Director and Operations Manager Ardeche Adventures

Phil Gasson started canoeing at the local Surrey Docks and along with Mike and many other kids from Surrey Docks, went on to pursue the sport into competition, coaching and ultimately to professional qualifications and youth work.

Phil became one of the youngest senior canoe instructors in the country and was soon instructing full time. During this time he became project manager at Burgess Park, creating a water sports centre on the lake for local youths.

From this centre Phil organized several European canoeing trips for disadvantaged young people. One of those trips was to the Ardeche!

This began a long love affair with the region. Phil has continued to run trips to the Ardeche ever since and has worked for several of the UK operators in the gorge. In 1997 Phil became centre manager for Crystal holidays where he and Mike ran a successful program for two seasons.

Phil studied drama at Plymouth University and spent three glorious years mostly pretending to be a tree. His acting career was short but impressive. Roles included: Fat bloke (Vindaloo video), suspicious bloke (Crime Watch), Kebab eating man (MTV), Man on Beach (Virgin advert) and Mrs McCluskey (Grange Hill).

He then trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama to become a secondary school teacher. Phil was one of the first Advanced Skills Teachers. He also lectured part time on the PGCE at Plymouth University. Phils last post was as a behaviour consultant with a local authority.

After much reflection Phil decided to leave school based teaching and return to his original roots in adventure and outdoor education.

The call of the Ardeche was strong and with Mike, Tam and Elvis, Ardeche Adventures was conceived.