Val-d’Oise: Around a hundred swimmers descended the Oise

» Look mom, they look like dolphins! » Passing on the banks of the Oisethis little boy suddenly stopped when he saw bodies passing by undulating in the waters of the river.

The participants of the Descent of the Oise surprised others on the morning of 1^er may. This ordeal which was going through its 30^e editing remains confidential, but seduces from the first glance. “I didn’t expect to see that and I’m admiring, especially since the water must not be very hot,” says Pierre, another surprised onlooker.

137 swimmers

His temperature was 11°C when the bodies covered in suits left the Boran-sur-Oise lock (Oise) to browse the 6.2 km until Beaumont-sur-Oise bridge (Val d’Oise). » This race is always held on May 1 to avoid navigation on the Oise,” recalled Fabien Wexsteen, president of the Subaqua Club Persan Beaumont (Scpb), the organizing club which has around a hundred members. » We are happy to have welcomed so many people for this anniversary edition. » 137 swimmersof which 54 womencoming from 24 Ile-de-France clubs, completed the journey, with monofin or double fin and pressed a float for some people.

Swimming in white water is complicated and it’s the mind that speaks.

Performance

In less than an hour, Charles Dubuc (51 years old), from the Houilles-Carrières-sur-Seine (Yvelines) nautical club, crossed the finish line in first position and having gone it alone. “I found that the conditions were good and with the current I set off quickly from the start,” said the man who was twice world master champion (2019 and 2022). » Swimming in white water is complicated and it’s the mind that speaks. We stay with our heads underwater for a long time and see nothing. You have to keep your concentration so as not to get lost. “

First of the Subaqua Club Persan Beaumont on arrival, the young Antoine Noël-Hérault (18 years old) was all smiles. » I had difficulty finding my rhythm due to the coolness of the water, but I beat my record by covering the distance in 58 minutes,” explained the sports diving specialist.

Completed contract

For the organizers, the contract was also fulfilled. “Our ordeal lasts over time for its convivial side that we strive to maintain,” underlined Fabien Wexsteen.

Thierry RAYNAL

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