Canoeing: ‘Push the Limit’ around Mahé in less than a day |13 November 2023

A souvenir photo before the challenge

Frederick Ladouceur sets new record with Push the Limit challenge

Frederick Ladouceur De Speville took almost 15 hours to complete the gruelling challenge of paddling around Mahé in a canoe on Saturday. The time has gone down as a national record and personal best for Ladouceur over a distance of 45,000 nautical miles.

President Wavel Ramkalawan congratulated Ladouceur following his successful completion of the charity challenge to paddle around Mahé in a canoe in less than a day to raise funds for the St Mary's Hospital on La Digue.

"Congratulations Frederick on the successful completion of the 'Push the limit' challenge for a very important cause – St Mary's Hospital on La Digue. This is the type of true determination and courage that our children should aspire to emulate. On behalf of the country and on my personal behalf I wish to convey our sincere appreciation and congratulations to you. Well done! You are an example to our youths."

Surrounded by friends from the former National Youth Service, members of the Seychelles women’s volleyball team, the media team and a member from the Powerboats and Jet Ski Association, members of his Push the Limit team and other people who wanted to witness history in the making at the Marine Charter, Ladouceur received blessings from Deacon Louis Agathine in the presence of Vice-President Ahmed Afif before setting off to Push the Limit around Mahé in a canoe.

He paddled down south towards Baie Lazare before reaching the western side of Mahé and despite some strong currents he continued his trip to Anse Diri in Bel Ombre where he took a two-hour break.

After receiving the green light from the medical team to continue with his race, Ladouceur resumed his race and paddled his way up the northern coast of Mahé to reach the starting point despite having to take two quick water breaks to rehydrate himself as fatigue had started to settle in on him.

He was cheered and praised by fans, family members, by-standers who were on the docks, while officers of the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency showered him with water cannons indicating the completion of his journey.

Ladouceur had become the first man to achieve the feat of paddling around Mahé in less than a day.

Speaking to the media Mr Ladouceur said all funds generated from this challenge will go to patients of the St Mary’s hospital on La Digue.

He added that he had prepared for this journey for a year, but it was still not easy as he faced strong currents throughout the race.

“We began preparing intensively a year earlier and by observing all the factors on hand we were ready to proceed with the challenge today. One hour before departure time, things changed drastically, as there were strong currents from all sides but as our motto says ‘Push the Limit’ I was determined to go on with the race despite the disadvantage faced,” said Ladouceur.

With the massive support from the public and sponsors who were behind him and who made it possible to attempt the challenge, Ladouceur said he might embark on a second challenge.

Hours after the race, Ladouceur said he had fully recuperated and was given the greenlight by a sports medical doctor who had come from abroad.

“From my journey I have lost four kilogrammes in just one day and I was advised by the doctor to drink six litres of fluid. Apart from that I am not feeling any body ache.

Vice-President Ahmed Afif, who followed Ladouceur in his own boat from Bel Ombre to Marine Charter, described the achievement as an “extraordinary feat accomplished by Frederick Ladouceur – something that would seem impossible for others to do.”

“If you are determined to do something, the sky is the limit. As a leader my role is to provide support and good morale,” said Vice-President Afif.

He also added that he was astonished by the strength and endurance of Ladouceur.

“Ladouceur is an example not just for the youth, but to the whole population, that if you want to achieve something, you need to persevere regardless of the setbacks you may encounter. I believe that if Seychelles had more people like Frederick we would have moved much better forward,” said Vice- President Afif.

He ended by saying others should follow in Ladouceur’s footsteps to propel our country to new heights.

Ladouceur received donations from friends, families and the Seychelles Powerboats and Jet Ski Association during a ceremony at the Marine Charter where paintings were auctioned to raise funds for the St Mary’s Hospital on La Digue.

Text and photos: Neil Sirame