Canadian Swims for 75 Days, 3,200 km Down the Yukon River

A 54-year-old adventurer from Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, claims to be the first to swim the entire length of the Yukon River, starting in Whitehorse and finishing at the Bering Sea in Alaska.

Denis Morin began his journey on May 25, 2016 and completed the 3,200-kilometre trek in 75 days. He used a riverboard to help steer through whitewater sections and pulled a pair of inflatable bags loaded with camping gear, food, and medical supplies. Morin wore a wetsuit to cope with the cold temperatures of the Yukon River, which remains icy even during the summer months.

In 2014 he swam the Nahanni River. (NorthWest Territories)

About RiverBoarding

Riverboarding is a water sport where participants lie face-down on a board, using fins on their feet to steer and propel themselves through the water. In Europe, it’s commonly referred to as hydrospeed, while in New Zealand, it’s known as riverboarding or white-water sledging, depending on the equipment used. The activity can be recreational, commercial, or part of swiftwater rescue training, where specialized high-buoyancy boards are used to navigate turbulent, fast-moving water.

In rescue situations, riverboards are used to support both the rescuer and the person being saved while in the water. The rescuer must stay mentally focused, planning the safest route through the river, while physically using fins to navigate and move away from danger. Riverboards provide an effective option for reaching individuals who have been carried downstream, especially in cases where ropes or direct contact aren’t possible.

What’s Next?

Down the Mackenzie River

Morin began his journey on May 22, 2025 at Williston Lake in northern British Columbia. From there, he followed the lake into the Peace River, swam its entire length to reach the Slave River, and paused for a rest in Fort Smith. He then resumed his swim on the Mackenzie River starting from Fort Providence, aiming to reach Tsiigehtchic. Altogether, the expedition covered roughly 3,000 kilometres.

Denis doing it his way….”One Day at a Time”