Kayak Guide in Sankt Anna Skärgård

About Us:

At Do the North, we have been organizing 5-day guided and 4-7 day self-guided kayaking adventures in the Saint Anna and Gryt archipelagos since 2004.

We are looking for an experienced kayak guide who truly enjoys the social aspect of guiding. There are always two guides, and together with the group—and of course, considering the weather—you decide where and how far to paddle. We see the kayak as a wonderful way to travel through the archipelago, but our trips are really about enjoying nature, camping, and having fun together. No two trips are the same!

Our guests are international travelers who love the outdoors and appreciate the freedom of exploring nature. They don’t necessarily have experience with sea kayaking but are interested in various outdoor activities like canoeing, hiking, climbing, cycling, and camping. They value that we take care of all logistics, provide high-quality gear, and ensure a safe yet adventurous outdoor holiday in our archipelagos.

Our goal is to exceed our guests’ expectations—not just by providing them with the essentials but by doing so in a friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable way, smoothly handling any issues that arise.

Employment Period:

End of May – September

Job Responsibilities:

• Guiding groups of up to 8 people (with 2 guides) on five-day tours. Tours depart weekly during the season.
• Instructing self-guided groups at our launch site. (Note: We don’t run a kayak rental service—our self-guided trips are package tours with at least four days of paddling, including all necessary equipment for kayaking and camping, transportation to/from Norrköping, meal planning, and thorough trip briefings.)
• Driving guests to and from Norrköping.
• Cleaning and maintaining equipment.

Typically, you will alternate weekly between guiding and working as an instructor, driver, and equipment maintenance. The working and guiding language is English.

How We Want Guests to Describe You as a Guide or Instructor:

• Warm, personable, and attentive
• Enthusiastic and engaged
• Highly knowledgeable – about paddling, safety, navigation, local flora & fauna, regional history, and wilderness cooking

Requirements:

• Certified kayak guide
• First Aid certification
• Previous experience in guiding roles
• Class B driver’s license
• Fluent English

Life at Our Base:

Our entire team lives together at the base or in nearby cabins, so your personality is crucial to us. It’s not just about being highly skilled and working well in a team—you should also be a great fit for our crew. We are like a family, and both during and after work, we genuinely enjoy spending time together. Our team usually consists of a mix of nationalities.

We assume you meet the qualifications and experience as a kayak guide. However, it’s equally important that you understand guiding is so much more than paddling expertise.

Nobody Comes Just for the Kayaking:

• Guests come to spend time in nature and with each other, whether with friends, family, or new acquaintances. Kayaking is often secondary.
• Try to understand what each group member wants from the adventure. There are many aspects of paddling and camping; not everyone is interested in the same things.
• We primarily use double kayaks (guides use single kayaks) with plenty of space for gear and food, ensuring a comfortable multi-day adventure. The paddling pace is relatively relaxed. While some guests may want to learn advanced paddling techniques, it is not a requirement to get around.

Treat Everyone as Individuals:

• Show personal interest and respect for all participants.
• Pay close attention to group dynamics, including within each double kayak.
• Cater to different interests, such as birdwatching, cooking, paddling technique, navigation, or local history.

Ensure Guests Connect and Have Fun Together:

Your personality and social skills are key to a successful adventure. While your expertise and professionalism are essential, you’re also part of the group. We aim for a shared experience where everyone, including you, bonds and enjoys the trip together—rather than a strict guide/participant division.

• Involve guests in tasks like cooking, navigation, and route planning—it’s a relaxed way to build relationships and learn new skills.
• Make sure everyone feels included, especially quieter guests. Not everyone is outgoing at first, but with time and effort, they always open up.