This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
Have you ever come across these curious individuals who evolve with elegance, standing on the waters, their distant gaze defying the horizon? After an afternoon of initiation, it will be up to you to join the ever-increasing number of paddle board enthusiasts!
1. Discover a hobby combining physical activity and relaxation
Paddle board, paddle board or SUP (for stand up paddle), call it what you want, but the fact remains that it is a long board that is as much a windsurfer (without the sail) as a canoe (without the benches). It appeared in 2006 in Quebec, to really take off four years ago, says Hugo Lavictoire, director of Kayak sans frontières (KSF) and trainer Pagaie Canada, which organizes various activities not far from the Lachine rapids. Standing on the smooth water of the water reservoir where the geese frolic, we spin noiselessly, a bit like a gondolier in Venice. A very complete hobby, which works the whole body, from the arms to the legs.
2. Correct bad reflexes (and learn the good ones)
We come there as a couple, with friends or even with family, to find ourselves in a group of about ten people, supervised by a specialist in white water sports. Some are here to improve, but most are beginners. Sandrine, our instructor, begins by addressing the theoretical aspects, from the most basic to the most technical: how to transport your board and put it in the water, adapt and hold your paddle, or even turn quickly. To learn, you often have to start by unlearning, and kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts will have to forget their reflexes to discover a very specific way of paddling.
3. Experiment (relaxed)
During the two hours of initiation, Sandrine takes the time to make us do and redo the basic exercises, so that everyone feels ready to move on to the final test, the descent of the river. In this basin, only separated from the main course of the St. Lawrence by buoys, and large enough to practice comfortably, you try new positions, test your balance and fall to learn how to get back on his board quickly. It is possible to isolate yourself from the group with a few strokes of the oar, and treat yourself to a meditative experience on the water, or even to combine paddle boarding and yoga.
4. Rediscover the St. Lawrence (at your own pace)
It is now time to jump into the shuttle which drops us off three kilometers further up the river. The St. Lawrence can be dangerous, but Sandrine wants to be reassuring, and explains to us how to manage the eddies that adjoin the famous “Guy’s wave”, well known to surfers. After the launch, it’s off for a half-hour nautical hike, which will mix contemplation and adrenaline rushes. Driven by a powerful current, we then discover the river bank from another perspective . The game of birds between the tall reeds is conducive to daydreaming, but the eddies soon punish any lack of vigilance. We finally reach the camp, wet, relaxed and delighted with the experience, with only one idea in mind: to put into practice everything we have learned as soon as possible.
Other places to get SUP
The author was a guest of KSF which offers several initiation packages ranging from $45 to $75. (7770 LaSalle Boulevard, in LaSalle)