Thursday, January 2 around 11:30 a.m., under an overcast sky, a group of six people, water at waist level, progresses in Lake Moutchic, moving forward in a determined manner. They are equipped with full neoprene suits, with gloves and booties.
In this “bath” at 9 degrees, it is not a commando group training, but water walking practitioners. This is also called longe-côte, a discipline which continues to develop in France. At the head of this troop seen on the Canaulais body of water, a lifeguard directs the session. This is Antoine Siaut. In June 2023, he had the idea of launching this activity in the town.
“In a specialist magazine, I came across an article devoted to this sport. I immediately felt that I would like it. I went to train by following an internship. As part of my work organization, it was also a new discipline that could allow me to develop my business, to have several strings to my bow. I work under the status of individual entrepreneur.
The sessions offered by Antoine quickly gained more and more followers. While only a handful of participants registered during the first outings, the sports instructor now has a group of 170 members. During the winter period, three meetings are offered. When the summer season arrives, five slots appear on its schedule.
Reinforcement
On a physical level, the benefits of water walking explain the enthusiasm for this activity. According to Antoine’s analysis, “walking in water allows you to strengthen your muscles with low joint impact. We avoid injuries. It’s only the resistance in the water that matters. As a result, the practice is adapted to all profiles. We also improve our endurance. The sessions last one hour.
Regarding the conditions of practice in the lake in the middle of winter, the educator wants to be reassuring. “With a full suit plus neoprene gloves and booties, you are protected from the cold. It must be taken into account that the movement is constant. We don’t stop. Which helps maintain body heat.”
The other parameter that contributes to the success of longe-côte is the setting in which it is practiced. “Sport in a natural environment, in contact with the elements, provides mental calm and reduces stress,” Antoine further explains. If these sessions take place at the lake, in front of Moutchic beach, they can also take place at the ocean, when the waves are less than one meter. In both cases, we exercise while blending into the environment. The benefit is total.
Antoine Siaut works under the status of individual entrepreneur. He developed his activity in a natural environment and at home
A.S
Contact: Antoine Siaut. Lifeguard. Swimming. Aquagym. Aquaphobia and longe-coast. Such. 07 56 90 68 87.
