Meet some of the Elakah Staff

Mike   Jennifer   Dirk  Danica  Joey   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.

Danica Kilander - Funtime Otter - Trip Leader

You wouldn't know it from this photo, but Danica is one of the most truly fun people you could ask to lead you on one of Elakah's trips. Here vibrant personality and excitement for the the local flora and fauna is absolutely contagious!  She embodies the old Otter adage to play hard and sleep even harder... and as you can clearly see from this photo of Danica enjoying some sunny down time on one of our wonderful beaches in the San Juan Islands!

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.

Amy Kashiwa - Therapy Otter - Trip Leader

Occupational Therapist, mother of two, and kayaking ace ... Amy is Elakah's go-to resource for anybody that is interested in an Elakah sea kayak excursion, but is not sure if kayaking is right for them.  Amy and Mike will work together to adapt kayaking to meet your (or your family's) needs , and make the kayaking experience the most fun and comfortable outdoor activity that you have ever experienced!  Don't hesitate, we have the skill and training to make it work!  

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.