Do you love kayaking and want to share your passion with others? Being a kayaking instructor is a really exciting job, as it allows you to spend time outdoors while getting active!
Some folks become full-time instructors, but you don’t have to; many of our staff consider instructing their supplementary, “fun” job and work just a few hours per week, which is just as rewarding.
Here is some more information on what becoming a kayak instructor looks like.
What Is Paddle Canada Certification?
Paddle Canada Certification is a nationally recognized standard that ensures instructors are qualified to teach kayaking safely and effectively. To become a certified instructor, you’ll need at least Paddle Canada Level 1 Skills or an equivalent qualification. The next step is to take the Basic Instructor Course (see below for more details). It is also required that instructors are registered with Paddle Canada as an Instructor Candidate and hold a Standard First Aid with CPR-C. For those looking to go above and beyond, we highly recommend the 20h Remote or 40h Wilderness First Aid course with Coast Wilderness Medical Training for added expertise.
How Much Experience Do You Need?
Experience is crucial for becoming a kayak instructor, but you don’t need to be a seasoned pro to start. The basic requirement is having Paddle Canada Basic and Level 1 Skills Certifications or equivalent experience. If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll need to build your skills through courses like our Beginner Kayaking and our Intermediate Kayaking course. Additionally, gaining experience by practicing and participating in kayaking activities will help prepare you for the instructor role. On top of the skills and instructor courses, we provide a significant number of additional training as well as pro-d opportunities for our instructors. This way, our instructors can continue to learn from and with each other to further develop their skills and confidence.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Kayak Instructor?
Becoming a kayak instructor involves several steps, but the journey is worth it. We typically offer two Basic Instructor Courses that run for 3 days each year at Jericho Beach Kayak: one in April and another in May. This course equips you with the skills to lead and deliver safe and engaging kayaking programs. To qualify for the instructor role, you’ll need to complete the course after gaining Paddle Canada Certification, and meet all prerequisites. Overall, you can expect the process to take a couple months, depending on your starting point and how quickly you complete the necessary certifications and training.
Kayak Guide vs Instructor:
There are different avenues to share your love of kayaking with others, such as becoming a kayak guide or a kayaking instructor. But what is the difference between a kayak guide and an instructor? While both careers revolve around paddling, their core responsibilities and skill sets make kayak guides different from instructors.
Kayak guides navigate and lead groups through waterways, sharing their deep knowledge of local environments and ensuring safety while adding an element of exploration and excitement. Guides typically lead folks who don’t have the skills or knowledge to go on trips independently or who wish for extra support. The main focus of a guide’s role is to support paddlers and ensure their safety, allowing them to enjoy experiences they otherwise wouldn’t be able to have.
On the other hand, Kayak Instructors focus on teaching essential paddling techniques and water safety skills so their students learn all the skills to independently plan and go on kayaking excursions. Instructors break down strokes, rescue procedures, and technique refinement, providing structured learning experiences to paddlers of all levels. Instructors focus on helping paddlers develop skills that eventually allow them to independently go on trips, make their own decisions, develop their technique, and keep themselves safe. So, if you’re keen to educate folks to become stronger and more independent paddlers, then consider the role of an instructor.
Paddle Canada is the national organization that provides a framework and certification for kayak instructors. Various kayaking schools (including ourselves) offer Paddle Canada Instructor courses.
The Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of B.C. is the organization in BC that provides a framework and certification for kayak guides. Various operators (mostly on Vancouver Island) offer guide training and certification courses.
Luckily, our instructors here at Jericho Beach Kayak don’t have to choose between guiding and instructing! We offer a variety of programs at Jericho Beach Kayak including both tours, led by kayak guides, and lessons, led by kayak instructors.
Book Your Instructor Course Now!
If you’re ready to share your love of kayaking and inspire others, our Paddle Canada Basic Sea Kayak Skills Instructor Course is your gateway. We typically offer the Basic Instructor course once in April and again in May. If you want to take your instruction skills to the next Level we also offer Level 1 Instructor courses each year.
With the right qualifications and dedication, you could join our team of passionate paddlers and start teaching others how to kayak safely and effectively. We hire new instructors every year, but our course is also open to folks who want to work independently or with other organizations, or those just interested in building basic instructional skills.
Call us at (604) 689-7575 to book your spot and take the first step towards a fulfilling career as a kayak instructor.