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Kayaking Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Everyday California

Kayak & Snorkel Guide

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

... surf instructors, and retail staff are needed! We are actively looking for more great individuals who can help staff our operation for this coming busy season. Desire to have fun. No kayaking ...

Everyday California

Kayak & Snorkel Guide

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

... surf instructors, and retail staff are needed! We are actively looking for more great individuals who can help staff our operation for this coming busy season. Desire to have fun. No kayaking ...

Everyday California

Kayak & Snorkel Guide

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

... surf instructors, and retail staff are needed! We are actively looking for more great individuals who can help staff our operation for this coming busy season. Desire to have fun. No kayaking ...

Benchmark

Kayak Guide (PT Seasonal)

Lake Arrowhead, CA

$17.50/hr

Previous kayaking, outdoor recreation, or guiding experience preferred * American Canoe Association (ACA) Kayak Instructor Certification * Strong swimming ability required * Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid ...

Palm Careers

Physical Therapy

Crescent City, CA

$60.48 - $75.59/hr

Enjoy kayaking, hiking, and oceanfront living just minutes from your front door. * Tight-Knit Team ... Serve as a clinical instructor for assigned students * Ensure compliance with all local/state ...

Alliance Redwoods

Experiences Manager

Occidental, CA · On-site

... instructors. Train staff to facilitate various programs such as ropes course, low ropes elements, team building, lifeguarding, archery, canoeing/kayaking Innovate new experiences for guests and ...

All JobsKayaking Instructor JobsKayaking Instructor Jobs in California

Kayaking Instructor information

See California salary details

$33.7K

$37.6K

$40.5K

How much do kayaking instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for kayaking instructor in California is $37,603.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,300.00 and $38,900.00 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.
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What are popular job titles related to Kayaking Instructor jobs in CA? For Kayaking Instructor jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Kayaking Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kayaking Instructor job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,603 per year, or $18.1 per hour.
Aquatic Center- Youth Instructor Non-Certified

Aquatic Center- Youth Instructor Non-Certified

Associated Students, Inc.

Gold River, CA • On-site

$18/hr

Temporary

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Description
SUMMARY: The Youth Instructor Non-Certified shall assist the daily operations for youth programs at the Aquatic Center. The primary area of responsibility is to assist the certified youth instructors and supervise children ages 7-17.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Ability to support instructors while teaching: sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking and boating safety through on-site training. Assist in rescues as needed.
  • Assist instructor for up to15 or more children per week during assigned summer camp sessions as needed.
  • Assist youth groups, birthday parties, team builds as needed.
  • Check-in and check-out of campers is required on daily basis. Typically Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:30pm.
  • Facility and equipment cleaning is required on a daily basis.
  • Available to work overtime during peak seasons as needed.
  • Must be available for certain shifts or special events.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:
  • Exceptional customer service skills
  • Must enjoy children and be able to be an educator as well as a role model
  • Ability to communicate effectively
  • Good analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions
  • Ability to speak publicly in front of children and youth
  • Must have thorough knowledge of the Aquatic Center programs and class offerings and outreach as a whole

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • C.P.R., First Aid
  • Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to play and facilitate games in a fun environment
  • Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions and be prepared for both heat and cold
  • Must be willing to learn sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and canoeing, rowing or have completed the required courses

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Previous Aquatic/boating knowledge
  • Class B Driver's License with passenger endorsement
  • Previous experience working with children
  • Lifeguard Certificate (must be current)
  • Ability drive a power boat and pass the DBAW Safety Certification/CA Boater Card

BACKGROUND CHECK:
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily after the candidate is offered a position with Associated Students, Inc. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current Associated Students, Inc. employees who apply for the position.
All Aquatic Center Staff must sign a Code of Conduct and Dress Code Agreement.
JEANNE CLERY ACT (Applies to front desk positions at the Aquatic Center and the Children's Center)
This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) and is required to immediately forward to the Sacramento State Police Department all reports of crimes brought to their attention pursuant to the Clery Act and California State Education Code, Chapter 16, of the Donahue Higher Education Act, Section 67380.

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