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!

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!

Lead of Kayak Operations and 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

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.

Operations Wizard and Kayak Guide

Nelah is a marine life nerd and aspiring wildlife photographer. She loves to teach people about ocean critters, especially the weird and overlooked ones, and is passionate about helping people reconnect with their childlike wonder.

Favorite Way to Play

In the ocean and traveling!

Bike and Kayak Guide, Bike Whisperer

Hailing from Maryland, Steve grew up romping about the waters and foothills of the Mid-Atlantic. His love for having fun outside drew him to Washington a decade ago, chasing deep snow and amazing trails. More than any thrill or view, what gets Steve stoked are the smiles, friendships, and memories that come from playing outside with other rad humans.

Favorite way to play:

Type 1.5 fun

Kayak Guide

Izzy Zucker (she/her) is an interdisciplinary creative soul who loves exploring inner and outer landscapes. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, she's resided by the Salish Sea for the past ten years, and in Port Angeles for the past four. Each season deepens a new layer of kinship between herself, her surroundings, and what it means to live and steward well. A lover of surfing, kayaking, diving, foraging, and basking on sun-soaked rocks, her friends frequently refer to her as a mermaid.

Favorite way to play

Anything that sets her soul in motion!

Kayak Guide

Soren is a lifelong lover of nature and outdoor recreation. Some of their most formative outdoor experiences include long distance running through the tall grass of north Texas, rowing the frigid waters of the Chicago River, and completing a backpacking thru hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. They are full of curiosity about ecology, natural history, and what the local birds are up to.

Favorite way to play

A vigorous hike with a great view

Kayak Guide

Raven grew up on the Olympic Peninsula, and is happy to continue growing her roots deeper here. Conversations around food systems (which she got her BA degree in), spirituality, philosophy, the human experience at large, and sciences of the environment will gladly capture her attention. She is often referred to as a fish when it comes to her love of swimming. Much of her working experience is in the classroom or child care, which keeps her silly, playful, inquisitive, and always wanting to grow and learn more. Raven is excited to facilitate getting people outside to grow their resilience and confidence in their ability to play through kayaking, while also developing a deeper relationship and curiosity with the Earth. 

Favorite ways to play: swimming in the river/lake, long walks, hikes, building forts at the beach, cooking, dancing, live music, quality time with loved ones!