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Rafting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

French Broad Adventures

River-Raft Guide

Asheville, NC · On-site

$15/hr

Whitewater Rafting, Whitewater Guides, Adventure Guides, Outdoor Guide, Outdoor Industry For 44 years French Broad Adventures has been a leader in the outdoor industry in Western North Carolina and ...

French Broad Adventures

River-Raft Guide

Asheville, NC · On-site

Whitewater Rafting, Whitewater Guides, Adventure Guides, Outdoor Guide, Outdoor Industry For 44 years French Broad Adventures has been a leader in the outdoor industry in Western North Carolina and ...

RIVERSPORT FOUNDATION

RAFT GUIDE

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

The Raft Guide is responsible for delivery of a high quality, safe, fun, and entertaining rafting experience for 6-7 guests at a time in varying environmental conditions as dictated by the unique ...

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How much do rafting jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for rafting in the United States is $16.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $15.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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, thorough river safety knowledge, and often certifications in first aid, CPR, and swiftwater rescue. Familiarity with rafting equipment, local river systems, and navigation tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, leadership, and crisis management skills help guides effectively lead groups and respond to emergencies. These abilities ensure the safety, enjoyment, and confidence of clients during rafting excursions.

What are some common challenges faced by professional rafting guides during a typical season?

Professional rafting guides often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing river conditions, ensuring guest safety, and managing diverse groups with varying experience levels. Guides must be highly adaptable, able to make quick decisions in dynamic environments, and skilled at providing clear instructions to participants. Additionally, they collaborate closely with other guides and support staff to coordinate trip logistics and maintain equipment, all while delivering an enjoyable and memorable experience for guests.

What are rafting guides?

Rafting guides are trained professionals who lead and navigate groups of people down rivers using inflatable rafts. They ensure the safety of participants, provide instructions on paddling techniques, and share knowledge about the river environment. Rafting guides are skilled in swiftwater rescue, first aid, and risk management, making sure the adventure is both enjoyable and safe. They often work for outdoor adventure companies, guiding various levels of whitewater trips.

What is the difference between Rafting vs Whitewater Kayaking?

AspectRaftingWhitewater Kayaking
Required CredentialsBasic safety training, rafting guide certificationWhitewater kayaking certification, safety training
Work EnvironmentLarge rivers, group settings, outdoor adventureFast-moving rivers, individual or small group, outdoor
Employer & Industry UsageAdventure tour companies, outdoor recreationAdventure tour companies, outdoor recreation
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for outdoor adventure jobs, safety, and skills

Rafting involves guiding groups on large inflatable boats through rivers, focusing on teamwork and safety. Whitewater kayaking requires individual skill in maneuvering a small kayak, emphasizing precision and agility. Both roles are popular in outdoor adventure tourism, but they differ in equipment, techniques, and work environment.

More about Rafting jobs
What cities are hiring for Rafting jobs? Cities with the most Rafting job openings:
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Rafting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rafting job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,609 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Kayak Instructor

Wet Planet Rafting and Kayaking

White Salmon, WA • On-site

$153 - $195/day

Full-time

Posted 15 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

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