This approach reflects the deep attachment of the two partners to their territory and their desire to pass on their passion to future generations. The paddle school thus becomes a true breeding ground for local talent, perpetuating the tradition of whitewater sports in the valley. Over the years, Matthieu and Vincent have developed a strong ecological awareness. To transport you, we use 3 public transport vehicles (9, 16 and 23 seats) to reduce CO2 emissions. This approach extends to all aspects of their activity: So that our navigation has no impact, we do not remove or add anything to the river and offer our activities outside fish breeding periods.
# 25 years of adventure: The story of Rafting Expérience
From two passionate friends to an essential reference in whitewater sports
25 years ago: a passion that becomes reality
The year 2000 marks a turning point in the history of whitewater sports in Serre-Chevalier. It was at this time that Matthieu and Vincent, two friends united by a common passion for tumultuous rivers and thrills, decided to take the plunge and create Rafting Expérience in Serre-Chevalier.
Far from being a simple entrepreneurial adventure, this creation represents the culmination of a shared dream: to introduce as many people as possible to the joys and adrenaline of whitewater descents in the exceptional setting of the French Alps.
A quarter century of expertise
Today, 25 years after this shared adventure, Matthieu and Vincent continue to manage their business together with the same passion as on the first day. This exceptional longevity in the entrepreneurial world testifies not only to their professional complicity, but also to their common vision of the profession.
25 years of evolution and innovation
Since its creation in 2000, Rafting Expérience has accompanied the evolution of adventure tourism in the Hautes-Alpes. The company first extended its reach by opening a second base in La Grave, called No Limit Rafting, from 2000 to 2008. This expansion already testified to the ambition and dynamism of Matthieu and Vincent.
In May 2008, the two partners made the strategic decision to sell the La Grave base, which continues to be active today under its new management. This choice allows them to focus on their Serre-Chevalier site and develop even more advanced expertise there.
Since 2000, we have put our experience at your disposal to accompany you on the rapids whether it’s rafting, hydrospeed, air-boat, canoe-raft or kayak.
The company has gradually diversified, now offering a complete range of whitewater activities:
- Rafting for all levels
- Kayak and initiation
- Hydrospeed for the more adventurous
- Canoe-rafting for two
- Air-boat for a unique experience
20 years of privileged partnership with La Salle-les-Alpes
A fundamental element of Rafting Expérience’s success lies in the trusted partnership established with the municipality of La Salle-les-Alpes. For 20 years now, the municipality has trusted Matthieu and Vincent by giving them the opportunity to set up their summer base on the edge of the Pontillas water plan.
This long-term collaboration testifies to the institutional recognition of the quality of work accomplished by the company. The location at the Pontillas water plan offers an ideal setting for activities, combining accessibility and natural beauty, while benefiting from a safe environment adapted to whitewater sports.
This 20-year partnership perfectly illustrates the successful integration of Rafting Expérience into the local fabric and its contribution to the development of sports tourism in the territory.
25 years of excellence in training
The strength of Rafting Expérience lies in building a team of experienced and passionate guides, the result of constant investment in instructor training. Matthieu and Vincent have always placed training at the heart of their development, understanding that service excellence comes through the technical and human expertise of their teams.
This rigorous approach to training has made it possible to build a solid team, very attached to three fundamental values: welcome, quality and safety. Each team member shares this common vision and contributes to offering an exceptional experience to clients.
Portrait of the current team
Today, the Rafting Expérience team is composed of state-certified guides, each bringing their unique personality and expertise. Client testimonials reveal the diversity and quality of this team:
Matthieu and Vincent, the founders, remain very present in the field and continue to personally supervise the descents. Clients particularly appreciate their educational approach and their 25 years of experience.
Thibaut, a guide appreciated for his approach that is both « funny and professional, » knows how to create a relaxed atmosphere while ensuring safety. Families particularly appreciate his ability to make the experience accessible and memorable for everyone.
Ugo, another emblematic figure of the team, is regularly praised for his dynamism and friendliness. His communicative passion contributes to making each descent an exceptional moment.
Élodie, an experienced guide who perfectly illustrates the team’s international expertise. Her experience extends even beyond French borders, having worked in Canada with Wilderness Tours on the Ottawa River, thus enriching her skills. Beyond her role as a guide, she distinguished herself through her remarkable work on the company’s digital communication.
Angèle, also an experienced guide, has also enriched her international expertise in Canada. This experience shared with Élodie testifies to the team’s international openness and their desire to continuously improve.
Nelly, with her 18 years of experience, represents the maturity and expertise of the team. Clients highlight her ability to combine clear instructions, educational explanations and moments of pure fun, even in the most technical situations.
David, a guide recognized for his excellent level of English and his ability to make descents particularly enjoyable for international clientele.
Nima, an appreciated team member who contributes to the diversity and dynamism of the group.
Julien, an experienced logistician who brings his expertise and energy to the team.
Mathieu, an instructor recently integrated into the team, represents the new generation of guides trained according to Rafting Expérience’s standards of excellence. His integration testifies to the constant renewal of the team and the transmission of the company’s values.
Arthur, also a member of this dynamic team, contributes to offering quality experiences to clients.
This multilingual team welcomes you in French, English, Spanish and Italian, allowing them to offer a personalized experience to visitors from around the world. This multilingual capacity reflects the professionalism and international openness of the company.
Safety remains at the heart of concerns: all guides are in radio contact and can communicate directly with mountain rescue if necessary. This professional approach, developed over 25 years of experience, guarantees memorable adventures in complete safety.
Digital innovation: when tradition meets modernity
Beyond her skills as an experienced guide, Élodie has distinguished herself through her remarkable work on Rafting Expérience’s social media. Her Instagram management demonstrates a very professional approach to digital communication, contributing significantly to the company’s visibility and attractiveness.
High-quality digital communication work
Élodie’s work on Rafting Expérience’s Instagram posts reflects real expertise in digital communication. Her posts perfectly combine the authenticity of moments experienced on the rivers with careful aesthetics that highlight the activities offered.
Her professional approach is characterized by:
- Visual quality: photos and videos that perfectly capture the essence of whitewater sports
- Authentic storytelling: stories that convey the emotion and adrenaline of the descents
- Community engagement: natural interaction with clients that strengthens loyalty
- Editorial consistency: a graphic and tonal line that reflects the company’s values
This modern digital dimension, carried by Élodie, perfectly illustrates how Rafting Expérience continues to evolve with its time. The company does not just offer exceptional activities; it also knows how to share and promote them through quality digital communication that reaches an ever-wider audience.
This communication work directly contributes to the company’s influence and helps attract new clients, demonstrating that innovation at Rafting Expérience is not limited to the activities offered, but also extends to the means of making them known.
A legacy of transmission: the paddle school
Beyond commercial activity, Matthieu and Vincent have developed a particular sensitivity for kayak teaching. This educational passion is expressed notably through their paddle school dedicated to children from the Serre-Chevalier valley.
This local initiative represents much more than a simple activity: it constitutes a real investment in the future of whitewater sports. By training young people from the region, Rafting Expérience contributes to creating a new generation of future practitioners and whitewater instructors.
25 years of unforgettable memories: clients speak
The authenticity of the experience offered by Matthieu and Vincent is reflected in the feedback from their clients. These testimonials reflect the constant commitment of the two partners to offer exceptional moments, combining sports discovery and conviviality.
Client review summary
Participant comments reveal several recurring strengths that characterize Rafting Expérience:
The guides’ educational expertise We had a superb time with Vincent and Mathieu, who accompanied us with pedagogy and fun! I highly recommend this experience which will remain unforgettable! This approach combining teaching and entertainment is particularly appreciated by beginners.
The quality of professional supervision Clients regularly highlight the competence of the guides, like David, appreciated for his excellent English and his ability to make the experience more enjoyable. Excellent family experience. We embarked 6 for a magnificent ride through a unique landscape ❤️ Thank you Thibaut for this moment, funny and professional at the same time. Thank you to the team for the care with a smile.
The friendly and reassuring atmosphere Very good time spent during the rafting descent with thrills, a refreshing swim 🥶 and all this in good spirits The team manages to create a relaxed atmosphere while maintaining an exemplary level of safety.
Adaptation to families Parents particularly appreciate the team’s ability to adapt the experience to children, creating lasting family memories in a safe environment.
International expertise The internationally recognized professionalism translates into multilingual guides and an approach adapted to visitors of all nationalities, reinforcing the company’s reputation for excellence.
These testimonials converge towards the same observation: Rafting Expérience succeeds in combining thrills, safety, pedagogy and conviviality, creating a memorable experience that builds customer loyalty and generates enthusiastic recommendations.
The future after 25 years: continuous innovation
After 25 years of activity, Rafting Expérience continues to evolve. Matthieu and Vincent, still partners and more complicit than ever, prepare the future with optimism. Their vision: continue to introduce people to the wonders of the Guisane and surrounding rivers, while preserving this exceptional natural environment that has been their playground for a quarter of a century.
The adventure continues, and the coming years promise more beautiful discoveries for all those who wish to experience the unique experience of rafting in Serre-Chevalier with these two enthusiasts who have managed to transform their dream into lasting reality.
Rafting Expérience: 25 years of shared adventure, 25 years of transmitted passion, and many more beautiful years to come on the whitewater of the Alps!
Thank you to all those who have contributed to the success of this adventure!
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