The founder of Ativa, Otto Hassler, was born in a small town in the Black Forest in southern Germany. Nature lover since teenager explored the Black Forest and the Central Alps by foot and kayak in numerous trekking and expeditions.

He moved to Brazil in 1984 and lived in Dr. Pedro, a small town in the mountains of Santa Catarina, surrounded by the Rain Forest. Exploring new trails and crossings, rivers, streams and waterfalls founded the Canoeing Club of Benedito Novo.

From 1993 he worked as a mountain guide for groups of ecological tourism in various parts of Brazil, activity that he still performs nowadays. Is teacher of Eco-tourism, founder of the Association of Vale das Águas and consultant in Eco-tourism and Adventure Tourism. In 1999 won the title the Quality of Life from the Federation of Ecological Entities and in 2007 the Premium Imbuia for his commitment to the environment.

During three years (1998-2001) was Director of Rafting on the Brazilian Canoeing Federation, still being Director of the Santa Catarina Canoeing Federation.

Organized six Brazilian championships of rafting, he majored in international judge for the IRF (International Rafting Federation) and participated in many international events like the World Nature Games in 1997, World Rafting Championship in South Africa in 1999 and Camel White Water Challenge in Zambia 2001.

He organized several expeditions and trips in remote areas of Santa Catarina, Bahia, Piauí, Pará, Maranhão, Amazonas and Amapá, Pororoca expedition in 2001. He has made many exploratory descents on rivers and waterfalls all over Brazil and still find new places of potential tourism all around Brazil.

As a consultant and partner, today handles the company's institutional, social actions and is formatting new routes and partnerships. Still, also participates in commercial activities like rafting guide and Rappel whenever possible.

Otto Hassler founded Ativa Rafting and Adventures in November 1994.

Otto Hassler founded the Ativa Rafting e Aventuras in November 1994.