About Ali

Hello and thanks for checking out my website!

I am a 25 year old post graduate figuring out what to do with life. I have a wide variety of interests, passions and skills. Through my WayfinderAli blog, I share my adventures, things I've learned, reviews of products and plans for the future.
I enjoy challenge, physical activity and being outdoors. I am also intensely creative and enjoy designing and creating. Much of my recent time has been spend sea kayaking, so my blog is currently very focused on sea kayaking. I plan to broaden my topics as I travel and learn.

One of my favorite phrases is "learn something new, teach something old." I feel very fortunate to have learned an old trade from my parents - leather work. Working with leather has given me a productive outlet for my creativity. You'll find my creations as well as my Dad's under the Shop tab of the site.

I hold a Bachelors degree in Parks and Recreation Management with a focus in Outdoor Recreation from East Carolina University. I have a minor in music. During my studies, I learned and practiced everything from program planning to risk management to grant writing and trail design. I've already gotten to put these skills to use at Absolute Adventure Education and Pamlico Sea Base and I hope to find more opportunities to grow and develop them.

I've spent much of the past four years working at Great Outdoor Provision Company where I've developed technical knowledge of outdoor clothing and gear including kayaks, tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, rock climbing protection, cooking systems, clothing, shoes and more. Working at Great Outdoor Provision Company has enabled me to pack smarter for my own adventures, help my participants with their own gear lists, empower customers to be prepared and help companies I've worked for choose the best suited gear for their programs. My knowledge of outdoor equipment brands and manufacturers combined with my experiences as an outdoor adventure instructor enable me to assist adventure service companies with gear and equipment selection. If you or your company would like assistance in selecting the products best suited for your activity, customers, environment, program and budget, check out the consulting tab at the top of the page for more information.