A NOTE FROM JAKOB AND ADAM, CO-FOUNDERS OF THE KAYAK TRAIL
We started The Kayak Trail because we believe the Stockholm Archipelago is one of the most extraordinary places on earth, and we wanted to share it with more people. That belief still drives everything we do.
We are a small team, and that is by design. Everyone who works with us has a real impact on the experience our guests take home. You are not a number here. You are someone we trust to represent this place and this company, and we give you the freedom and responsibility that comes with that trust.
What matters most to us is that you genuinely care. About the guests, about the archipelago, about doing things properly. If you bring that, we will give you one of the best working environments in Sweden: a summer on the water in the Stockholm Archipelago, surrounded by a team that shares your passion.
We are always interested in hearing from good people, even if we do not have a specific opening right now. If something about The Kayak Trail speaks to you, get in touch.
Jakob and Adam
WHAT A TYPICAL DAY LOOKS LIKE AT THE KAYAK TRAIL
No two days are exactly the same, but here is what a typical summer day looks like for our team at the kayak centre in Stavsnäs.
Prepare for the day
You arrive at the kayak centre at Stavsnäs Vinterhamn. The morning is spent checking equipment, packing kayaks, and preparing for the guests arriving today. The coffee is on, and the team goes through the day’s schedule together.
Welcome new guests
A new group arrives from Stockholm. You welcome them with a fika, learn about their backgrounds and expectations, and begin the introduction session. Over the next few hours, you teach them everything they need to know: kayak technique, safety, navigation, camping skills, sustainability, and the route you have planned together.
Launch and support
Your guests set off into the archipelago. You wave them off and know they are well prepared. Meanwhile, you check in by phone with groups already out on the water, answer questions, give weather updates, and help with route adjustments if conditions have changed.
Welcome returning guests
Another group comes back from their tour, sunburnt and full of stories. You help them unload, show them to the showers and sauna, and hear about the islands they visited, the wildlife they saw, and the sunsets they will never forget. This is the best part of the job.
Wrap up
Equipment is cleaned, dried, and stored. Kayaks are checked and readied for the next group. The team recaps the day, and you head home knowing you helped someone have an extraordinary experience in the Stockholm Archipelago.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN OUR TEAM
We are not looking for a specific CV. We are looking for a specific kind of person. Here is what matters to us.
You care about people
Our guests come from all over the world, often stepping into a kayak for the first time. You make them feel welcome, safe, and excited. You have the patience to teach and the warmth to connect.
You love the outdoors
The archipelago is our workplace. You feel at home on the water, in the wind, and under the open sky. Whether you are a seasoned paddler or simply someone who comes alive in nature, that energy is what we need.
You take pride in your work
Every kayak packed properly, every introduction delivered with care, every phone call answered calmly. The details matter because they add up to the experience our guests take home.
You are a team player
We are a small team and everyone pitches in. Some days you are the guide, other days you are washing kayaks. There is no task that is beneath anyone. We work together and we look out for each other.
You respect nature
Sustainability is not a buzzword here. It is how we operate. You understand the Right of Public Access, you care about leaving no trace, and you pass that respect on to every guest you meet.
You communicate well
You are comfortable speaking English with international guests and Swedish with local partners. You can explain complex things simply, stay calm under pressure, and ask for help when you need it.
ROLES AT THE KAYAK TRAIL
Our season runs from May to September. Most roles are seasonal, based at our kayak centre at Stavsnäs Vinterhamn in the Stockholm Archipelago. Here are the types of roles we typically hire for.
Kayak guide
Our guides are the heart of the operation. You lead introduction sessions, plan routes with guests, provide 24/7 phone support, and occasionally guide multi-day tours on the water. Previous kayaking or outdoor guiding experience is a plus, but what matters most is your ability to teach, communicate, and care for people in a wilderness setting. We provide training and certification.
Base manager
The base manager runs the day-to-day operations at our Stavsnäs kayak centre. You coordinate the team, manage equipment logistics, handle guest communications, and make sure everything runs smoothly from the first booking to the last return transfer. This role suits someone with leadership experience and a talent for organisation who thrives in a hands-on outdoor environment.
Seasonal support
During peak season, we bring on additional team members to help with equipment preparation, kayak maintenance, guest logistics, transfers, and general operations. These roles are ideal if you want to spend your summer in the archipelago and get a feel for the outdoor tourism industry. No previous experience required.
GET IN TOUCH
Whether you are applying for a specific role or just want to introduce yourself for the future, we would love to hear from you. Tell us a bit about who you are and what draws you to The Kayak Trail.
Apply via the contact form on our website at thekayaktrail.com, or reach out directly at info@thekayaktrail.com.
We look forward to hearing from you.