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Kayak Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kayak Tour Guide

Hoonah, AK ยท On-site

$18/hr

Kayak & Ocean Raft Supervisor Category: Seasonal Salary Range: $18 an hour / plus tips Location: Icy Strait Point UPDATE: Locals to Hoonah, AK only apply Position Summary: Icy Strait Point Sea Kayak ...

Canoe/Kayak River Crew

Silver Point, TN

$9.50 - $12.50/hr

Canoe/Kayak River Crew: Our Canoe/Kayak River Crew will assist with loading and unloading canoes and kayaks for our guests and others as well as assisting with gear and instructions. Additionally ...

KAYAK, part of Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG), is a leading travel search engine. With billions of queries across our platforms, we help people find their perfect flight, stay, rental car and ...

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Kayak Tour Guide

Titusville, FL ยท On-site

$20 - $30/hr

TOUR GUIDE - FULL TIME/PART TIME Guide At A Day Away Kayak Tours, you can have the privilege to kayak in phenomenal areas while getting paid for it! As exciting as that is, our mission is more than ...

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Kayak Tour Guide

Titusville, FL ยท On-site

$20 - $30/hr

TOUR GUIDE - FULL TIME/PART TIME Guide At A Day Away Kayak Tours, you can have the privilege to kayak in phenomenal areas while getting paid for it! As exciting as that is, our mission is more than ...

Associate Manager, Global Payroll

New York, NY ยท On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

KAYAK, part of Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG), is a leading travel search engine. With billions of queries across our platforms, we help people find their perfect flight, stay, rental car and ...

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Kayak information

See salary details

$6

$15

$25

How much do kayak jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for kayak in the United States is $15.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges kayak tour guides face during excursions, and how can they be addressed?

Kayak tour guides often encounter challenges such as managing groups with varying skill levels, unpredictable weather, and ensuring safety on the water. Effective communication, thorough pre-trip briefings, and contingency planning are essential for handling these issues. Guides must stay vigilant, adapt routes as needed, and foster teamwork among participants to create a positive and safe experience for everyone. Building strong rapport with guests and maintaining up-to-date safety certifications also contribute to successfully overcoming these challenges.

What are kayaks?

Kayaks are small, narrow watercraft that are typically propelled by means of a double-bladed paddle. Originally developed by indigenous peoples in the Arctic regions for hunting and transportation, kayaks are now widely used for recreation, sport, and adventure activities on rivers, lakes, and oceans. Modern kayaks come in various designs, including sit-in and sit-on-top styles, and are made from materials like plastic, fiberglass, or inflatable fabrics. They are popular for activities such as touring, whitewater paddling, fishing, and sea kayaking.

What is the difference between Kayak vs Travel Agent?

AspectKayakTravel Agent
CredentialsNo formal credentials requiredCertifications or licenses often preferred
Work EnvironmentOnline platform, remoteOffice or in-person consultations
Industry UsageTravel search engines, online bookingPersonalized travel planning, bookings
Search & ComparisonCompare prices across multiple providersCustomized travel options, expert advice

Kayak is an online travel search engine that compares prices across various providers, while a travel agent offers personalized travel planning and booking services. Kayak is ideal for self-service travelers seeking quick comparisons, whereas travel agents provide tailored assistance based on individual preferences.

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

To thrive as a Kayak Guide, you need strong paddling skills, water safety knowledge, and typically certifications such as CPR, First Aid, and sometimes ACA or BCU instructor credentials. Familiarity with GPS devices, rescue equipment, and weather tracking systems is also important for guiding trips safely. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help guides manage groups and respond to emergencies effectively. These skills and qualifications ensure guest safety, enhance the overall experience, and allow guides to handle challenging situations on the water.
More about Kayak jobs
What cities are hiring for Kayak jobs? Cities with the most Kayak job openings:
What states have the most Kayak jobs? States with the most job openings for Kayak jobs include:
Infographic showing various Kayak job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,202 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Kayak Instructor

Wet Planet Rafting and Kayaking

White Salmon, WA โ€ข 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!