ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Kayaking Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CNIC Careers

Sailing Instructor

Newport, RI · On-site

$19.19/hr

Incumbent should have a working knowledge of sailing procedures and ability to instruct sailing and kayaking techniques. * Incumbent should have a small boat sailing instructor qualification from US ...

US Department of the Navy

Sailing Instructor

Newport, RI · On-site

$19.19/hr

Incumbent should have a working knowledge of sailing procedures and ability to instruct sailing and kayaking techniques. * Incumbent should have a small boat sailing instructor qualification from US ...

Awg

Watersports Instructor - Casual

Suffolk, VA

Watersports Instructors * Lead fun and engaging water-based activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, or sailing * Provide excellent instruction for all ages and skill levels * Ensure safety ...

Awg

Watersports Instructor - Casual

Suffolk, VA

Watersports Instructors * Lead fun and engaging water-based activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, or sailing * Provide excellent instruction for all ages and skill levels * Ensure safety ...

Clover Food Lab

Team Member for Westford, MA

Westford, MA · On-site

$17/hr

Our employees have backgrounds ranging from fast food to fine dining, from kayaking instructor to photographer, recent college grads to construction workers. You'll find that at Clover, not only do ...

Clover Food Lab

Team Member

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$14.25/hr

Our employees have backgrounds ranging from fast food to fine dining, from kayaking instructor to photographer, recent college grads to construction workers. You'll find that at Clover, not only do ...

Clover Food Lab

Team Member for Newton, MA

Newton, MA · On-site

$11.50/hr

Our employees have backgrounds ranging from fast food to fine dining, from kayaking instructor to photographer, recent college grads to construction workers. You'll find that at Clover, not only do ...

Clover Food Lab

Team Member

Cambridge, MA

$14.25/hr

Our employees have backgrounds ranging from fast food to fine dining, from kayaking instructor to photographer, recent college grads to construction workers. You'll find that at Clover, not only do ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsKayaking Instructor Jobs

Kayaking Instructor information

See salary details

$32.5K

$36.3K

$39K

How much do kayaking instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for kayaking 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 some common challenges faced by kayaking instructors and how can they be managed on the job?

Kayaking instructors often face challenges such as managing varying skill levels within a group, ensuring safety in changing weather or water conditions, and keeping participants engaged. Effective communication, strong risk assessment abilities, and adaptability are essential for addressing these challenges. Most instructors work closely with other staff members to coordinate logistics and maintain safety protocols, and they receive ongoing training to stay updated on best practices.

What does a kayaking instructor do?

A kayaking instructor teaches individuals or groups how to safely and effectively paddle and maneuver kayaks in various water conditions. They provide instruction on paddling techniques, safety procedures, and rescue skills, and often lead guided trips or classes. Kayaking instructors are responsible for assessing participants' abilities, ensuring that all safety equipment is used properly, and creating a supportive learning environment. They may work with beginners or more experienced paddlers and are often certified through recognized organizations.

What is the difference between Kayaking Instructor vs Canoeing Instructor?

AspectKayaking InstructorCanoeing Instructor
CertificationsWater safety, CPR, kayaking-specific trainingWater safety, CPR, canoeing-specific training
Work EnvironmentRivers, lakes, kayaking centersRivers, lakes, canoeing centers
Industry UsageOutdoor recreation, adventure tourismOutdoor recreation, adventure tourism
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Both kayaking and canoeing instructors work in outdoor water environments, requiring similar safety certifications. The main difference lies in the equipment and techniques used: kayaking involves a sit-in or sit-on-top kayak, while canoeing uses a canoe. They often work in similar settings such as lakes, rivers, and adventure parks, serving outdoor recreation and tourism industries. When searching for instruction roles, individuals may compare these titles due to overlapping skills and environments.

What Does a Kayaking Instructor Do?

A kayak instructor teaches students paddling techniques and safety practices related to kayaking. You can perform your teaching duties at an outdoor adventure school, for adventure companies, or as part of a state or city park program. In many cases, you also act as a guide for a short kayak trip. Your job tasks include planning the course, providing classroom instruction, and instructing students as they practice using a kayak on a lake or river. Your responsibilities often consist of helping novice paddlers as they take an excursion to practice their new kayaking skills. Some employers require that you obtain certification before teaching.

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

To thrive as a Kayaking Instructor, you need strong paddling skills, water safety knowledge, and relevant certifications such as ACA (American Canoe Association) or BCU (British Canoeing Union) qualifications. Familiarity with rescue equipment, first aid/CPR certification, and kayaking instruction techniques are typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and leadership abilities help instructors effectively teach and motivate diverse groups. These skills ensure safe, engaging, and educational experiences for participants while minimizing risks on the water.
More about Kayaking Instructor jobs
What cities are hiring for Kayaking Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Kayaking Instructor job openings:
What states have the most Kayaking Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Kayaking Instructor jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Kayaking Instructor jobs? For Kayaking Instructor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Kayaking Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kayaking Instructor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Full Time, 77% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,250 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Kayak Instructor

Wet Planet Rafting and Kayaking

White Salmon, WA

$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

Apply