Meet Our WILD Educators
WILD bridges the gap between our summer season on the Ottawa and our winter season in Mexico. This group of instructors are the best of the best with years of experience instructing in their specialty. Each member of this team is an educator of international caliber with expertise in one or more whitewater discipline including rafting, canoeing, river rescue or kayaking. WILD educators are highly respected in the whitewater industry and offer only the best instruction possible to their students!
Jim Coffey - “JC”
Founder & Director
"I chose this industry for the travel, people and places as well as the message and benefits that quality eco-tourism can provide."
Hometown: Davidson, Pontiac County, QC
Hobbies/Interests: whitewater, rivers, tourism, sustainability
Favourite Food: The Esprit Ultimate BBQ
Favourite rivers: The Ottawa, Kipawa and Magnetawan
Places Traveled: I have worked in 35 different countries… the list goes on and on…
Training/Education: In 1984 I took “a year off” of university seeking fame and fortune as a whitewater/eco-adventure travel guide. As fortune remains elusive I have instead gained a considerable amount of notoriety by founding Esprit.
Frank Swanson - "Pancho"
River Operations Manager
"I've paddled over 85 rivers in 5 countries and every single one has a place in my heart whether it be the mighty features, the scenery or the good times with friends along the way."
Hometown: Davidson, Pontiac County, QC
Working at Esprit since: 1997
Hobbies/Interests: canoeing, kayaking, kiteboarding, skiing, mountain biking and watching Braveheart.
Places traveled: Canada, USA, Mexico, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina
Training/Education: WILD graduate 2000
Bob Vranich – “The Croatian Sensation”
Trip Leader/River Guide/WILD Instructor
“Rivers are absolutely incredible places and being able to share my passion for them with others makes this lifestyle very rewarding.”
Hometown: Lindsay, ON
Working at Esprit since: 2005
Favourite Food: Argentine steaks
Training/Education: WILD graduate 2004, BAH from University of Toronto (History specialist)
Millissa Martin
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Working at Esprit since: 2006
Favourite Food: Chocolate covered strawberries
Training/Education: WILD graduate 2006, EMT-B