A Thirst for Adrenaline !

As early as age 8, I knew that the seeds of adventure were deeply rooted in me. After my family emigrated to Quebec from Valparaiso, Chili, I enrolled almost immediately in the Canadian scout movement. Later on, at the age of 13, I joined the Royal Canadian Air Cadets as a member of Dorval-Lachine Squadron 686.

This marked the beginning of my passion for flying, as well as winter and summer forest survival. At the age of 16, I also obtained my diver’s and motorcycle driver’s permits. The following year, at the age of 17, I was awarded one of the rare piloting scholarships for the eastern region of Quebec. I was deployed to a location near the Bagotville military base for a period of seven weeks. This intensive course prepares young people for a career in the military, as well as an exciting and very competitive future. On July 26, 1989, I graduated from flight training school and proudly accepted my pilot wings.

In 1990, I became a flight instructor with Dorval-Lachine Squadron 686 and later on with Canadair Squadron 621 . I was also certified as a survival instructor.

To this day, I continue to indulge in my love of flying and the piloting of light aircraft. I have practiced my passion in Quebec, British Columbia and Chile.

My trips around the world have always been about challenging myself, both physically and psychologically. I believe that a person’s soul needs to dream, otherwise the heart feels heavy and depression sets in. In my case, travelling over mountains, oceans and through the skies has been my strength, my reason for living.

« When life beats a path to your heart, you can count on your passions and dreams to keep your spirit alive ».

Ever daring and adventurous, I decided in 2003 to get my sky diving license. This extreme sport has brought me great joy. My adrenaline addiction was truly satisfied. I’d always dreamed of flying, but though I am plummeting towards the ground at more than 200 km/hour, I get a sense of what it is like to fly under my own power.

Since 1995, I have been mountain climbing, and have claimed victory over some of the worlds highest peaks. In 2007, in my eagerness to surpass myself and taste the adrenaline once more, I ascended Mount Everest. My goal now is to climb the world’s 14 highest mountains.

Currently, I work as an educator for the Lester B. Pearson School Commission, helping young people with physical handicaps; I also help students with learning problems. Since December, 2006, I have visited more than 60 schools, throughout Quebec, as a speaker. I am a natural motivator.

In late March and early April of 2009, I will climb Mount Everest a second time, in the company of my long-time friend André Rossin-Arthiat. We have chosen to support the efforts of the Quebec Lung Association in fighting lung disease.