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Kayak Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Adventures on the Gorge

Video Boater

Fayetteville, WV · On-site

Guiding Principles We use these principles, and more, to guide our daily behavior and business ... in -Safely kayak assigned stretch of whitewater -Film guests at key locations along the route ...

Artist Boat

Eco-Art Educator

Galveston, TX · On-site

... kayak trips with 10-15 participants as a solo guide, and trips of up to 27 participants with one other Artist Boat Educator. • Clean and maintain all equipment used for programs; • Be able to ...

Artist Boat

Eco-Art Educator

Galveston, TX · On-site

Be able to lead kayak trips with 10-15 participants as a solo guide, and trips of up to 27 participants with one other Artist Boat Educator. Clean and maintain all equipment used for programs; Be ...

Hosco

Cc Sr Balloon Ops - X

Miami, FL · On-site

The Senior Balloon Operator also specializes in guiding and training activities like Zipline, Kayak, Wave Jet, etc., to develop Shore Excursions Team Members. The role focuses on Guest safety ...

Hosco

Cc Balloon Ops - X

Miami, FL · On-site

The Balloon Operator also specializes in guiding activities such as Zipline, Kayak, Wave Jet, etc., and assists with training and developing Shore Excursions Team Members. The role focuses on Guest ...

TMS

Travel Occupational Therapist

Venice, FL · On-site

$2.0K - $2.0K/wk

Guide patients in therapeutic activities to improve daily living and mobility * Monitor progress ... Kayak, paddleboard, or fish in the Gulf and surrounding waterways * Explore the Venetian Waterway ...

LocumTenens.com

Gastroenterologist

Lake Panasoffkee, FL · On-site

$397K/yr

About the Facility Location The Ocala area offers diverse outdoor recreational opportunities centered around natural water features, including Silver Springs River activities and guided kayak ...

LocumTenens

$371K/yr

About the Facility Location The Ocala area offers diverse outdoor recreational opportunities centered around natural water features, including Silver Springs River activities and guided kayak ...

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How much do kayak guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 some common challenges faced by Kayak Guides during group excursions, and how can they be managed?

Kayak Guides often encounter challenges such as varying skill levels among participants, unpredictable weather conditions, and ensuring group safety on the water. Managing these challenges involves thorough pre-trip briefings, assessing each participant's abilities, and adapting routes or plans as needed. Guides must remain vigilant, communicate clearly, and be prepared to handle emergencies, making strong leadership and quick decision-making essential in this role.

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 proficiency, knowledge of water safety, and often certifications in first aid and CPR. Familiarity with navigation tools, rescue equipment, and sometimes swiftwater rescue certification are typically required. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help guides manage groups and respond to challenges on the water. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring client safety, providing memorable experiences, and handling emergencies effectively.

What are kayak guides?

Kayak guides are outdoor professionals who lead individuals or groups on kayaking trips, ensuring safety, providing instruction, and sharing knowledge about the local environment and wildlife. They are responsible for planning routes, teaching paddling techniques, and responding to emergencies on the water. Kayak guides often work for tour companies, outdoor adventure programs, or parks, and must possess strong paddling skills, first aid training, and excellent communication abilities.

What is the difference between Kayak Guide vs Canoe Guide?

AspectKayak GuideCanoe Guide
Required CertificationsCPR, First Aid, guiding certificationsCPR, First Aid, guiding certifications
Work EnvironmentRivers, lakes, coastal watersRivers, lakes, coastal waters
Industry UsageTourism, outdoor recreationTourism, outdoor recreation
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Both Kayak Guides and Canoe Guides work in similar outdoor environments, often requiring similar certifications like CPR and First Aid. They serve in the tourism and outdoor recreation industries, guiding clients on water adventures. The main difference lies in the equipment used: kayak guides specialize in single or double kayaks, while canoe guides focus on canoes. Understanding these distinctions helps travelers choose the right guide for their water activity experience.

More about Kayak Guide jobs
What cities are hiring for Kayak Guide jobs? Cities with the most Kayak Guide job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Kayak Guide jobs? The most popular types of Kayak Guide jobs are:
What states have the most Kayak Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Kayak Guide jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Kayak Guide jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Kayak Guide jobs are:
Kayak Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kayak Guide job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,609 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
Video Boater

Video Boater

Adventures on the Gorge

Fayetteville, WV • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

Video Boater
Leading the World Outdoors
Adventures on the Gorge’s company vision statement is intended to be interpreted in multiple ways. First, it illustrates our need to be the best at what we do in our industry and the need to continue to develop ourselves and our business for the future. Perhaps more importantly, our vision states that we have an altruistic goal of helping others venture outdoors, at times, in places and in activities that will further develop their lifelong skills and increase their knowledge about nature and adventure. We benefit from a strong belief in who we are and where we are headed. We look to our vision and guiding principles as providing that sense of understanding and direction, serving as a map and compass to help us reach our full potential.

Guiding Principles
We use these principles, and more, to guide our daily behavior and business decisions:
• Always balance fun and adventure with safety
• Strive always to exceed our guests’ expectations
• Provide a unique environment for staff and guests that fosters camaraderie and hospitality
• Value our people, knowing that the quality of our staff define our ultimate success
• Invest in systems and processes, to ensure we deliver a consistent quality experience
• Treat each and every guest and staff member with dignity and respect
• Raise the standard of the industry with an emphasis on innovation
• Recognize that profitability is essential for us to be healthy and grow

Responsibilities
A Video Boater is responsible for documenting whitewater trips in order to achieve Adventures on the Gorge's vision of Leading the World Outdoors.

Expectations
The Video Boater is accountable for providing an exceptional guest experience by filming the guests' whitewater trip and creating a memorable record of their experience. All AOTG employees are expected to help achieve our vision of leading the world outdoors by extending hospitality at all times, providing assistance where needed, and championing a one-company mindset.

Duties
-Arrive at scheduled time dressed and ready to work
-Prepare equipment and make sure that it is securely transported to the put-in
-Safely kayak assigned stretch of whitewater
-Film guests at key locations along the route
-Manage time as the pace of the day may vary rapidly from waiting for extended periods of time to moving very quickly
-Provide interesting and entertaining information about popular locations or specific points of interest
-Engage wit and charm to enhance the guest experience
-Maintain compliance with all applicable safety practices, environmental regulations, and company policies
-Utilize digital editing software to stream together raw footage into an effective video presentation
-Ensure that the final product is presented to guests in a reasonable time frame and at the proper location
-Organize, label, and upload videos properly
-Coordinate with retail personnel to ensure that video is available for purchase
-Interact with guests post-trip in order to build a connection with them and encourage a sense of family
-Maintain a working knowledge of all products and services offered by AOTG
-Assist all company guests with any general questions or directions as needed
-Perform other duties and responsibilities that may be added at the company's discretion

Qualifications
REQUIRED
-Ability to competently solo kayak Class I-III whitewater
-Basic knowledge of video equipment functionality, as well as, digital editing software
-Ability to work independently with minimal guidance and as part of a team
-Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner and adapt to changes in the work environment
-Basic written and verbal communication skills
PREFERRED
-Ability to competently solo kayak Class IV-V whitewater
-Working knowledge and relevant experience in the outdoor industry
-Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
-First Aid and CPR or other higher medical training certification
PHYSICAL DEMANDS amp; ENVIRONMENT
-This job is an outdoor position that is subject to working with and doing tasks that involve heights, temperature extremes, heavy lifting (50+ pounds), long durations of standing, walking, balancing, grasping, overhead reach, and frequent bending, pushing and pulling.

A Video Boater is required to work weekends and other irregular hours as deemed necessary. Flexibility in work schedule is required in order to accommodate rapidly changing trip schedules.

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