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Kayaking Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GCI

Remote Camp Guide

Dillingham, AK · On-site +1

Provide guided fishing, sightseeing, kayaking, hiking and sailing services on area streams and rivers to guests of the company. * Conduct routine daily boat and fishing equipment maintenance. * Fresh ...

GCI

Remote Camp Guide

Dillingham, AK

Provide guided fishing, sightseeing, kayaking, hiking and sailing services on area streams and rivers to guests of the company. * Conduct routine daily boat and fishing equipment maintenance. * Fresh ...

Everyday California

Kayak & Snorkel Guide

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

No kayaking experience is required, nor needed, but a general understanding and respect for the ... guides! * Very flexible scheduling * 6-8 hour shifts available * must enjoy working in a team ...

Everyday California

Kayak & Snorkel Guide

San Diego, CA · On-site

Tour guides, surf instructors, and retail staff are needed! We are actively looking for more great ... No kayaking experience is required, nor needed, but a general understanding and respect for the ...

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Kayaking Guide information

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$7

$17

$29

How much do kayaking guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for kayaking guide in the United States is $17.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Kayaking Guides?

Kayaking Guides are outdoor professionals who lead individuals or groups on kayaking trips, ensuring safety, providing instruction, and sharing knowledge about the local environment. They are responsible for planning routes, supplying equipment, and teaching proper paddling techniques. Kayaking Guides also often share information about wildlife, natural features, and local history, making the experience educational as well as enjoyable. Their primary goal is to create a safe, memorable, and fun adventure for all participants.

What are some common challenges faced by Kayaking Guides, and how can they be managed effectively?

Kayaking Guides often face challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, varying skill levels among clients, and ensuring group safety on the water. Managing these challenges involves thorough pre-trip briefings, continuous monitoring of environmental conditions, and adapting plans as needed to prioritize safety. Effective communication and strong situational awareness are essential, as is maintaining certifications in first aid and water rescue. Building experience through regular training helps guides handle unexpected situations confidently.

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

To thrive as a Kayaking Guide, you need strong paddling proficiency, water safety knowledge, and typically a relevant certification such as ACA or BCU. Familiarity with GPS devices, rescue equipment, and first aid/CPR certification are commonly required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and crisis management skills help guides effectively instruct and reassure diverse groups. These abilities are vital for ensuring client safety, providing memorable experiences, and responding calmly to emergencies in dynamic outdoor environments.

What is the difference between Kayaking Guide vs Canoe Guide?

AspectKayaking GuideCanoe Guide
CertificationsFirst Aid, CPR, paddling certificationsFirst Aid, CPR, paddling certifications
Work EnvironmentRivers, lakes, calm or whitewaterRivers, lakes, calm or whitewater
Industry UsageAdventure tourism, outdoor recreationAdventure tourism, outdoor recreation
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Both kayaking guides and canoe guides work in outdoor water environments, often in adventure tourism. They require similar certifications and serve similar industries. The main difference lies in the type of watercraft they specialize in—kayaking guides focus on kayaks, while canoe guides work with canoes. Their roles are comparable, with overlapping skills and work settings, making them common points of comparison for those interested in water-based guiding careers.

More about Kayaking Guide jobs
What cities are hiring for Kayaking Guide jobs? Cities with the most Kayaking Guide job openings:
What states have the most Kayaking Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Kayaking Guide jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Kayaking Guide jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Kayaking Guide jobs are:
Kayaking Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kayaking Guide job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% As Needed, 26% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 63% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,919 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Kayak Instructor

Wet Planet Rafting and Kayaking

White Salmon, WA • On-site

$153 - $195/day

Full-time

Posted 22 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!

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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