Meet some of the Elakah Staff

Mike   Jennifer   Dirk  Joey  Anne   Portage  

Mike Passo - Chief Executive Otter

Mike is the owner and boss-man of Elakah. Early in life, Mike became paralyzed in a mountain biking accident. Ever since, Mike has sought to make the outdoors available to people of all abilities. He is known for his calm style and ability to make everyone on a trip welcome. Mike has been guiding since 1988.

Jennifer Hahn - Founding Otter - Trip Leader

Writer, adventurer, ethnobotanist. Jennifer founded Elakah in 1990 after kayaking 750 miles solo through the inside-passage from Alaska to Bellingham. She is a writer and continues to share her unique perspective of the outdoors with guests on several of Elakah's tours. Spirited Waters is her personal memoir of her adventure up the inside passage and she is currently working on a new book.

Dirk Fabian - Astronomy Otter - Trip Leader

Dirk has a Masters Degree in Astronomy. His head is in the stars but his heart floats in the water. He leads our astronomy tour specially designed for water and star lovers. Dirk has been guiding for over seven years. It has been supposed that he is partly amphibious since he spends more of his free time on the water than sleeping.

Joey Burke - Equipment Otter - Trip Leader

Joey is a native to the Pacific Northwest and enjoys being outdoors. He has led paddling trips in Costa Rica and British Columbia. Joey is a graduate of WWU's Recreation Program, and pursues leisure activities with a passion. While not paddling you might find him in the mountains, on a river, or at the park.

Anne Harman - Funtime Otter - Trip Leader

Anne spent last winter living on Orcas Island as a ViSTA volunteer. She hosted school groups and wowed them with her knowledge of San Juan flora and fauna. She also could miraculously keep a group of middle schoolers entertained and in control. She has been guiding for over 5 years and can cook up some mean grub. If you find her leading one of your trips, prepare to eat well.

Portage - Elder Statesman/Landlubber

Once upon a time when Mike was living free he thought it would be nice to get himself a steady companion. At the pound he found a sweet Labrador puppy, brought him home and named him Portage-a classic water sport term. Then Mike began a campaign to teach this dog to swim. Thirteen years later the campaign is, as of yet, a failure. In fact, Portage refuses to go near boats or walk in the rain. Whatever is mixed in with the lab sure is stubborn. At over 90 years old, Portage's role in Elakah is to sit on a comfy couch and watch others work.  RIP.

Giving a Rip: Elakah's Business Model —Protecting our clients, our community and our environment.