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!

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

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.

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 spends most of his free time exploring the Olympics. His other interests include practicing hot yoga, photography, mushroom foraging, and gardening. Chris also loves to ski and spends his winters working as a snowcat operator grooming the slopes at ski resorts.

Favorite Way to Play

Skiing up at Hurricane Ridge with his friends

Kayak Guide

Abbey (she/her) is a multi-passionate person. When she's not guiding kayak trips, she is managing Seaforest Eco-Retreat in Port Angeles, teaching yoga, and studying to become a mental health therapist with a focus on adventure therapy.  

Favorite Way to Play

Her favorite way to play is to sing and dance with others, preferably while on a backpacking trip or around a fire.

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.

Shop Assistant and Tidepool 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!

Shop Assistant and Kayak Guide

Macey is quite the crack-up (she’s the funniest person she knows), and is always looking for her next big adventure. She loves anything and everything outdoors and on the water, quite enjoys the company of animals, and loves music. Her dream is to live in a van, traveling around the world, and making music for at least 12 people to enjoy. ;)

Favorite Way to Play:

In the mountains, on the water, or anything outdoors