Getting back in shape with the 2019 Desgagnés kayak challenge!

August 15 to 18, 2019, Sébastien Poirier, Product Manager, Group Savings and Retirement, and approximately 150 other participants kayaked along the St. Lawrence River between Montreal and Quebec. The goal of the Desgagnés kayak challenge is to raise money for Young Musicians of the World. Sébastien shares his experience.

First of all, thanks!
Because I have access to a gym at work, and support from iA Financial Group, my coworkers, family and friends, I was able to complete the 2019 Desgagnés kayak challenge. I can finally say yes when my doctor asks if I exercise!

What is the Desgagnés kayak challenge?
The kayak challenge consists of kayaking 64 km per day, under secure and professional supervision at all levels. It was an extraordinary human experience! It’s an exceptional experience that focuses on excellence, perseverance and team spirit.

This event is open to everyone: from beginner to advanced kayakers. It is also possible to do half-days. You need to begin training at least three months beforehand, but I began eleven months before. I had a long way to go.

Where did the idea come from?
There were several things that led me to take on this challenge. I wanted to get in shape, discover the St. Lawrence while helping a good cause. I had heard about the challenge for the first time a few years ago, on the radio.

What am I proud of?
I’m proud to be the first to reach and exceed my fundraising objective, complete all legs of the challenge and, most importantly, get in shape. Signing up for the kayak challenge motivated me to train every week.

I have great memories from the challenge, including new friendships. Paddling along the River showed me how important port activity is to the cities and towns along the St. Lawrence. The River is one of the oldest commercial corridors in North America and is still a major commercial thoroughfare to the merchant ships…gigantic merchant ships, as seen from a kayak, that travel along this waterway.

What is the key to success?
Preparation. Discipline. Perseverance. These were the key to me successfully completing the challenge.

In closing
The money I spent participating in this challenge was worth it. When you finish, you feel a sense of accomplishment and you’ve also helped contribute to the personal development of young people from underprivileged areas through free musical activities. We also had the opportunity to attend emotional musical performances.

I invite you to take part in this event if you want to get in shape and have a memorable experience while helping young people develop their self-esteem through music.

P.S. A souvenir video will be produced and available on the challenge’s web page. Until then, you can watch the video from 2018.


Défi kayak Desgagnés | Jeunes musiciens du monde

Performers from the Young Musicians of the World school in Val d’Or, Quebec, performing “La force de l’ours” (strength of the bear) to give us strength before start time.

Sébastien behind the Valero duo, with their bow-ties and lucky mermaid.




Port activity in Trois-Rivières

Yay for waves!




Excellent performance by performers from the Young Musicians of the World Quebec school on the last night.

Arriving in Quebec