In Search Of Memphre



In Search of Memphre is a 25-mile international swim on Lake Memphremagog between Newport, Vermont and Magog, Quebec. This amateur swim was started in 2011 on the tenth anniversary of 9/11, in part to promote a more open border with our Canadian friends and to search for our elusive, swimmer friendly, lake creature, Memphre.

It has expanded and evolved to include several three-day windows throughout June, July, August and September. Up to two swimmers are allowed in each window.

All swimmers must have swum at least 25 km in under 10 hours and 30 minutes, unless special arrangements are made for slow but strong swimmers. They are also required to have at least three hours of nighttime, open water swimming experience.

We offer one of two pontoon boats with pilots or a 16-foot motorized wooden dory with pilot for support. Swimmer is responsible for providing a crew member. We can find crew for an additional fee. Kayaks and kayakers are no longer used/

Base fee in 2024 is $2,950 for boat and pilot with $500 deposit at time of registration. Remainder is due on March 1, 2024. We can provide a crew member for an additional $500.

We establish three-day windows and pick the very best of the three. We leave from The EastSide Restaurant anytime between 12:01 am and 5:30 am on one of the three days. Swimmers and crew are REQUIRED to arrive in Newport by late afternoon two days before the first day of the window, and not plan their return home until at least the day after the last day of the window.