LIKE JUSTINE, JUST HAVE FUN!

Although she discovered a passion for open water swimming later in her career, Justine Brousseau is now an exceptional swimmer. She’s fearless. She just eats up the miles, always ready for a new challenge. But she also likes to have fun and share the experience with the people she loves. The Traversée du Lac Tremblant will be an opportunity for her to swim the 15 km as a team.

TLT: Hi Justine. What type of swimmer are you?

JB:  I’m an open water swimmer specializing in ultra-distance events, and I really like it challenging

 conditions. For the past few years, I’ve been following the Marathon Swimmers rules for swimming marathons. So, I swim without a wetsuit and without outside assistance, regardless of the conditions, water temperature or distance.

TLT: Wow, what a challenge! Have you always been a swimmer? How did you get started swimming in open water?

JB: As a child, I wasn’t athletic at all and I certainly wasn’t destined to become an open water swimmer. I led a sedentary lifestyle for many years, and it was in my early thirties that I decided to change my lifestyle. I started swimming in 2010, through triathlon. A few years ago, I decided to focus on long distance swimming and my longest distance to date is 46 km.

TLT: What would you say to swimmers who would like to get started? Can you start at any age?

JB: Get started! It’s a beautiful and inclusive sport that really doesn’t have to be complicated. All ages and all  body types are welcome! There’s no right or wrong time to start, so why wait?

TLT: What do you think is the difference between open water swimming and pool swimming?

JB: Swimming in open water is definitely different from swimming in a pool. In the pool, there is a line on the bottom, a corridor, a wall to turn. In open water, each outing is different with the waves, the wind, the conditions. It’s much more diverse and time goes by much faster!

TLT: What do you like about open water swimming?

JB: I love being in the water; it’s where I feel at home. Swimming in open water gives me an immense sense of freedom and I feel connected to nature! I love having new experiences and I learn something new with each outing. In addition, there are distances for everyone. Each person can choose a distance that suits them.

TLT: How do you prepare for an open water swimming event?

JB: I swim pretty much all year round. I swim a lot in the pool with a mix of speed and endurance work. I add regular open water outings whenever possible. In the weeks leading up to an event, I go on long swims, gradually lengthening the distance from week to week.

TLT: How far will you be swimming at the Traversée du Lac Tremblant this year? Can you give us some advice on preparing for such a distance?

JB:  I will most likely do the 15K as a team to share this moment with people I love. I mostly do solo crossings, but I really like the idea of sharing an event with a team! If I have any advice for swimmers participating in the Traversée, it is to swim as much as possible in open water. To be comfortable in different conditions, you must do several workouts in open water and get out of your comfort zone when training! Also, practice with the equipment and nutrition you will use on the day of the event. Finally, on the day of the Traversée, have fun! Yes, we swim as a challenge, but also to have fun.

TLT: You want to pay tribute to the first women who swam in open water. Can you tell us about this project?

JB: For several months now, I’ve been developing the project of an historical re-enactment celebrating the pioneers of long-distance swimming, including Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to cross the English Channel in 1926. Swimming at the Traversée du Lac Tremblant will be a great opportunity to test the wool jersey of the 1920s and motorcycle goggles that were used before the invention of swimming goggles!

TLT: Great! We can’t wait to see that this summer! Do you have an anecdote to tell us that happened during one of your open water trips?

JB: When I decided to dedicate myself to long-distance swimming, the first event I signed up for was called the Big Swim. It was a crossing of the Northumberland Strait, approximately 15 km between New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. The days before the event I was hyper stressed to the point of being sick all night, the day before departure. On the morning of the crossing, weather conditions were unfavourable, a thunderstorm developed, and the crossing had to be cancelled for safety reasons. I was so disappointed… That’s when I realized that the starting line is not a stressful threat, but rather a privilege. This experience redefined how I deal with my stress before the start, and today, when I am stressed before jumping into the water, I look back on that moment and refocus on what is important: the privilege of starting the race and the pleasure of swimming.

 

Follow Justine and be part of the adventure at the Traversée du Lac Tremblant!

Choose your challenge: 1 km Desjardins, 2 km, 3 km, 5 km, 10 km, 15 km ULTRASWIM or 15 km Team.

 
 
 
 
/by

LIKE ILDIKO, ENJOY THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE

Read more
/by

FOLLOW ANTOINE’S EXAMPLE: SWIM THE WILDERNESS

Triathlete and ultra-marathoner, Antoine Jolicoeur Desroches practices open water swimming as part of his sports routine. This year, he will swim the 5 km of the Traversée du Lac Tremblant. Discover his athlete’s tips to prepare for your summer challenge.

TLT: Hello Antoine! What type of swimmer are you?

AJD:I’d say that I‘m first and foremost a triathlete, but I like to challenge myself in sports such as doing ultra-marathons or open water competitions.

TLT: When and how did you get into open water swimming?

AJD:I’ve been doing triathlon for over 15 years, so I’ve been training in open water for a long time. I did my first open water competition, a 10 km in Magog about ten years ago, then I took part in two 5 km in recent years, but my biggest open water competition was the 12 km Traversée du Lac Tremblant last year. I really enjoyed my experience, and it made me want to participate in other open water events.

TLT: What would you say to swimmers who would like to get started?  Why do you think one should swim in open water?

AJD:Open water swimming is a very beautiful sport. There are distances for all levels or for all preferences.  Swimming in open water is really different than swimming in a pool. You feel free, you don’t need to count your lengths, so it’s much more relaxing. I would say that open water swimming versus pool swimming is a bit like trail running versus road running. It’s a much more enjoyable experience.

TLT: What do you particularly like about open water swimming?

ADJ: I like the fact that it’s as much a physical challenge as it is a mental one. In my opinion, the mental aspect is even more important than in a triathlon, cycling or running competition, since there are far fewer distractions. Your head’s in the water, and you have to keep at it, even when it’s difficult, when you’re tired and your muscles are sore. Also, I love training in open water. I find it very relaxing. There’s a feeling of freedom that you don’t find when swimming in a pool.

Credit photo: Alexandra Côté-Durrer

TLT: Okay! At the Traversée du Lac Tremblant we like to think that swimming in open water is like swimming the wilderness. Besides, going from the pool to the lake requires special preparation. How are you preparing for an open water swimming event?

ADJ: Most of the year I swim with the Université de Sherbrooke swim team, but when the open water swimming season starts, I add a few open water sessions to my training. I do long sessions continuously or more specific workouts in open water, for example, sessions with long intervals between 750 m and 1500 m. If I am preparing for a 5 km, after a warm-up I could do a 4 x 1000 m session at swimming speed with a little rest between each interval.

TLT: How far will you swim at the Traversée du Lac Tremblant? Can you give us some advice on preparing for such a distance?

ADJ: I’m going to swim the 5 km. It is important to swim continuously for a long time without taking breaks. Swimming 1 hour continuously in open water is not the same as swimming 1 hour in the pool since you cannot take breaks to rest.

If you’re thinking of swimming with a wetsuit, it’s important to train with the wetsuit, since the feeling in the water is not the same. Your shoulders will probably feel more tired. Also, remember to use “Body Glide” so that your wetsuit doesn’t irritate your neck when you’re swimming for a long time.

Also, if you’re doing a long open water event, it’s important to follow your race nutrition strategy as well as your pre-race nutrition strategy. Never eat foods that you’re not used to eating on your race day.

Finally, don’t forget the mental aspect. Personally I prepare mantras, words or phrases that I repeat to myself during the competition. Also, I visualize the race days before the competition.

TLT: Thank you for the great advice! Do you have an anecdote to tell us from one of your open water exploits?

AJD: Yes! My first open water competition was a 10 km that I decided to do at the last minute. Right from the start, water started to get into my glasses and since I wear contact lenses, I had a lot of trouble seeing the buoys. Also, I hadn’t brought enough food. After only 1/3 of the race, I had no more food. Moreover, it started raining very hard and there were big waves. I was hungry, cold and had no energy, but I finished anyway. It was a very difficult competition, but I learned a lot from my mistakes. Afterwards, I told myself I would never do an open water competition again, but a few hours later I already wanted to get back into open water!

TLT: Haha! For sure, after you’ve been swimming in open water, it is difficult not to go back again… Thank you Antoine, we can’t wait to see you this summer at the Traversée du Lac Tremblant!

Credit photo : Alexandra Côté-Durrer

Follow Antoine and be part of the adventure at the Traversée du Lac Tremblant! Choose your challenge: 1 km Desjardins, 2 km, 3 km, 5 km, 10 km, 15 km ULTRASWIM or 15 km Team.

/by

TLT BECOMES A WOWSA CERTIFIED EVENT

 

The Traversée du Lac Tremblant is proud to announce that our event has been selected by the World Open Water Swimming Association to be part of its exclusive Certified Events selection. Symbol of excellence, this distinction marks the best open water swimming events around the world.

From August 3 to 6, 2023, more than 1,000 swimmers will plunge into the crystal-clear water of Lac Tremblant for the 4th edition of the Traversée du Lac Tremblant. To each their own challenge, there is a distance for everyone: 1 km Desjardins, 2 km, 3 km, 5 km, 10 km, 15 km ULTRASWIM and TEAM 15 km.

As part of the WOWSA Certified Event certification, all swimmers who have participated in the Traversée du Lac Tremblant 2023 will receive a diploma certifying their achievement for each chosen distance. You, too, can be part of the WOWSA family by participating in the Traversée du Lac Tremblant!

 

Credit @Tremblant

/by

Like Normand, take up the challenge

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.

/by

For Greg, every swim is a new adventure

We are getting ready for the 2021 edition of the Traversée du Lac Tremblant | Ultraswim Canada! We want to give a voice to our athletes who will be participating is the Traversée from August 13th to 15th. For Greg MacPherson, who will be swimming the 12 Km distance, expectations are to have fun, enjoy the spectacle and try to improve on past times. 

Hi Greg! What type of swimmer are you? How did you start open water swimming?

I learned to swim in the ocean at an early age. We lived in an area with lots of beaches and that is where I spent most summers. I didn’t swim in a pool until I was in my mid teens when I joined a swim club. I went on to swim at the University level and then on to a number of Masters Swim clubs. It wasn’t until we moved to Mont Tremblant several years ago that I re-discovered open water swimming.

What do you like about in open water swimming?

How much time do you have? Swimming through pristine water surrounded by nature and accompanied by amazing swim buddies is a true pleasure. Every swim is a new adventure filled with a sense of freedom, awe and challenge. It is accelerating and humbling at the same time.

How do you prepare for an open water swim?

I swim with the Masters Swim program in Mont Tremblant to keep in swimming shape. So event prep is about working more specifically on nutrition, working with my kayaker and building up my physical endurance for long swims. Mental prep is equally important so you have to put in the time in the water. Also swimming with a supportive/competitive group of friends is a big motivational asset for me.

Is the 2021 edition your first your first with the Traversée du Lac Tremblant? What are your expectations for this swim?

No, not my first rodeo. My expectations are to have fun, enjoy the show and try to improve on past times.

Would you like to tell us an anecdote about something that happened to you while you were swimming in open water?

No encounters with dolphins or orcas… I’m just really happy everytime I take that first plunge.

/by

Marianne, the mermaid who thinks big

We are getting ready for the 2022 edition of the Traversée du Lac Tremblant | Ultraswim Canada! We want to give the floor to our athletes who will be participating is the Traversée from August 3rd to 7th. Marianne Dupuy, 12 years old from Prévost, will be swimming the 1 km distance. She will be among the youngest swimmers of the event. 

Hi Marianne! What swimmer are you? How did you start open water swimming?

Since I was very young, I’ve always enjoyed water.  I am now a synchronized swimming athlete.  I practice swimming in all its forms, even the 30 meter crossing without breathing.  It’s called the under-water. I started open water swimming in my lake : the Lake René in Prévost, Quebec. Certainly my favorite place is the see.  It’s the mermaid in me! 

What do you like in open water swimming?

I like to be in contact with nature. I even three aquariums at home. I fall asleep every night looking at my fishes. In short, looking at them in a lake or the sea is even better. My feet in the sand and running towards the water is a feeling of complete freedom. 

How do you prepare for an open water swimming event?

Taking on challenges is in my nature. I love the feverishness of the competitions. In other words, to be quicker than my mother when she swims from dock to dock is my goal. I was training 15 hours per week at the swimming pool before covid, now that has considerably decreased.  The event of La   traversée du lac Tremblant will be for me a comeback to this kind of activity after almost 2 years.

Is La Traversée du Lac Tremblant 2021 your first edition? What are your expectations for this edition?

Yes, it will be my first time, without gelatine in my hair, glitters and makeup. A big change! I want to get the finish line and make my family proud.

Would you like to tell us an anecdote that happened to you while you were swimming in open water?

I was the first one to jump in the lake at the beginning of May 2020, all dressed up in a freezing water. I suppose that all the nearby residents have heard my scream when I jumped. And all of that, just to be the first one to bathe in 2020 in the lake René!

Photos: Mélanie Michaud

/by