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Kayaking Instructor Jobs in Los Angeles, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Kayaking Instructor information

See Los Angeles, CA salary details

$35.6K

$39.7K

$42.7K

How much do kayaking instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for kayaking instructor in Los Angeles, CA is $39,678.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,300.00 and $41,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.

More about Kayaking Instructor jobs

What are popular job titles related to Kayaking Instructor jobs in Los Angeles, CA?

For Kayaking Instructor jobs in Los Angeles, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Kayaking Instructor jobs in Los Angeles, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Kayaking Instructor jobs in Los Angeles, CA are:

Kayaking Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kayaking Instructor job openings in Los Angeles, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Part Time, and 67% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,678 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

EOE Instructor

CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$365 - $385/day

Temporary

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Crossroads EOE provides a wide range of programs for its students; some offerings focus on outdoor leadership skills and technical skills, while others focus on the natural sciences such as geology, marine biology, and ecology.
In grades 4-8, one week per year is devoted to an EOE trip. EOE trips in the Upper School (grades 9-12) are optional. Because we offer such a range of programs, we seek to maintain a qualified and diverse instructor pool that possesses a wide variety of skills and teaching experience.
Curriculum on EOE programs focuses on many aspects of the outdoor experience, including:
  • Learning the skills, techniques, and philosophy of outdoor travel and safety
  • Developing a sense of personal responsibility and leadership through real challenge, an exploration of group dynamics, and cooperative interaction
  • Developing specific technical skills such as rafting, kayaking, canoeing, backpacking, climbing, and snowshoeing
  • Supplementing classroom instruction in the natural sciences, including the study of weather, geology, marine biology, flora and fauna, connections between ecosystems, land management issues, astronomy, art, cultural awareness and natural history.

Instructors are hired as part time, seasonal employees of Crossroads School. Desired Qualifications include:
  • College graduate
  • Current WFR and CPR Certification.
  • Experience leading students on outdoor environmental education programs
  • Classroom or field-based teaching experience
  • Proficiency in technical outdoor skills applicable to course locations and activities
  • Current drivers license

Salary:
Instructors and Logisticians are hired as part time, seasonal employees of Crossroads School. Rates starting at $365 per day with a current WFR certification. The daily rate increases to $385 on fifth course worked. An additional rate of $25 per Student Contact Day is paid for other applicable certifications (Single Pitch Rock Site Manager, AIARE 1, Swiftwater Rescue certification)") when certification skills are used on course.

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