Keep your childlike heart with Math Duff
To add a touch of fun to the January chill, we invited comedian Math Duff to put on his gigantic winter boots (he wears size 14) and enjoy the joys of a post-storm day in the snowy forest. The Lac-Saint-Jean-born artist doesn't shy away from anything: he met us at Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier, ready to play in the snow with his childlike heart (and snowshoes). True to form, he offered us nothing less than a free improvisation on the theme of winter activities. We can assure you, we laughed hard during the shoot.
(Video in French only)
Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier
Where does your childlike wonder and heart come from?
I've always been someone who liked to have fun, to make others laugh, and I've been lucky enough to find a profession that lets me to do just that on a daily basis! It's like a mission for me: to make people laugh as much as possible and never become a boring old adult.
What kind of child were you? Calm? Excited? Annoying?
I could be all three! It all depended on the context, but above all, I liked to make others chuckle, to entertain and be the centre of attention. So, I was a bubbly sort of lad, full of beans, but a good kid with a good heart!
Did you go in for winter sports? If so, which ones?
When I was young, not so much! What I did was go snow tubing with the day camps or my school. I didn't ski, none of that stuff , but I did go outside and horse around. I liked to play king of the mountain and have snowball fights in the great outdoors.
How do you keep your childlike heart during winter activities?
Easy, by eating snow – yum! – and making snow angels!
Today, you have a passion for skiing. How did this sport come into your life?
I wanted to start skiing because at one point I said to my sister, "Hey, someday I'd like to be a retired guy who skis and drinks red wine and eats fondue in the evening!" Shoot, I figured that if I wanted to be a retired skier, I'd have to start skiing when I was younger. So I started skiing so that one day I'd be a retired skier!
What’s been your best ski outing so far?
The best time was when I went to the Chic‑Chocs. I did some ski touring up in those mountains, and the scenery was so beautiful! It was mind‑blowing! I really loved it!
How does nature affect you?
Nature really does me a world of good; it takes my mind off things and calms me down a whole lot. Being in nature, clearing my head, and getting away from social networks is like meditating. I find it really fun!
Your best song to sing alone in the middle of the forest?
Every tune from Star Académie 2003! BUT I don't really sing in the woods... so as not to disturb the animals!
What was your favourite activity during your day at Parc national de la Jacques‑Cartier?
Even though I wore kiddie snowshoes, it was snowshoeing all the same! It's like walking in the forest, it's very Zen and soothing. I really enjoyed it!
Can you give us your best pitch for inviting Quebecers of all stripes to play outside in nature this winter?
Playing outside will do you a world of good, and I encourage you to head right out today! Communing with Mother Nature is a great way to get away from it all, and is as easy as 1,2,3. You don't need a lot of gear; you just have to dress warmly and then go for a walk in the forest. Just spending time in the woods, no matter what kind of gear you’ve got on, no matter what activity you're doing, is sure to give you a real boost!
