Normand Jr Piché, ambassador of the 2023 edition of the Traversée du Lac Tremblant, is preparing for the swim. The first man in the world to swim the 5 continents in less than 80 days, Normand knows something about swimming long distances in extraordinary conditions. Here’s his story.
TLT: Hello Normand. What type of swimmer are you?
NP: I’m a recreational swimmer who swims for fun. Swimming brings me a sense of comfort and fulfillment both mentally and physically.
TLT: When and how did you get into open water swimming?
NP: I grew up on the waterfront. Water sports were part of my childhood and adolescence. I’m at ease in the water, on the water and at the water’s edge. I started swimming in open water in 2009 doing triathlon. I quickly realized that swimming was my favorite discipline and especially the one that gave me the most pleasure.
TLT: It makes me want to dive into the water too! What would you say to swimmers who would like to start? Why open water swimming?
NP: For the feeling of freedom it provides. For the connection with the elements, with everything around us, both in and out of the water.
TLT: What do you particularly like about open water swimming?
NP: I especially like it when there are strong currents and waves. I consider swimming in open water a bit like life, you must continually adapt to the present moment. With each stroke of your arm, you deal with what comes, here and now. In other words, Go with the flow!
Credit @L.Casaburo
TLT: How do you prepare for an open water swimming event?
NP: Living in Montreal, I mostly swim in a pool.
TLT: You are preparing for theTraversée du Lac Tremblant. Long distances don’t scare you! Can you give us some tips on preparing for a long distance?
NP: Honestly, I haven’t attended an event since the pandemic. The 2023 Traversée du Lac Tremblant will mark my return to the water with several swimmers. I haven’t made up my mind yet whether I’m going to do the 5, 10 or 15 Km. However, I see your question as an invitation to take up a challenge, and I like challenges. I’ll make a decision soon. To be continued… ;)
TLT: Do you have an anecdote about one of your open water swims?
NP: Definitely! My very first open water event was at the U.S. Masters Lake George open water swim. I was swimming a 5 Km. The currents were strong; the water was churning. I loved it! It gave me real pleasure. The challenge awakened something unsuspected in me. Let’s say I had a good initiation. In the end, I did a time of 1:23:45… One-two-three-four-five. I saw it as a sign, a logical continuity. A year later, I embarked on the 5 continents swimming adventure.
Credit @AC-Roberge
TLT: Thank you Normand. We look forward to seeing you this summer at the 2023 edition of the Traversée du Lac Tremblant!
Are you looking for a challenge for this summer as well? Join us at the Traversée du Lac Tremblant! Registration is open and there is a distance for everyone: 1 km Desjardins, 2 km, 3 km, 5 km, 10 km, 15 km ULTRASWIM and TEAM 15 km.
