Meet Our Instructors
The instructional branch of Esprit is one of Canada's leading whitewater training and certification organizations. All of Esprit's instructors are considered professionals in their field. Esprit offers courses in whitewater guiding, wilderness first aid, leave no trace, swiftwater rescue and kayaking. Each instructor has nationally or internationally recognized teaching certifications for their specialty as well as a wealth of experience in the discipline!
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.
Lacy Bertrand - "Lacers"
Trip Leader/River Guide
"Save our rivers and preserve our wilderness, live life to the fullest and love it all!"
Hometown: Campbell's Bay, QC
Working at Esprit since: 1998
Hobbies/Interests: Anything and everything involving water, wilderness and fresh air!
Training/Education: EMT-B, AHA Instructor, First Aid Instructor, Paramedic in training and Chef!
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
Tom McKenna - "T-Baggins"
Trip Leader/River Guide/Kayak Instructor
"How can you tell if a Stanley Cup ticket is fake? It says Toronto Maple Leafs on it!"
Hometown: Carleton Place, ON
Working at Esprit since: 2005
Favourite river: The Mississippi in Carleton Place
Training/Education: WILD graduate 2004, studying Criminology and Criminal Justice Law at Carleton University
