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Full Time Kayak Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jbeez Incorporated

Canoe/Kayak River Crew

Silver Point, TN · On-site

$9.50 - $12.50/hr

... guiding river trips and waterfall excursions. We are looking for team members who will follow ... Job Types: Part-time, Full-time Benefits: * Employee discount * Flexible schedule

Vail Resorts

Fly Fishing Guide

Moran, WY · On-site

$17.75/hr

Shift Type: Full Time hours available * Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age * Housing ... Horseback rides, kayak and boat rentals, lake cruises & scenic raft tours, 200 miles of hiking ...

Artist Boat

Eco-Art Educator

Galveston, TX · On-site

... able to lead kayak trips with 10-15 participants as a solo guide, and trips of up to 27 ... Benefits include long-term disability insurance, health insurance, and SIMPLE IRA for all full-time ...

Artist Boat

Eco-Art Educator

Galveston, TX

Be able to lead kayak trips with 10-15 participants as a solo guide, and trips of up to 27 ... Benefits include long-term disability insurance, health insurance, and SIMPLE IRA for all full-time ...

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Full Time Kayak Guide information

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$9

$16

$22

How much do full time kayak guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time kayak guide in the United States is $16.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $15.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Full Time Kayak Guides?

Full Time Kayak Guides are outdoor professionals who lead kayaking tours and excursions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of participants on the water. Their responsibilities typically include instructing guests on paddling techniques, providing safety briefings, guiding groups through various waterways, and sharing information about the local environment and wildlife. They are also trained in first aid and rescue procedures, and often help with equipment maintenance and trip logistics. Working full-time, these guides may lead multiple trips per week during the busy season and are expected to have strong paddling skills, local knowledge, and excellent customer service abilities.

What are some common challenges faced by full time kayak guides, and how can they be overcome?

Full time kayak guides often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, managing group safety, and adapting to varying skill levels among clients. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong communication, thorough safety briefings, and flexibility in trip planning. Staying updated on local weather forecasts, maintaining certification in first aid and rescue techniques, and fostering teamwork with other guides are essential strategies for ensuring both guest satisfaction and safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time Kayak Guide, and why are they important?

A Full Time Kayak Guide needs strong paddling skills, water safety knowledge, and certifications such as CPR/First Aid and sometimes ACA or BCU kayaking instructor credentials. Familiarity with navigation tools, rescue equipment, and communication devices like radios is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, leadership, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help guides create positive and safe experiences for clients. These skills ensure both guest safety and satisfaction while maintaining high standards of outdoor adventure professionalism.

What is the difference between Full Time Kayak Guide vs Part Time Kayak Guide?

AspectFull Time Kayak GuidePart Time Kayak Guide
Work HoursTypically 35-40 hours per weekLess than 20 hours per week
CertificationsRequired CPR, First Aid, and guiding certificationsSame certifications, but may not be mandatory
Employment TypeFull-time employment with benefitsPart-time, often seasonal or casual
Work EnvironmentGuiding tours, safety briefings, customer serviceGuiding, assisting, and supporting tours

Full Time Kayak Guides work more hours, often with benefits, and are employed year-round or seasonally. Part Time Kayak Guides work fewer hours, usually seasonally or casually, with less job security. Both roles require similar certifications and involve guiding tours in outdoor water environments.

More about Full Time Kayak Guide jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Kayak Guide jobs? The most popular types of Kayak Guide jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Kayak Guide jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Kayak Guide jobs are:
Full Time Kayak Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Kayak Guide job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,609 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Kayak Instructor

Wet Planet Rafting and Kayaking

White Salmon, WA • On-site

$153 - $195/day

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Wet Planet is looking for Instructors for our kayak school at Wet Planet!
Wet Planet Kayak Instructors enjoy sharing their love of kayaking, introducing people to the sport, and creating amazing experiences for our students. Our popular kayak program includes weekly beginner classes, advanced classes and clinics, kayak guiding on area rivers, youth camps, charter camps for organizations such as First Descents, and an annual multi-day whitewater kayaking trip on the Main Salmon River in Idaho. Following Wet Planet course outlines, Lead Kayaking Instructors set the tone and pace, take care of all course logistics, and take pride in the guest experience and achieving positive course outcomes. Lead Instructors enjoy being the point person while coaching and mentoring assistant instructors. Assistant instructors are new to professional kayak instruction, and work under the supervision of lead instructors while developing their skills and experience.
Wet Planet
Each year, many of our guests and team members return to enjoy the abundance of beautiful rivers we raft and kayak in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Our headquarters are located on the banks of the White Salmon River in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, surrounded by a whitewater paradise and an incredible community of boaters. It's the perfect location for raft guides and kayakers to work and play in the Pacific Northwest.
Qualifications & Experience:
  • Formal whitewater kayak instruction experience required for Lead Instructors
  • Professional appearance, excellent communication skills, and team player
  • Ability to kayak comfortably at a Class III level at minimum
  • Comfortable managing a group of students in a dynamic river environment
  • Current Wilderness First Responder & CPR certifications required for Lead Instructors
  • Current First Aid and CPR certifications required for Assistant Instructors
  • Current River Rescue Certification required (Sierra Rescue, ACA Swiftwater, or equivalent)
  • ACA or BCU training for whitewater kayaking instruction required for Lead Instructors

Kayaking Season: We offer kayak courses from mid-May through mid-September
Availability:
  • Full-time, full season: mid-May through mid-September
  • Part-time, peak season: June - August

Many of our staff combine work in multiple disciplines and enjoy the variety of work throughout the season. For those with skills in paddle rafting, rowing, and/or kayaking, work is available from April through September by combining day trips, multi-day trips, and kayak instruction.
Wet Planet Perks:
  • Access to free trips and courses, and discounted professional training (river rescue courses, medical courses, ACA instructor course, etc.)
  • Cross-training for other job areas & opportunities within Wet Planet
  • Discounts on food, drinks, and merchandise in the Wet Planet store and espresso bar
  • Industry Pro Purchase Program
  • Free rafting and kayak courses for friends & family
  • Access to local housing options
  • Accrued Sick Leave

Compensation:
  • Between $153-195 per day, based on experience, training & certifications, and role (from apprentice to assisting or course lead).
  • Simple IRA savings plan option after 2 years

Combine your desire to play outside with your professional skillset and experience - join our team!

Apply