Here’s my story about moving from Montreal to Gaspésie.

After months of preparation thru job applications, interviews and tests, the project to move out of Montreal crystalized when accepting a job offer in Gaspésie. So my girlfriend and I packed our 6 month-old baby, temporarily sub-rented our Montreal apartment and rented a small house by the Matane River in Gaspésie near the office.

What about work?

The job is an occasional 90-day contract in a small city located 600 km from Montreal. This work contract should be completed around March 2021 (UPDATE: it has been renewed for another year until March 2022).

What About Nature?

Fresh air, calmness and abondance of stars at night are the highlights of my observations regarding nature in the region of Matane. Majestic view of the Saint-Laurence River and sensational sunsets have to be mentioned!

Renting a House in Matane

After weeks at my girlfriend’s family, we found a small home in a residential neighborhood. It has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathroom and includes all appliances (oven, fridge, dishwasher, washer, drier). At 900$CAD per month.

Volleyball in Matane?

November weather allowed for a few opportunities to go outdoor barefoot in the sand at local sand volleyball courts near ‘Le Parc Des Iles’ in the middle of Matane River. The sand was very good quality and we had a fun doing multiple pepper rallies. For indoor volleyball in December, unfortunately with the COVID limitations, I was only able to see a glimpse of an adult volleyball league Thursday evenings at the local high school before everything closed in the ‘red-zone’.

Ultimate Frisbee in Matane?

Unfortunately with the COVID limitations, I was only able to play once at the Ultimate Matane League (Friday evening adult league) at the local high school before everything closed in the ‘red-zone’.

Swimming in Matane?

As a national swimming record-holder, it was important for me to stay in the water. Fortunately, a 5-lanes, short-course (25m.) indoor chlorine pool remained open with some limitations. So I was able to have some swimming time with both public laps hours and organized masters club.

After playing for 25 years and coaching for 15 years, I now enjoy commentating beach volleyball competitions.

Grand Prix Beach Quebec

For the 4th edition of the Grand Prix Beach Quebec, I was invited to be the sport commentator for the beach volleyball competitions. It’s always a pleasure to describe beach volleyball tournaments. Congratulations to all athletes.

Championnat Volleyball Quebec

More updates to come…

Music Playlist

Usually having a professional DJ, this year’s organizers have decided to use ‘playlists’ connected to sound systems. So players and spectators can connect their mobile phones to broadcast. To avoid any interruption when a mobile phone battery died, song looping, playlist ending, or notifications are not silenced, I have decided to create my own ‘beach volleyball’ playlist.

Here’s my story about being a beach volleyball sport commentator in the summer of 2018.

Here’s my story about being a ball retriever at the FIVB Beach Major Event in Fort Lauderdale. 

Links

http://www.fivb.com/

https://www.beachmajorseries.com/

Here’s the story about the beach camp I coached in August 2014.

This year’s beach volleyball camp was open to teenagers and adults and held in Montreal at Jeanne-Mance Park. Trainings were held from 10am to 3pm.

Here’s my story of welcoming team Vanuatu in Quebec for the FIVB.