Seasonal Full-Time Paddlesports Instructor

AQ Outdoors / Aquabatics Calgary Ltd is one of Canada’s Leading Paddlesports Information Resources, Retail Stores, and Education Providers. We strive to provide the best service, courses, and products in the area of paddlesports.

For the 2026 season, we are looking for full-time seasonal L2/I2 or L3/I3 (or equivalent) paddlesports instructors to work in our dynamic and varied education program. Our course offerings range from youth programming and recreational kayaking, to beginner whitewater, creeking programs and 5-day whitewater courses, as well as Flatwater SUP and multi-day raft support trips.

We are looking for certified and experienced whitewater kayak instructors who are passionate about teaching. You also need to be stoked about progressing your own personal paddling and instructional skills. The instructional roles within AQ Outdoors best suit those who want to learn and share a functional and highly technical style of paddling progression. AQ instructors need to be comfortable working with a wide range of paddlers, from kids to adults, recreational to enthusiasts.

SPECIFIC SKILLS

A team player but able to work independently

Keen to learn a technical progression and apply that in all programming

Motivated to progress into more responsibilities as time goes on

Looking to be part of a professional and highly motivated instructional team. This includes a drive to improve both personal and instructional paddling skills

Great with people and able to be a key player in developing long-lasting client relationships

Have a positive attitude and a problem-solving mindset

Experience working with different age groups (child, teen, & adult) in a paddlesports instructional capacity

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide Whitewater, Rec/Touring, SUP, and Raft instructions ranging from Flatwater to Class III Whitewater (depends on instructor certifications)

Facilitate paddlesports programming with other instructors and independently (depending on the program)

Assist in preparing gear for programming as well as cleaning and packing up gear after programs

Help maintain gear and do repairs as required

At times, assist with basic program administration tasks and help shop staff

Take part in ongoing staff training to ensure continuity and quality of AQ Outdoors programming

Shuttle customers/gear to and from paddling locations, using company vehicles (including towing trailers)

Assist, as needed with kayak festivals and events

Other tasks as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

L2/I2 or L3/I3 certification (we will however, do thorough staff training and evaluation in-house regardless of certifications) – OR EQUIVALENT

Experience working with youth

Any Sea Kayaking, Raft Guide or SUP instructor certifications are a bonus

40-Hour Wilderness First Aid (Needs to be valid for the entire 2026 season)

Drivers License

An outdoor education degree or diploma is a bonus.

Able to work legally in Canada (Citizen, Resident, Visa etc)

SALARY

Based on experience and certification level. Range is $165 - $225 per day for full-day courses and $75 - $105 for evening programming.

BENEFITS

The equivalent of 2 weeks’ holiday pay paid out on each paycheque

Set schedule and time off

Guaranteed week off in July

High-quality continuous training within the company

A long paddling season and amazing creeking opportunities in as little as 20 minutes drive

SEASON

Staff training starts mid-April and the season goes through to mid-September or longer.

HOW TO APPLY

Click Apply Now at the bottom of the page and fill out the application. You will need to attach a resume and cover letter (IMPORTANT, put some thought into this).

or

BY E-MAIL: Please send your cover letter and resume to us via email at courses@aquabaticscalgary.com.

Please mark email: ATTN Jay Isaak – 2026 Instructor Position Application

FURTHER INFORMATION ON EMPLOYER:

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