What A Perfect Job

April-May 2001

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD

by Jack Rosen and Candace Snow

You've got the best job in the world."
"I can't believe you actually get paid to be out here and kayak."
"I'd sure like to have your job."

If you've done any amount of guiding, you surely have heard these comments and many more like them. The truth of the matter, most guides would agree, is that kayak guiding is not always the laid back, easy job that many people think. Admittedly, most of the time, the rewards outweigh the trials. However, the process of acquiring the skills to become a professional guide is a lengthy, demanding and not inexpensive process.

All levels of guiding require a wilderness first aid certificate, a clear understanding of navigation, tides, currents, and wind, an ability to surmise what the weather may do, foresight to bring extra gear for those who may need it, strong wilderness and survival skills, organized camp skills, the ability to prepare appetizing, wholesome food, be a boat mechanic, chief bottle washer and latrine attendant.

It's a bit mind boggling!

Over the last 6-8 years, hard working volunteers in the education and certification committees of guides' organizations have set guidelines for exams and course content. The Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC (SKGABC), along with other associations, have come up with core required skills and levels of certification. Courses are endorsed by professional bodies and taught by Lead Guides who have a wealth of teaching and leadership experience.

It is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my guiding year as I work with people who are keen to learn and have a real aptitude for guiding and interacting with people in a wilderness setting. As an instructor/examiner with the SKGABC, I am a true believer that the guidelines set out plus the exams at the end of the courses make for better all round guides.

Some of the topics taught and reviewed during an Assistant Guides' Course include: Capsize and Recovery, Paddling Techniques-detection and correction, Towing Strategies, Incident Response, Pre-Trip Planning, Group Travel, Natural History, Dead Reckoning, Leadership Styles.

The guides' courses are very comprehensive and offer a huge amount of information in a condensed period of time.

Full Guides Courses such as those I teach, convey the hard and soft skills of kayaking in an interactive, hands-on manner. Guides learn to make crucial real-life decisions when placed in compromising situations.

As an owner/operator of a multi-faceted adventure company, I want my guides to be well prepared for whatever may occur. I want them to guide with knowledge, expertise and leadership skills that have been tried and tested. I want to know that each and every one of them will make the best decisions if the "shit hits the fan".

A good, sound knowledge base is also required by Day Guides in our Industry who are often responsible for paddling with novice kayakers who need the basic paddling skills-entering and exiting the kayak, group etiquette, etc.

Each and every time a person has a good experience on the water due to a guide's good judgement and training, it helps every one of us within the industry. It reflects positively on all guides. A good, solid knowledge base, combined with many hours of paddling experience is required to make a professional guide respond appropriately, particularly in emergency situations.

Jack Rosen offers Day Guide and Assistant Guide Courses in May, June and October with his company, Island Escapades. For information on courses call 1 888 KAYAK-67 or email escapades@saltspring.com.