Behind Exploriders lies a singular journey. François has been practising paddle sports for over 30 years — a former member of the French national team and multiple national medallist in slalom and downriver racing, he has also led numerous extreme kayak expeditions across South America, Madagascar and Europe. A competitive career built on the water, and a passion that has never wavered.

After founding and developing his own operation in the Gorges du Verdon — a reputation built in part through numerous crossings of the Grand Canyon du Verdon in tandem kayak — he now brings fifteen years of professional instructing experience across rafting, airboat kayaking and aquatic hiking. 

François has trained athletes who have gone on to win medals at international level, as well as sports educators who continue to work in the field today.

His knowledge of the territory is that of practitioners who work it every day: he knows the rivers of the Pays de Quimperlé inside out, understand which water levels suit each activity, and maintain the routes themselves throughout the year to keep them accessible to as many people as possible.

Guided sessions & skills development Half-day sessions for small groups — maximum 5 people — to progress, discover a new discipline or refine specific techniques in an exceptional setting. Personalised coaching, adapted to the group and the conditions of the day.

Available disciplines: hydrospeed, airboat kayaking, rafting, wave-ski, Hawaiian outrigger canoe, aquatic hiking —  river kayak on personal equipment.

Professional training Are you a training centre preparing students for paddle sports instructor qualifications? We make our expertise and knowledge of the territory available to your trainees: technical instruction, real-world situation practice, and the transmission of whitewater know-how.

Interventions for training centres are subject to a personalised quote based on the duration of the engagement and equipment requirements. Please contact us by email for any specific enquiry.

We'll provide all the necessary equipment at our facilities: wetsuits, life jackets, helmets...

Are you looking to develop your skills on the water, train with a local expert, or integrate whitewater into a professional training programme?