Also called: Paddling Guide
Leads kayak tours along coastlines, bays, and islands.
You paddle with guests through sea caves, pointing out sea otters and seals, while watching wind and tides. On longer trips you camp on islands. Guides often move between Alaska in summer and Baja or Florida in winter.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 0 years after high school. Paddling certifications plus wilderness first aid.
Ways in: Certification, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Growing about average.
Low risk for 10 years. Leading paddlers along coasts and handling wind and waves stays hands-on.
Age 18+. One way to start: Take Wilderness First Aid, then apply to coastal kayak tour companies, which train new guides First: Wilderness First Aid (2 days) plus the company's guide training
Classes: Physical education, Earth science, Biology.
Official data: O*NET occupation 39-7012.
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