The Olympic Channel of Catalonia, in Castelldefels, built for the celebration of the canoeing races of the Barcelona Olympic Games of 1992, has considerable dimensions and can satisfy the needs of all athletes, amateurs and professionals. The Olympic Park of Segre also has a calm water channel, 800 m long.
Kayaking or canoeing is one of the best ways to get close to nature. Only in this way is it possible to approach the natural areas that are not easily accessible with other means, such as some isolated coves or the Gispert Cave, on the Costa Brava. The tourist descent of the river Ebro is a unique experience that allows you to discover amazing corners such as the spectacular meander of Flix or the entrance to the sea in the Ebro Delta.