Sea Kayaking Guide Onboarding Checklist

Sea Kayaking Guide Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Sea Kayaking Guide starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Tourism onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Sea Kayaking Guide, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Sea Kayaking Guide onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Sea Kayaking Guide Onboarding Checklist

1. Equipment familiarization: This task involves introducing the new sea kayaking guide to all the necessary equipment used in the industry, such as kayaks, paddles, safety gear, and communication devices. The task is typically performed by the equipment manager or a senior guide who is responsible for maintaining and managing the gear.

2. Safety protocols and emergency procedures: It is crucial for a sea kayaking guide to be well-versed in safety protocols and emergency procedures to ensure the well-being of themselves and their clients. This task involves providing comprehensive training on topics like water safety, first aid, rescue techniques, and how to handle various emergency situations. The task is typically performed by the safety officer or a senior guide with extensive experience in the field.

3. Navigation and route planning: A sea kayaking guide needs to have a thorough understanding of navigation techniques and be able to plan routes effectively. This task involves teaching the new guide how to read nautical charts, use GPS devices, identify landmarks, and plan safe and enjoyable routes for clients. The task is typically performed by the head guide or an experienced guide with strong navigational skills.

4. Local knowledge and environmental education: To provide an enriching experience for clients, a sea kayaking guide should possess in-depth knowledge about the local area, including its history, wildlife, flora, and fauna. This task involves educating the new guide about the local ecosystem, cultural heritage, and any specific regulations or restrictions that apply to the area. The task is typically performed by a local expert or an experienced guide with a passion for environmental education.

5. Customer service and communication skills: As a sea kayaking guide, it is essential to have excellent customer service and communication skills to ensure a positive experience for clients. This task involves training the new guide on how to interact with clients, provide clear instructions, answer questions, and handle any customer concerns or complaints. The task is typically performed by the customer service manager or an experienced guide with strong interpersonal skills.

6. Group management and leadership: Sea kayaking guides often lead groups of clients, and therefore, need to possess effective group management and leadership skills. This task involves teaching the new guide how to manage groups, maintain group cohesion, delegate tasks, and make decisions in challenging situations. The task is typically performed by the head guide or an experienced guide with proven leadership abilities.

7. Weather and environmental conditions assessment: Understanding weather patterns and environmental conditions is crucial for a sea kayaking guide to ensure the safety and enjoyment of clients. This task involves training the new guide on how to assess weather forecasts, interpret sea conditions, and make informed decisions regarding trip cancellations or route changes. The task is typically performed by the weather officer or an experienced guide with expertise in assessing environmental conditions.

8. Company policies and procedures: Every company has its own set of policies and procedures that guides need to adhere to. This task involves familiarizing the new guide with company-specific policies, such as booking procedures, client waivers, reporting protocols, and administrative tasks. The task is typically performed by the operations manager or a senior guide responsible for overseeing company policies.

9. On-the-job training and shadowing: To gain practical experience and learn from experienced guides, the new sea kayaking guide should participate in on-the-job training and shadowing. This task involves pairing the new guide with a mentor or experienced guide who can provide hands-on training, demonstrate best practices, and offer guidance throughout the initial period. The task is typically coordinated by the training coordinator or the head guide.

10. Evaluation and feedback: Regular evaluation and feedback sessions are essential to help the new sea kayaking guide improve their skills and performance. This task involves conducting periodic evaluations to assess the guide’s progress, provide constructive feedback, and identify areas for further development. The task is typically performed by the training coordinator, head guide, or a designated supervisor responsible for guiding and mentoring new guides

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Sea Kayaking Guide checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Sea Kayaking Guide up to speed and working well in your Tourism team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.