MEET THE TEAM

  • Nate Smith

    Owner, Mountain Bike and Kayak Guide

    Nate fell in love with the outdoors in his early adolescence while camping with his brothers, cousins, and Uncle Shaun. A jack of many trades, Nate balances software and engineering work as the owner and lead engineer at Integrated Meaurement Systems, myriad creative projects including artisitc metal sculpting and pastel painting, time with his family, his favorite outdoor activity of downhill mountain biking, and now, ownership of Elevate Outdoors.

    Favorite Way to Play

    On two wheels!

  • Lori Smith

    Owner, Administrator

    Lori is a biophiliac, yoga therapist, author, and spiritual mentor. She is passionate about reconnecting people to the inherent wisdom of their bodies through movement, and to the natural world through adventure and play.

    Favorite Way to Play

    In the water!

  • Hayden Pomeroy

    Kayak Guide

    An Olympic Peninsula native, Hayden served the community of Clallam county for 8 years as an EMT. After deciding to leave the medical field Hayden quickly rediscovered his love for all things on the water. An avid swimmer and self-proclaimed "polar bear" Hayden can often be seen taking a morning dip in the waters of Freshwater Bay. When he isn’t paddling the Strait of Juan de Fuca or swimming in the bay Hayden can also be found on stage enjoying another passion of his, playing music.

    Favorite Way to Play

    In a boat or swimming, as long as it’s on the water

  • Lucas Smith

    Kayak and Bike Guide

    Lucas is a lifelong learner which has led them into hobbies that include various outdoor activities as well as many other creative endeavors. Lucas is a highly skilled mountain biker and an aspiring instructor, an avid rock climber, and has begun to explore the world of kayaks since moving to the peninsula. They also have over a decade of music experience and studied jazz guitar in college. Lucas believes that there is always more to learn and embraces the lifelong process of growth in all of their hobbies. Lucas's experience teaching themself within these activities has helped them develop an intuitive ability to teach others continually inspires them to keep pushing forward.

    Favorite Way to Play

    Lucas loves a challenge. Whether it's a hard boulder problem, a super technical trail, or learning a new concept on the guitar a challenge is always inspiring.

  • Chris Thacker

    Kayak Guide

    Originally from Austin, TX Chris made his way to the Olympic Peninsula in 2014 after serving in the Army. He is very passionate about backpacking and has spent the last 10 years obsessively exploring the Olympics. His hobbies include practicing hot yoga, photography, mushroom foraging, and gardening. Chris also loves to ski and will be spending the winter working as an intern for the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center in Colorado training to become an adaptive ski instructor.

    Favorite Way to Play

    Skiing up at Hurricane Ridge with his friends

  • Nina Sarmiento

    Hiking and Kayak Guide

    Nina has been a guide with Adventures through Kayaking since 2019. She is from New York City on Munsee Lenape land and she moved across the country in 2018, finding a home on the Olympic Peninsula. She has a bachelors of science degree in biology from SUNY Binghamton and has always loved science education and environmental activism. In her free time she likes to do yoga and explore the forest for native mushrooms, wildflowers, and birds. She also works as a tour guide for Magic Forest Tours, an ecotourism company she founded that specializes in hiking and backpacking for beginners.