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$32.5K

$36.3K

$39K

How much do kayak instructor jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for kayak instructor in the United States is $36,250.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,000.00 and $37,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Kayak Instructor, you need strong paddling technique, water safety knowledge, and typically certifications like ACA or BCU instructor credentials. Familiarity with rescue equipment, first aid/CPR training, and kayak-specific teaching tools is essential. Excellent communication, patience, and leadership help instructors effectively teach students of varying skill levels and respond calmly in challenging situations. These skills ensure safe, enjoyable learning experiences and help maintain a high standard of instruction on the water.

What are some common challenges faced by kayak instructors, and how can they be addressed?

Kayak instructors often encounter challenges such as adapting lessons to varying skill levels, ensuring participant safety in changing weather conditions, and maintaining group engagement. To address these, instructors typically use flexible teaching methods, conduct thorough safety briefings, and stay updated on local water conditions. Effective communication and strong situational awareness are key to managing group dynamics and responding quickly to any issues that arise during sessions.

What does a kayak instructor do?

A kayak instructor teaches individuals or groups how to safely and effectively paddle and maneuver a kayak. They provide instruction on techniques, safety protocols, and equipment use, often adapting lessons based on skill level and water conditions. Instructors may lead guided trips, assess risks, and ensure that all participants are following proper safety guidelines. Their goal is to help students build confidence on the water, improve their kayaking skills, and foster a respect for aquatic environments.

What is the difference between Kayak Instructor vs Canoe Instructor?

AspectKayak InstructorCanoe Instructor
CertificationsWater safety, CPR, kayak-specific trainingWater safety, CPR, canoe-specific training
Work EnvironmentRivers, lakes, coastal watersRivers, lakes, calm waters
Industry UsageOutdoor recreation, adventure tourismOutdoor recreation, adventure tourism

Both Kayak Instructors and Canoe Instructors require water safety certifications and work in outdoor aquatic environments. The main difference lies in the type of watercraft they teach: kayaks versus canoes. While their skills overlap, each role specializes in different paddling techniques and equipment, catering to different customer preferences and skill levels.

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What job categories do people searching Kayak Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Kayak Instructor jobs are:
Kayak Instructor jobs near you
Camp Specialty Instructor - Gymnastics

Camp Specialty Instructor - Gymnastics

YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta

Decatur, GA • On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

YMCA Of Metro Atlanta rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

565th of 663 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

As a thought-leader and best-in-class provider in education, wellness, youth development, and community-building, The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is one of the oldest and most essential non-profits serving in Atlanta. Today, we're looking for you to join us as we carry out our mission to positively impact lives and communities across the state.

At the Y, we're an association of like-minded people (staff, volunteers, and members), on the forefront of a movement to ensure that everyone -- especially children -- experience an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. In the course of a year, we provide more than 3,000 children, ages 6 weeks through Pre-K with high-quality literacy and STEAM-infused learning; give 58,000 youth and teens access to sports, aquatics, day and resident camps, teen leadership development programs, and employment opportunities; provide over 200,000 members with programs, services, and facilities to enjoy connection and maintain wellness regardless of age; and engage over 25,000 volunteers and donors from across Atlanta to share in the gift of supporting their communities.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Under the direction of theYouth Development Director, the Camp Specialty Instructor is primarily responsible forcreating the curriculum and running the specialty program. Theyare responsible forexecution ofprogramactivities, transitions, incidentreports,and leading counselors.This roleprovidesguidance,safety,leadership, and education for children servedatcamps.

Areas of need for Specialty Instructors(include, but not limited to): Archery, Arts and Crafts, Basketball, Cheer, Tumbling, Climbing Wall and Ropes Course, Cooking, Dance, Drama, Theater, Fitness, Flag Football, Kayak and Paddleboard, LEGO, Music, Nature, Pickleball, Robotics, Sports, STEM, Swim, Gaming, Tennis, and Volleyball

RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

  • Promote, monitor, evaluate, and ensure that all day camp programs run smoothly witha high levelof service to participants.

  • Manage the site cleanliness and ensure a safe environment for all students.

  • Lead programming that focuses on specialized topics that will enrich the overall day camp program.

  • Develop and implementlesson plans focused on specific skill development in a fun and engaging manner.

  • Providecamperswith valuable leadership skills and lifelong lessons while engaging in fun and interactive activities.

  • Consult with the YouthDevelopmentDirector on concerns related tocamper(s) development of behavior.

  • Carry out daily program tasks related directly to the position's scope and responsibility.

  • Stay updated on current issuesregardingday camp programs.

  • Maintain and report incident/accident paperwork.

  • Maintain branch and association certifications in CPR,Metro AtlantaYMCANew Staff Orientation and BranchEmergency proceduresand any other required certifications and/or training required by the Metro Atlanta YMCA.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES BASED ON NEEDS SPECIFIC TO ROLE:

  • Be able tomaintaina safe and healthy environment for staff and children.

  • Be able to provide sound,caring,and positive leadership for children.

  • Able tomaintaina safe and fun environment for children.

  • Provide, to everyone, extraordinary customer service to parents.

  • Be able to recognize and implement safety standards in all program activities.

  • Be able toparticipateeffectively with other staff in implementing creative and fun camp activities for camp.

  • Communicate positively with parents and staff asrequired.

  • Attend all staff camp training.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • 18 years of age or older (preferred 21 years of age or older)

  • High School Diploma in progress or completedor GED

  • 2+ years of experience working with children in a structured setting

  • Background andexpertisein a specialty area

  • A working knowledge of computers: MS Word, MS Excel, database management

  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills

  • Ability to handle multiple tasks, work independently, solve problems, andpossesseffective time management skills

  • Strong customer service skills and personal commitment to service and hospitality

  • Must pass BFTS background check and drug tests

  • CPR/First Aid within30 daysof employment andmaintainthroughout employment

ERGONOMICS:

Ability to work actively outdoors and/or indoors while supervising children. Ability to climb, walk, run, stoop, squat or kneel. Ability to lift and carry equipment toappropriate destinationsor affect the carrying of such equipment. Ability to use senses which enable safe supervision including seeing and/or hearing.It'sfun to work in an organization where peopletruly BELIEVEin what they are doing!

Employment and Benefits package for this job posting is offered through the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc.

Employment Requirement:

  • Ability to pass a pre-employment background check including Criminal Record check, Drug Screening and motor vehicle record (MVR) according to company policy.
  • Must be legally eligible to work in the US without current or future sponsorship.

This job posting is subject to change at any time.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta offers excellent benefits and career opportunities as part of our culture of excellence. The opportunities to serve are vast, and we're looking for like minded people, who share our values of CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY to join us and do their best work.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.


Location:

Decatur Dekalb Family YMCA

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