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Rafting Guide Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Wing Group

Heat Seam Sealer Operator

Arcata, CA · On-site

$20.50/hr

At Wing Inflatables we have dedicated ourselves over the past 30 years to giving rescue workers, the coast guard, Navy SEALs, river rafting guides, and kayakers, the confidence to stay safe while ...

Wing Group

Human Resources Business Partner

Arcata, CA · On-site

$71K - $110K/yr

... rafting guides, and kayakers. Our mission is to support professionals and adventurers alike with equipment that performs with lightweight speed, agility, and confidence on the water. WHAT WE ARE ...

PRP

Be Seen First

Cooks - 1765

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$20/hr

... river rafting, and more. Peak Restaurant Partners is committed to making a difference in our ... Every decision we make is guided by our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles. We strive to make ...

PRP

Be Seen First

Cooks - 690

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$19.99 - $22/hr

... river rafting, and more. Peak Restaurant Partners is committed to making a difference in our ... Every decision we make is guided by our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles. We strive to make ...

CHI Health at Home

Radiation Oncologist

Grass Valley, CA · On-site

$500K - $550K/yr

... rafting, hiking, biking, boating, hunting, skiing, golfing, gold panning,and camping. As our ... Your leadership will guide staff, ensuring a positive and collaborative environment focused on ...

CommonSpirit Health

Radiation Oncologist

Grass Valley, CA · On-site

$500K - $550K/yr

Your leadership will guide staff, ensuring a positive and collaborative environment focused on ... rafting, hiking, biking, boating, hunting, skiing, golfing, gold panning,and camping. Pay Range ...

All JobsRafting Guide JobsRafting Guide Jobs in California

Rafting Guide information

See California salary details

$9

$15

$21

How much do rafting guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for rafting guide in California is $15.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $14.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are rafting guides?

Rafting guides are trained professionals who lead and navigate groups of people on whitewater rafting trips. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of participants, providing instructions on paddling techniques, and reading river conditions to avoid hazards. Rafting guides also enhance the experience by sharing information about the local environment and wildlife. Their expertise is crucial for making rafting adventures both exciting and safe.

What are some common challenges faced by Rafting Guides during a typical trip, and how can they be managed effectively?

Rafting Guides often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, varying river conditions, and managing the safety and expectations of diverse groups of participants. Effective communication, thorough pre-trip briefings, and strong situational awareness are key to addressing these challenges. Guides must be prepared to adapt routes, provide clear instructions, and maintain a calm demeanor under pressure to ensure both safety and a positive guest experience. Being proactive in equipment checks and staying updated on river conditions also help mitigate risks and keep trips running smoothly.

What is the difference between Rafting Guide vs Kayaking Instructor?

AspectRafting GuideKayaking Instructor
CertificationsWilderness First Aid, CPR, rafting guides licenseCPR, First Aid, kayaking instructor certification
Work EnvironmentRivers, outdoor adventure settings, group toursRivers, lakes, outdoor classes, individual or group instruction
Industry UsageTour operators, adventure companiesOutdoor recreation centers, adventure schools

Rafting Guides and Kayaking Instructors both work in outdoor water environments and often require similar safety certifications. However, rafting guides typically lead larger groups on rivers using rafts, while kayaking instructors focus on teaching individuals or small groups how to kayak. Both roles are essential in the outdoor adventure industry, but they differ in equipment, techniques, and specific job responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Rafting Guide, you need strong paddling skills, water safety knowledge, and first aid/CPR certification, often supported by swiftwater rescue training. Familiarity with rafting equipment, river navigation tools, and communication systems like radios is essential. Outstanding leadership, quick decision-making, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help deliver safe and enjoyable experiences for clients. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring guest safety, handling emergencies, and providing exceptional outdoor adventures.
What are popular job titles related to Rafting Guide jobs in California? For Rafting Guide jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rafting Guide jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Rafting Guide jobs in California are:
Rafting Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rafting Guide job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,169 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Heat Seam Sealer Operator

Inflatable Solutions

Arcata, CA • On-site

$20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

We are looking to hire 2 Welders for our swing shift team!
Who we are:
At Wing Inflatables we have dedicated ourselves over the past 30 years to giving rescue workers, the coast guard, Navy SEALs, river rafting guides, and kayakers, the confidence to stay safe while performing with lightweight speed and agility on the water.
About the Position:
  • This is a full-time entry level position, we will provide you with the paid training to become a proficient operator, and as your skills advance there are opportunities for increases in salary!
  • We are looking for someone who can work in a team or work independently, and in a fast-paced environment!
  • In this role the machines that you will be utilizing are sewing machines, grommet punches, and a hot-air rotary welders (experience with welding is not required)!
  • You will be working in a smaller tight-knit department, and interacting with various other departments as well.

Click Here to View Testimony From Our Team!
The Process:
You will be creating the shell of our inflatables boats, or sub assembly pieces that go inside or alongside our boats. To do this you will be referencing work instructions, and drawings of our boats. You will be using industrial strength fabrics that are cut to specific shapes. and with our hot-air rotary welders you take the fabric and push it forward similar to sewing, a bubble or bead of molten polyurethane is formed between the two layers of material just before they are rolled through compression wheels and fused together. A thermo-welded seam, as opposed to a glued seam, results in far tougher, longer-lasting tubes. Thermo-welding fuses the over-lapped layers into one solid piece creating a seam that will not fail over time as a glued seam will.
Shift: Full-Time
Schedule: 2:00pm-10:35pm Monday- Friday
Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Recent work history preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to use tools/machines; previous fabric or hot air weld work a plus!
  • Demonstrated ability to follow written and oral instructions and use math skills.
  • Ability to carry out detailed instructions, apply common sense, and deal with issues timely.
  • Strong, professional work ethic, deadline drive and quality conscious.
  • Punctual and regular attendance; willingness to work OT; schedules off time in advance.

Benefits:
  • Medical/Dental/Vision!
  • 401(K) with Company Match!
  • EAP
  • Profit Share Bonuses!
  • Paid-Time Off!
  • Paid Holidays!
  • Employee Sponsored Life Insurance!

Apply