1000 IKC Staff
Our Certifications
To ensure we are exceeding the industry regulation and certifications, we have a minimum level of standards all our staff are required to obtain before they are eligible for employment at 1000 Islands Kayaking. Please keep in mind these are the minimum level of certification and the majority of our staff are well beyond these skill levels as outdoor professionals.
Youth organizations and school groups that require risk management documents can use this list of certifications for your organizational policy. Please contact us for further information or view our risk management page.
A Diverse Team
The diversity of personalities and skill sets amongst our staff makes for an extremely dynamic and entertaining environment. From world travelers and international aid workers to extreme white water paddlers, rock climbers, adventure racers and expedition leaders, to teachers, geologists and historians, you will be thrilled by the amount of cumulative knowledge and stories our staff have to offer. There is never a dull moment when tripping with the staff of 1000 Islands Kayaking. We hope you enjoy the ride!
Meet our staff
A diverse group of adventure seeking professionals
1000 Islands Kayaking is fortunate to have a high number of adventure seekers who have been training as outdoor professionasl to deliver high quality programs. Our job is to make guiding and instructing look easy so you have an amazing experience. To achieve this, we go through countless hours of certifications and professional development programs to ensure we are well above the industry standards in terms of risk management and on the cutting edge of experiential education.
By and large, all our instructors and guides keep coming back to 1000 Islands Kayaking year after year because they love what they do. We are constantly challenging staff to develop new skills and through their inherent passion for the sport, we have accumulated one of the most professional and skilled groups of paddlers in Ontario.
Among the top reasons for working at 1000 Islands Kayaking is the motivation to contribute a positive element to the quality of living in our communities and inspire the clients we paddle with to connect with the natural beauty of our rivers. We all hope to have a lasting impression that helps you access the sport of kayaking and potentially view the world and your relationships through a new lens.
The entry level certifications are:
National Sea Kayaking Level 1 Skills, Paddle Canada or equivalent
Wilderness First Aid, CPR + Standard First Aid
National Lifeguard Service (NLS) for school programs
Advanced + Problematic Rescue Training
Restricted Operators Licence (VHF radios)
Criminal Reference Checks
Level 1 Stewardship training from Parks Canada
Completion of 1000 IKC apprentice program (2 months)
In addition to our entry level certifications, we are constantly pushing the bar higher with specialty courses and professional development seminars. Examples of how our staff enjoy continuous learning are clinics in: competitive paddling techniques, Greenland kayaking, yoga for paddlers, white-water kayaking, outdoor and experiential education, historical and ecological interpretation, therapeutic recreation for special needs groups, and attend many guest lectures on regional conservation projects.