Montreal body surfer in Santa suit hits river in -14 degree weather

Boogie boarder Carlos Hebert-Plante has never let the cold stop him from jumping in the St-Lawrence River. 

On Christmas Day this year in Montreal, Hebert-Plante donned a Santa Claus suit and jumped into the cold water as temperatures skirted around -15 degrees Celsius in the Lachine borough.

“I surfed all year, every day,” Hebert-Plante told CTV News. “Conditions cold or hot, I surf all kinds. [It was] fun today.”

Canadian Press photographer Bernard Brault captured some eye-catching images on the day.

“I go for the fog and sunrise often with drone and my friend Bernard, we get there early,” said Hebert-Plante, who wears an arctic wet suit when he surfs.

The standing wave on the St-Lawrence River is close to downtown Montreal and it’s a popular spot for surfers. Hebert-Plante said he’s comfortable all year long.

“Cold gives me smiles that hot does not, and snowy waters make a snow parc fun,” he admitted 

With files from The Canadian Press.