by CHRIS BARRY

Name: Stéphane Vachon

Age: 35

Title: "Personal business coach"

Bio: This chill Plateau stud was first asked to employ his keen business acumen in the launching of Arbraska Park (www.arbraska.com) a little over three years ago. Now co-owner of the joint with his French partner, Stéphane says Arbraska is doing a booming business as les Québécois become increasingly eager to enjoy the unique experience of swinging on vines through the trees of the park like Tarzan, enjoying the pristine wilderness that is Rawdon and the de Lanaudière region from high above the ground. A huge hit of a "sport" among the cheese-eating surrender monkeys who populate la France, Stéphane explains that, "It's really unique, you're in contact with nature, it's thrilling but safe and everyone enjoys it: kids, older people, everyone - although some of my trails are pretty hardcore and not appropriate for children. And you're really in nature here, it's not at all commercial, which is part of the adventure."

Is the Arbraska adventure wheelchair accessible? Not really. "But you can still enjoy the park without going up in the trees."

Has he witnessed any George of the Jungle-esque accidents? Nope.

Do they have laundry facilities on site in case people lose control of their bowels while swinging from tree to tree? "No, but it's not that dangerous, you wouldn't lose control of your bowels. And you always have the option of crossing on a bridge should you prefer."

Nevertheless, is it okay if people, for both style and convenience, choose to experience Arbraska Park clad in a loincloth just in case they do have a back-end accident and prefer not to carry it around in their pants all day? Certainly.

Something modest chicks probably shouldn't wear to Arbraska: Short skirts. "Unless they want, like, maybe 10 guys standing on the ground beneath them looking up to, uh, you know, um… to make sure they're okay."

Have they ever considered making a few extra bucks by renting the space out to various mercenaries or local al-Qaeda sympathizers to use as a training facility? "No, but I have had Scout groups come here."

One organized group of people who visited Arbraska recently and had a whale of a time: A troop of autistic people. "They loved it, swinging around and everything. It was incredible. It's such a good thing for your self-confidence. You know, the autistic are kind of in another world while at the same time being in this world. I think they're truly in contact with information not available to us."

Childhood ambition: To become a teacher.

Something he is working towards: Getting a degree in education. "To me, there is nothing greater than teaching, to give a part of your knowledge, and a bit of your soul, your passion to people. This is a wonderful source of energy."

Where you might find him boozing: Bily Kun.

Last book read: Life of Pi, by Yann Martel.

Musical preferences: Techno, jazz.

Words of wisdom: "You must be true to receive truth."

Comments? dimwit@openface.ca