Pierre-Luc Poulin

BirthdateDecember 21, 1995

Hometown: Lac-Beauport

Canoe ClubLac-Beauport Canoe Club

Sport: Men’s kayak

Coach: Fred Jobin

Instagram: @ppoulin11

Website: poulinkayak.mli.st

Pierre-Luc Poulin grew up around the Lac Beauport Canoe Club, following in the footsteps of his brother Maxim Poulin. It is Fred Jobin who really got Pierre-Luc interested in kayaking, when he took him out in the coaching boat one summer afternoon to introduce him to the athletes. Fred Jobin also gave him a DVD of the World Championships races, which got Pierre-Luc hooked.

Pierre-Luc broke onto the international scene in 2013 at the Junior World Championships. He came 3rd in the K2 200m at the 2015 PanAm Games, 8th in the K2 200m 2017 Senior World Championships and 4th at the 2017 U23 World Championships. He is most proud of paddling behind Mark de Jonge and Adam van Koeverden during his first year on the Senior World tour when he was just 19!

Known for his sprinting ability and his size, he is a big asset on the men’s kayak team. Pierre-Luc hopes to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games!

FUN FACTS:

What is canoe kayak’s biggest challenge? For me it’s the last 75m of any race. It hurts every time, no matter what. I like it!

Canoe or kayak, why? Kayak because my brother did canoe.

Pre-race meal: Oatmeal with fruit

Post-race meal: Steak

Other coaches: Mathieu Drolet, Fred Loyer

When was your first canoe kayak race? Back in 2002, it was a K4 race. 

What is the best thing about canoe kayak? Making one with so many components. Finding the perfect tone between you, your paddle, your boat and the water.

Describe the sport in one word: Amalgam

Nickname: PL

Quote: You can be disappointed, but still satisfied

Role model: Adam Van Koeverden

Other sports: Cross country skiing

Guilty pleasure: Sugar pie

Movie: Intouchables

Band: Red Hot Chili Peppers