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Kayaking Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ambgroup

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Big Creek and the mighty Yellowstone River offer fishing, rafting, and kayaking opportunities ... Lead guided hikes, recreational activities, wildlife viewing, and fly-fishing experiences.

Spinnaker Resorts

Kayak Coordinator

Hilton Head Island, SC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Serve as the on-water guide for all Bluewater kayaking program activities. * Oversee the kayaking, fishing, crabbing and outdoor sport area equipment inventory. * Have the ability to assist or lead ...

Source Medical, LLC.

Radiology Physician

Yankton, SD · On-site

$297K - $371K/yr

... guided biopsiesYankton, SD Community HighlightsYankton offers a low cost of living and family ... fishing, kayaking, camping, and water sportsFour-season climate with access to year-round outdoor ...

Britt Medical Search

Radiology Physician

Yankton, SD · On-site

$297K - $371K/yr

In-house 3T Siemens MRI, Hologic tomosynthesis, 160 slice CT, ultrasound, mobile PET, image guided ... kayaking, horseback riding, fishing, archery, arts in the park and theater. * Safe, friendly ...

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Kayaking Guide information

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$7

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$29

How much do kayaking guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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 is a kayaking guide?

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.

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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% 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.

Reservations and Guest Service Specialist

Wet Planet Rafting and Kayaking

White Salmon, WA • On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Wet Planet is looking for a Reservations & Guest Service Specialist to join our small office team for the 2026 season!
Reservations & Guest Services specialists love coordinating adventures and getting people outside. With each call, our guests will hear the love for the experiences we create at Wet Planet.
For many of our guests, the Wet Planet experience starts with a call or email to the Wet Planet office, which gives them the knowledge and confidence to pursue their rafting or kayaking adventure. With a discerning ear and knowledge about our trips and courses, you'll be able to answer questions, help folks choose the right adventure, and do your best to turn each inquiring call into a new Wet Planet guest and friend.
The Wet Planet Office is more than just an office - it's a dynamic team that works cohesively with the rest of the operation in the base and on the river. While the experience starts here, the office team is also very in tune with the daily logistics of all our trips and courses. From welcoming guests upon arrival to briefing river guides on group specifics, you're involved in all aspects of our trips and guest's experiences. There is never a dull moment in the office!
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 is 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:
  • Previous work experience, ideally in the hospitality & service industry, outdoor industry, guest services, or related field
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Administrative and sales experience
  • Have a general interest in the outdoors and more specifically, whitewater (or desire to learn if you're not a whitewater person!)
  • Desire to work in the seasonal outdoor industry
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced and busy environment
  • Be proficient with the Google drive platform, Microsoft word, and basic Excel

Availability: Full-time, including weekends and holidays, from March/April through September. (5- to 6-month position).
NOTE: This is a seasonal position beginning in the spring (starting potentially as early as March).
Wet Planet Perks:
  • Access to free trips and courses, and discounted professional training
  • 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, pending availability.
  • Accrued Sick Leave
  • Retirement plan after two years of employment

Compensation:
  • Hourly, Range: $20-26, based on relevant work experience.

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

Apply