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Seasonal Kayak Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ZTourz Inc

Snorkel Guide / Crew

Koloa, HI · On-site

$16 - $26/hr

Crew seasonal whale watching tours by assisting with guest safety, marine life spotting, snacks ... Previous snorkel guide, lifeguard, swim instructor, dive, surf, kayak, or ocean safety experience.

Grand Teton Lodge Company

Kitchen Mechanic

Moran, WY

$20/hr

Summer Seasonal 2026 * Shift Type: Full Time hours available * Minimum Age: At least 18 years of ... This job summary is intended as a guide, it is not an all inclusive . * All employees will actively ...

Grand Teton Lodge Company

Kitchen Mechanic

Moran, WY · On-site

$20/hr

Summer Seasonal 2026 * Shift Type: Full Time hours available * Minimum Age: At least 18 years of ... This job summary is intended as a guide, it is not an all inclusive . * All employees will actively ...

Vail Resorts

Kitchen Mechanic

Moran, WY · On-site

$20/hr

Summer Seasonal 2026 * Shift Type: Full Time hours available * Minimum Age: At least 18 years of ... This job summary is intended as a guide, it is not an all inclusive . * All employees will actively ...

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Seasonal Kayak Guide information

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How much do seasonal kayak guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal kayak guide 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 is a seasonal kayak guide?

Seasonal kayak guides are outdoor professionals who lead groups on kayaking trips during specific times of the year, usually in peak tourist or weather seasons. They provide instruction on paddling techniques, ensure the safety of participants, and share knowledge about the local environment. These guides often work in scenic areas like rivers, lakes, or coastal regions and may have expertise in outdoor education and first aid. The role is typically temporary, aligning with periods of high demand for water-based activities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a seasonal kayak guide?

To thrive as a Seasonal Kayak Guide, you need strong paddling skills, water safety knowledge, and a basic understanding of local natural environments, often supported by certifications such as CPR, First Aid, and ACA or BCU kayaking credentials. Familiarity with navigation tools, rescue equipment, and communication devices like VHF radios is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, leadership, and the ability to educate and motivate groups make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure guest safety, enhance the client experience, and enable effective management of group dynamics and emergencies on the water.

What are some common challenges faced by seasonal kayak guides and how can they be managed?

Seasonal Kayak Guides often face challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, managing group safety, and accommodating various skill levels among participants. To manage these, guides must remain vigilant about weather forecasts, conduct thorough safety briefings, and adapt their approach to ensure all guests feel comfortable and secure. Strong communication skills and teamwork with other guides are essential, as is continuous learning through on-the-job experience and certifications.

What is the difference between Seasonal Kayak Guide vs Rafting Guide?

AspectSeasonal Kayak GuideRafting Guide
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, kayaking certificationsCPR, First Aid, rafting certifications
Work EnvironmentCalm lakes, rivers suitable for kayakingFast-moving rivers, whitewater conditions
Employer & IndustryOutdoor adventure companies, tour operatorsWhitewater rafting companies, adventure tourism

Both roles require certifications like CPR and First Aid and involve guiding clients in outdoor water environments. However, Seasonal Kayak Guides typically work on calmer waters and focus on kayaking tours, while Rafting Guides handle more intense whitewater conditions. Both jobs are seasonal, outdoor, and industry-specific, but differ mainly in water type and equipment used.

More about Seasonal Kayak Guide jobs

What cities are hiring for Seasonal Kayak Guide jobs?

Cities with the most Seasonal Kayak Guide job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Kayak Guide jobs?

The most popular types of Kayak Guide jobs are:

What states have the most Seasonal Kayak Guide jobs?

States with the most job openings for Seasonal Kayak Guide jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Seasonal Kayak Guide jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Seasonal Kayak Guide jobs are:

Seasonal Kayak Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Seasonal Kayak Guide job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,609 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Whitewater Kayak Instructor

U S National Whitewater Center

Charlotte, NC • On-site

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Facilitate whitewater kayak instruction for individuals and small groups while managing inherent risks.

  • Provide constructive feedback to students to foster skill development and paddler growth.

  • Execute safety and operational processes involved in kayak instruction for the Class II-IV artificial whitewater course.

Job description

Whitewater Kayak Instructors at the Whitewater Center are core members of the paddle sports team. Teaching students from a variety of demographics in private, group, and multi-day settings, Instructors will impart efficient techniques and convey their passion for the sport. Whitewater Kayak Instructors are part-time, seasonal, hourly employees and report directly to the Paddlesports Manager.

Responsibilities

  • Facilitate whitewater kayak instruction for individuals and small groups with an informative and enjoyable approach while proactively managing the inherent risks involved with whitewater activities.
  • Provide constructive, meaningful feedback to students in order to foster skill acquisition and long-term paddler development.
  • Utilize differentiated, student-centered instruction techniques, exercise useful and purposeful practices, engage in instructional session planning, and develop performance assessments.
  • Execute all safety and operational processes involved in kayak instruction for the Class II-IV artificial whitewater course.
  • Practice thorough communication with the paddle sports team, and aid where needed to ensure guest service standards and efficient operation.
  • Continue to improve and develop personally as a whitewater paddler.
  • Maintain accurate knowledge of activities, products, and services offered by the Whitewater Center.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements 

  • A minimum of 2 years of experience working for a whitewater outfitter within a kayak instruction program, a guiding program, or another similar experience.
  • Current First Aid, CPR & AED Certification – courses are offered by the Whitewater Center.
  • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and during other Whitewater events as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

  • ACA Whitewater Kayak Instructor certification preferred.

Physical Demands 

  • Must be able to safely self-transport over uneven terrain or in a confined space.
  • Must be able to work outdoors for sustained periods of time in all weather and environmental conditions.
  • Must be able to lift and carry at least 50 pounds.
  • Must be able to instruct and/or guide a minimum of 3 whitewater classes per day.
  • Must be able to perform challenging maneuvers confidently and consistently in Class II-IV whitewater. 
  • Must be able to rescue students in Class II-IV whitewater.
  • Must be able to bend, stand, lean, and kneel on a regular basis and for sustained periods of time.
  • Must be able to work in shared spaced with other employees and customers.
  • All positions at Whitewater require employees to report and work onsite at Whitewater locations. 

 

Benefits

  • Access to the Whitewater Center’s pass activities
  • Staff discount program and pro deals
  • 401K

Overview of Department

The Outdoor Activities Department is responsible for leading and supporting experiences in a variety of water and land-based sports. The department also instructs guests through the Whitewater Center’s Outdoor School and Summer Camps. Outdoor Activities employees engage with guests through an assortment of pass activities and help create memorable outdoor experiences.

Working at Whitewater

 

Whitewater’s mission is rooted in the belief that we all share a genetic code that compels us to play outside and share these experiences with others. This mission is accomplished through promoting access and opportunities to play outside and bring people together. Our approach is simple: Make it compelling and easy to engage with nature and invite others to join. 

Legal Disclosures

The Whitewater Center provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Whitewater Center complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

NOTICE: Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. The Whitewater Center is an employer that participates in the E-Verify program.