Overview
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.
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
Qualifications:
• 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 Skills:
• ACA Whitewater Kayak Instructor certification preferred.
About U.S. National Whitewater Center
The U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) is dedicated to the promotion of the active lifestyle. Since 2006, the USNWC has been promoting access to the outdoors for all levels of participants through its 30+ land and water-based activities, outdoor instruction and certification programs, festivals, races, films, and various outdoor events throughout the year. Whether you visit the Center’s 1,300 acres on the Catawba River or engage in the brand’s mission through one of our off-site initiatives, the USNWC empowers guests to play, relax, and learn outside.
