An impressive presence, the St. Lawrence River has long lived in the hearts of those who encounter it, both near and far. The birthplace of Bota Bota, it is also home to the brand\u2019s women\u2019s ice canoe team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2012, Genevi\u00e8ve Emond, President and CEO of Bota Bota, began a partnership with the team, which at the time was looking for a sponsor. It was a perfectly natural collaboration, as Genevi\u00e8ve is passionate about the river and its accessibility. \u201cIt\u2019s been over ten years now that we\u2019ve been with Bota Bota, which allows us to have new canoes and great equipment. We\u2019re very grateful,\u201d say Anne Chabot Bergeron and Karen Paquette, members of the team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ice canoeing is a traditional Quebec extreme sport, practiced between ice and open water, that leaves no one indifferent. At the mercy of natural elements, it is intensely practiced from January to mid-March. Training resumes in September, both on the water and indoors with rowing machines. Paddling techniques and physical endurance are refined before the ice arrives. \u201cWe can practice on frozen lakes. Although their surface is flat and less challenging, it\u2019s a great synchronization exercise.\u201d However, Karen and Anne agree that experiencing the sport in real conditions is how you truly learn it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a very demanding sport over a short period, \u201clife is on pause during race season.\u201d This year, for example, the Bota Bota team is participating in six races. \u201cIt\u2019s one weekend after another\u2026 it never stops!\u201d Based in Quebec City, the team can fully benefit from the local weather conditions, which are perfectly suited to the sport. \u201cSome teams come from abroad specifically to train in the region. That\u2019s where the churning of water and ice happens. It\u2019s also where the river is the least forgiving.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many challenges involved in keeping the team running. \u201cEach person has to make sacrifices for it to work. The river is rough, it\u2019s hard. We\u2019re truly a group of passionate women. We choose to be there every time.\u201d In 2020, COVID fractured the group. \u201cSeveral team members spread out across Quebec, and everyone had children.\u201d Motherhood was added to the list of challenges, but not without the full support of their life partners, ready to back them completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, the group has welcomed new faces following a merger with another team to expand their pool of athletes. That\u2019s how Anne and Karen found themselves reunited after several years apart, a joy they share, along with their enthusiasm. This camaraderie fully defines this women\u2019s team of 11 members. \u201cIt\u2019s almost unique now to be a 100% women\u2019s team,\u201d they explain. \u201cWith the mixed category, many women\u2019s teams have become mixed teams. We chose to stay as we are, and we\u2019re proud of it.\u201d With current statistics showing a decline in sports participation among teenage girls, these athletes proudly demonstrate that it\u2019s possible to take up the sport at any age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The St. Lawrence River is an incomparable companion. \u201cIt\u2019s a landmark. When I come back to Quebec City, I inevitably go sit by the river, no matter the weather or season,\u201d explains Karen. \u201cWhen you\u2019re close to it, you live by the rhythm of its tides. You have to adapt to the river, it\u2019s a strength and a constant presence that\u2019s always there.\u201d It is also a tangible reminder of nature\u2019s unpredictable temperament. \u201cAs we see all its colors, we come to it with growing respect,\u201d Anne says with a smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n