The Faces Behind Every Trip

Soren grew up in Ventura, California, where the ocean became a part of his life from early on. He began surfing at age 10 and has spent decades exploring the California coastline, chasing waves farther from home, including spots in Costa Rica and Puerto Escondido. His love of the natural world led him to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he earned a degree in Biological Sciences. For more than 20 years, Soren worked as an ocean lifeguard-EMT with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, effecting numerous ocean rescues throughout his career.

Soren also spent over 12 years as a science and math educator and coach, while leading outdoor excursions to destinations such as the Sequoias and Channel Islands National Park. Since March 2025, he has worked as a river guide with Evolution Expeditions, bringing together a lifetime on the water, a background in biology and education, and a genuine love of sharing wild places with others.

My name is Octavio, I’m 23 years old, and I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. I’m passionate about the outdoors and love spending my free time hiking, exploring new places, and visiting national and state parks. As a kayak tour guide, I enjoy sharing that passion with others and helping people experience the beauty of nature from a unique perspective on the water.

Before becoming a kayak tour guide, I proudly served four years in the United States Marine Corps as a Bulk Fuel Specialist and Marksmanship Instructor, along with being a national guardsmen for the state of Nevada. I’m looking to see you on the water soon!

My name is Preston Jernigan! I’m a firefighter and paramedic in Las Vegas by day and a kayak guide whenever I can sneak away to the river. I grew up in Southern Oregon, married my high school sweetheart, and have spent most of my life finding excuses to be outside. Naturally, guiding for Evolution Expeditions is what I like to do for fun!

When I’m not at the fire station, you’ll probably find me on the Colorado River meeting awesome people like you. I love connecting with the people on my tours, sharing the beauty and history of the area, and making sure everyone leaves with a great story to tell. There may also be a water fight or two, some harmless messing with the other guides, and plenty of laughs along the way. I look forward to seeing you out on the river and making some great memories together!

Hello! My name is Tehya (Tay-yuh).

Since I was a child I’ve always had a particular fondness for the outdoors. As a very curious person, I have a deep appreciation for the natural world and the places that make it so special. I love spending my time exploring, hiking, and finding new ways to connect with the environment around me. When I’m able, I enjoy volunteering with Lake Mead National Recreation Area and attending local garden clubs and meetings to learn more about what makes the Mojave Desert so special, and how we can protect and preserve it.

As a tour guide I enjoy meeting new people and introducing them to an area that so special to me. Being able to share my own experiences while safely assisting others with their Colorado River experiences brings me so much joy and fulfillment. When I’m not outside, I enjoy spending time with my 3 dogs and finding hands-on projects that let me be creative. For me, life is about exploring, learning, creating, and sharing the places and experiences I love with others.

My name is Faith Gabrielle, and I LOVE ADVENTURE! I grew up on a farm in Iowa riding horses, driving tractors, and kayaking the Little Sioux River. Coming from a motorcycle family (I’ve been to Sturgis 19 times!), my adventures eventually led me to Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Orlando, FL. After working for Paradise Harley-Davidson in Portland, OR, and taking multiple solo cross-country motorcycle rides, I moved to Minneapolis, MN for love—which, in my opinion, is the most important adventure of all! There, I pursued my passion for music full-time.

In 2023, my love and I moved our musical duo, Freaky & Faith, to Las Vegas to escape the snow. Coming from the Land of 10,000 Lakes, I definitely missed being around the water…until I found my place here at Evolution! I’ve been guiding with Evolution four days a week since the beginning of 2024 and am proud to have earned the title of Lead Guide. I absolutely love sharing this incredible part of the world with people, and I’d love for you to join me for an adventure! When I’m not guiding, you can find me making music and chasing my next adventure with Freaky & Faith—subscribe to us on YouTube to follow along!