Demo

Whitewater Kayak Instructor

U S National Whitewater Center
Charlotte, NC Full Time
POSTED ON 4/28/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/28/2026

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.


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