Rubber River was founded in 1986 as a result of the passion for adventure sports and nature of the Dolcet brothers. During the winter, they worked on the iconic ski slopes of Llessui, and in the summer, they became kayak instructors at the Sort canoe school. With the savings from a winter season, they made their dream come true: buying their first rafting boat.
That boat had to come directly from the United States, as there was no rafting market in Europe at that time. A few years later, they were able to purchase them in Paris. Thus began the story of Rubber River, a pioneering company with the aim of showcasing the Pallars Sobirà region from a completely unique perspective: navigating through the heart of the Noguera Pallaresa River.
The beginnings were not easy. The infrastructure was very limited: only helmets and life vests were provided to clients, and the guides had to convince participants that “it wasn’t cold” while they navigated the descent. Moreover, the rafts could carry up to 18 people, and since there was no water agreement in place, during certain times of the year they literally paddled over rocks.
However, after much effort and determination, an agreement was established to regulate the river’s flow. This was a game-changer: activities could now be carried out more safely and professionally, and rafting began to attract more and more visitors. As a result, Pallars Sobirà started to receive tourists during the spring as well, helping to boost the local economy.
Pallars Sobirà was one of the first regions in Spain to embrace rafting, and today, with pride, we can say that Rubber River is the oldest active rafting company in the country, having started alongside the company Aventur, both pioneers in the field.
One of the great advantages of our river is its safety: the route always runs parallel to the road, making access easy and offering peace of mind to both guides and participants. In fact, adventure companies from France and South America have come to practice their activities in our waters.
Rubber River is much more than a rafting company; it’s a story of passion, effort, and a deep love for nature. From the heart of Pallars Sobirà, we continue to work hard to offer unique, personalized, authentic, and unforgettable experiences on the Noguera Pallaresa River, complemented by our welcoming Hotel Florido, where visitors can relax and enjoy a peaceful, comfortable stay after a day of adventure.
