Team Dagger
Naomi Elyard
About Me:
When I was 14, I started working at Wet Planet Whitewater where the raft guides and kayak instructors collectively taught me how to kayak. I fell in love with the sport and haven't looked back since. Growing up right next to the White Salmon I was able to paddle almost every day after school and throughout the summer. My greatest goal is to share the sport with the generation and give them the same opportunities I had when I was in high school. Over the last two years, I have been working to develop a kids kayaking club in the Gorge. My hope is to create easy access to the river for all kids living in the Columbia River Gorge.
Hometown:
Husum, WA
Dagger Kayak of Choice:
Medium Rewind
Favorite Places to Paddle:
Ecuador, the Columbia River Gorge and Banks
Why I Love Kayaking:
I love kayaking because it opens so many doors for me. Kayaking has given me opportunities for leadership, community building, and adventures. Through kayaking I have learned the value of mentorship and the power that both the outdoors and athletics can have on your life. Kayaking has given me a much stronger sense of identity and direction in my life.
Kayaking Accomplishments:
Starting and running the Columbia Gorge Junior Kayak Club, serving as an NRS Lead Ambassador, and getting 7th in qualifiers at the North Fork Championship
Most Memorable Moment in Your Kayak:
The South Fork Salmon with Maddie Kimmel, Jesse Elliott, and Rain Norman. The company was stellar, the whitewater quality, and the weather better than we could as for.
Tenure with Dagger:
1 year