Physical preparation for hydrospeed: How to avoid fatigue and what equipment you need to master the Noguera Pallaresa
No prior experience is needed for a 9km hydrospeed descent, but it's essential to be a strong swimmer and have basic physical stamina, as your legs will propel the board. To combat fatigue and the cold water, we'll equip you with an aerodynamic hydrosled, diving fins, and a premium wetsuit up to 7mm thick with reinforced knee and shin protection.
You are the engine: What physical preparation does hydrospeed require?
Unlike rafting, where the effort is shared among the entire raft crew, in hydrospeeding you are the sole engine of your craft. Submerged in the water and supported by the hydrosled, propulsion and changes of direction depend directly on the constant fluttering of your legs.
To excel on the advanced 9km section (Yeti - Gulleri) and avoid premature fatigue, you don't need to be an elite athlete, but you do need to meet certain requirements and prepare adequately:
Knowing how to swim is non-negotiable: You must be comfortable in deep water and fast currents, able to put your head underwater without panicking.
Cardiovascular and leg endurance: Your lower body will be constantly moving. Practicing fin swimming in a pool, cycling, or continuous running in the weeks leading up to your adventure will give you the necessary stamina to enjoy the 9km without muscle fatigue.
Minimum Age and Strength: Due to the physical demands of the currents, the minimum age for this section is 14 to 15 years old (always accompanied by a responsible adult), thus ensuring that the participant has the necessary finning strength.
The Secret of Our Equipment: Why do we use wetsuits up to 7mm thick?
One of the most common fears when facing hydrospeed is the cold and the impact with rocks on the riverbed. This is where we differentiate ourselves from other companies that use standard equipment.
So that your only concern is the adrenaline rush, we provide you with high-end technical equipment:
Reinforced wetsuit (5 to 7mm): It is much thicker than a commercial surfing or canyoning wetsuit, since in hydrospeed you are fully submerged. It has extra padded protection in high-friction areas, such as the shins and knees, preventing any scrapes against the rocks. Hypothermia is the biggest enemy of this sport, so this thickness guarantees your thermal comfort.
The Hydro Sled: An aerodynamic polyurethane board that not only keeps you afloat and allows you to glide surfing the waves, but also acts as a protective shield for your torso and head against river obstacles.
Fins, helmet, and life jacket: Fins are vital for your maneuverability in whitewater. The helmet and life jacket (which cushions impacts and keeps you afloat if you let go of the board) complete your river armor.
Water technique: Follow the lead of your "River Leader"
Our 9km experience is strategically designed. The first 3km are on calm waters, serving as a real-time training ground.
Here, our professional guides (experienced kayakers) will teach you vital techniques: turns, capsizes, and most importantly, how to recover your position. Once you've mastered this phase, we enter the continuous rapids. The golden rule for avoiding exhaustion and paddling safely is simple: always follow the wake and line set by the lead guide, as they read the river to avoid rocks and find the smoothest route.
Post-descent comfort: Your reward
The most intense adventure demands the best rest. After tackling technical rapids like "La Sirga" or "Salto del Ángel," our transport will pick you up and take you directly to our base of operations.
There, you won't have to change in the car. You'll have exclusive access to hot showers, spacious changing rooms, private parking, and a bar area with a terrace to recharge and share the best moments of the descent with your fellow rafters.