Golf, tennis, downhill skiing, wakesurfing, soccer, fly fishing, mountain biking… You name it, and chances are that Frédérique (Frico) Du Sault has tried it. It was in the heart of Mont-Tremblant’s beautiful surroundings that young Frico fell in love with the great outdoors: The lake, the forest, the slopes all quickly became her expansive playground, a corner of paradise where she could move freely with her brothers, her sister and her friends.
Now more than a few years later, the fresh air still brings joy to Frico’s heart. Her ever-changing and never-a-dull-moment childhood years enabled her to experience the benefits of diversification combined with instilling the importance of maintaining a healthy balance, two of Parmi’s fundamental values. Always ready to take on challenges – and always with a smile – Frico is the perfect embodiment of our desire to simplify access to an active and varied lifestyle.
Get to know the newest member of our Parmi family: A true lover of the outdoors who inspires us to embrace new adventures.
You are a new addition to the Parmi team. What does this partnership mean to you?
I am both very happy and very proud to be part of the Parmi team: A local brand whose values are perfectly aligned with my own. It’s a company that makes concrete efforts to protect the environment. As just one example of many, Parmi works with factories in Portugal whose goal is to only use green energy and generate minimum waste.
As well as being an eco-friendly brand, Parmi’s simple, versatile and sustainable designs combat overconsumption and aim to simplify people's lives. That’s something I’ll never get tired of!
You partake in such a wide range of activities, including golf and fly fishing. Where does this yearning to try so many different things come from?
When I was growing up, I spent most of my weekends and summers at our chalet in Mont-Tremblant, where outdoor activities were endless. My parents signed me up for all sorts of camps and courses that introduced me to many different sports and hobbies, and were the genesis of many beautiful friendships over the years as well.
Now, every time I learn something new, I see it as an addition to my toolbox: The more I know about the world, the more accomplished I feel.
What does this diversification bring to you, both from a psychological point of view and a physical point of view?
Every activity I pursue provides me with something different: Skiing and mountain biking give me an adrenaline rush (not to mention a few minor injuries!); mountain climbing takes my breath away, both literally and figuratively… the view from the top of the mountain and then the descent never disappoints; fly fishing is meditative, it's like an artform, but when that fish bites, the ensuing fight is exhilarating; golfing tests my perseverance and patience; gravel biking and mountain hiking / running challenge me to best myself. Sure, it can produce aches and pains, but you keep on going to reach those places that are filled with beauty, and upon return feel so much better in both body and mind.
And knowing that it’s my own little body that lets me do all this makes me feel very proud.
What crosses your mind when you start a new activity? And how do you approach a new challenge?
Learning something new is always a challenge. It takes patience and perseverance. It's easy to just give up, but the important thing is trying to improve and not taking yourself too seriously.
I like to give myself realistic goals. That way, I can attain small victories that make me want to keep striving, achieving other goals and improving. I also surround myself with people who are more skilled than I am, and they inspire me and guide me.
You have a very busy professional, social and sporting life. What’s your secret to maintaining a healthy balance?
I listen to my body, my head, and my heart. For the longest time I had a hard time saying “no” and always wanted to go above and beyond. However, if I now find myself mentally or physically drained, I’ll take a step back and listen to myself, and take the time to do what is best for me.
I also try not to put too much pressure on myself. I do lots of different activities because I like to try everything, but it doesn't matter if I'm not great at each and all. I often think we put too much pressure on ourselves, doing things for statistics or to impress others rather than for all the benefits that sports provide.
What’s lined up for you in the coming months?
I'm going to visit a friend in Los Angeles at the end of April where we'll run, surf, and hike. I plan to do a lot of gravel biking, golfing and fishing this summer, and also go to Gaspésie to see friends and enjoy the rivers. I'm planning a trip for September, probably a fishing trip to Sweden!
Frico's Faves
For short-, medium- and long-term travelling:
- All Weather Jacket: I have it with me wherever I go. It’s super light and you’re always prepared if there is a downpour!
For those go-go-go days:
- Free Range Merino Long Sleeve T-Shirt: I can wear it whenever and wherever! It’s soft, light, and it never smells bad. And it's so nice and simple that I can even wear it to the office.
For bike rides:
- Informal and All-Trail Bibs: These are the most comfortable I’ve ever worn in my life! They also dry quickly and shape nicely to my body.
- Zipperless Jersey: It's stylish, super comfortable and breathes well. Perfect for feeling cute when riding!
Check out Frico on Instagram.
