The beginning of RocRoi is located in the town of Llavorsí, a small town in the Pyrenees where the most imposing river of Pallars Sobirà takes place: the Noguera Pallaresa river.
The Noguera Pallaresa river is considered one of the most spectacular in Spanish territory thanks to the great conservation that keeps it almost intact.
The diverse fauna and flora that accompany it is also a great point in its favor.
And finally, and of course, itsjumps, rapids and waves that make this river one of the main attractions in the area for practicing rafting.
It is here where the Rabaneda brothers realized their great possibilities. Born in Llavorsí, decided to take a step forward and turn their daily fun (kayaking and river boating) into a business.
And that’s how it all started, although in this post we will talk about the river more than history, and the Noguera Pallaresa river is a class III river. You know what that means? Keep reading.
Classes of rivers in Spain (and the world!)
We feel very fortunate for the great diversity of options that we find in our country to practice river descents. Either in the High Pyrenees Natural Park, the Ordesa Natural Park, in Cantabria, Galicia or Andalusia.
In all these places we find rivers of both class III and IV and even sections of V. Keep reading to know the dfiferences between classes of rivers:
Class I rivers (Easy):
In these rivers the waters move fast but almost without waves or rapids. All the obstacles that you can find (rocks, jumps) are very noticeable and can be overcome with great ease.
There is no risk of tipping over and you can swim out of the water without much effort.
Class II rivers (Beginner):
In this class of rivers the rapids and rocks are easily perceptible and short, although it will often be necessary to maneuver to jump them.
The channels are wide and clear with easy access and if there is any overturn of the boat, with assistance you can get back into the boat without problems.
Some stretches of the Tajo river, in Castilla La Mancha, are considered this level, and depending on the season, it can reach class III.
Class III rivers (Intermediate):
These rivers have rocks and intermediate level waterfalls with some sections more difficult for guides to navigate.
The waves are big but easy to maneuver.
Waves can also be found in some areas of the river, and, although the boat can overturn, with the help of the other members of the boat, it can be raised again without problems.
In this classification we can locate the river Noguera Pallaresa (Catalonia), the Gállego river (Aragon) or the Guadalfeo river (Andalusia).
Class IV rivers (Advanced):
On these rivers we find intense but predictable rapids and the guides can easily handle the boat.
The waves are big and there are eddies, that is why the guide must be attentive to make quick turns and evasive maneuvers.
The boat can overturn, but with the help of the rest of the members of the boat, it will be possible to get back into the boat relatively easily.
Some class IV rivers in Spain can be the Esca river in Navarra or the Deza river in Galicia.
Class V rivers (Expert):
Here we are already facing a high-risk type of river with extremely large and violent rapids. These rapids are usually not predictable, so the guide must be especially attentive to maneuvers.
The passes are narrow and complex, while the river is very dynamic and of high intensity.
In this category, the rivers of the Aragonese Pyrenees and the Ordesa Natural Park, such as the Cinca river, the Ésera river or the Ara river, dominate.
Worldwide, highlight the Futaleufú river in Patagonia with waves of almost 6 meters (incredible!)
Why choose the Pyrenees
In short, as you can read, it is not necessary to travel a lot to find authentic wonders to practice descents on the river, whether by boat, kayak or another discipline such as riberboarding.
And most of them are located between the Catalan and Aragonese Pyrenees, very well preserved natural parks and waiting for your arrival to enjoy adventure and adrenaline to the fullest among spectacular landscapes.
And now, how about starting to explore all the possibilities for rafting in the Noguera Pallaresa?
Find here all rafting offers in Llavorsí.
Update: 22/03/2024
