Paddle Kitsap

Transforming Individuals and Communities

through Paddling

Member of the North Kitsap Trails Association

Volunteering with Paddle Kitsap

[ Apply to Volunteer ]

 

The group of people that really make this event happen are the volunteers. They are every bit as important as the paddlers and have just as much FUN!

You or someone you know is a prime candidate for this highly rewarding opportunity. An event of this size is dependent on the valiant efforts of hundreds of friendly and resourceful people. Why do they do it? Because it's a unique chance to get out into their communities, meet lots of wonderful people, eat and drink like royalty and feel great about contributing to one of Washington's premier  events. It's perfect for friends or family of paddlers, or anyone who wants to join in in the spirit of volunteerism. If you're interested, give John a call at Olympic Outdoor Center: 360 697-6095 or email kayakooc@silverlink.net .

General Requirements
We're looking for volunteers for both days of the event. We ask volunteers to commit to the entire weekend of the paddle. Volunteers work an average of 8 hours a day, and some work as many as 12 hours.

For the paddle, all volunteers should plan to be available the evening before the paddle starts for orientation. We will need some volunteers on Thursday to set up the day sites. Other volunteers may not have to arrive till Friday morning. We provide some transportation during the weekend for volunteers.

We will hold a training meeting on the Thursday before the paddle so you can meet other team members and learn more about your volunteer job. We will also provide you with a volunteer packet that includes specifics on the paddle and your position.

Team Positions
We use volunteers for a variety of jobs, including course monitors, food coordinators, gear drop, HAM radio operators, medical team, office, rest stop coordinators, retail, Paddler Guest services, SAG driver, sign team and site team.

Below are brief descriptions of the duties and responsibilities of some of our volunteer positions. Please contact us for more information about these and other volunteer needs.

Site Team
The general responsibility of the site team is to put up and take down the sites. We have 3 main sites Port Gamble, Kingston, and Poulsbo and 2 lunch sites Hansville and Suquamish. The site teams jobs includes roping off areas, pounding posts, placing signage, putting up tents, directing vendors and community volunteers, and responding to site issues as they occur. This is a very rewarding position. It requires a lot of physical effort, but if you like challenges and are interested in learning about the inner workings of a major event, then this is the volunteer position for you.

Requirements: Good interpersonal skills and able to quickly offer creative solutions, a self-starter and team player, able to manage and coordinate people and work within a specified time frame, enjoy the outdoors, able to work hard and have the ability to see things through to the end. This job requires physical strength and endurance. [8-12 hours/day]


Sign Team
Members of the sign team drive and paddle along the route to place and remove course signage. This is a good job for a volunteer familiar with paddling.

Requirements: Good interpersonal skills and able to quickly offer creative solutions, conscientious, a self-starter and team player, a good driving record, and a good understanding of paddling and where signs should be on the course. Volunteers must be willing to work very early in the morning to get the signs up. [6-8 hours/day]

Paddler Services
Paddler Services functions as the central information source for the event. Volunteers staff an information tent to answer paddlers' questions and help find solutions to their problems.

Requirements: Must be patient, possess a good customer service attitude, work well with others, be a quick learner and have a sense of humor! [4-6 hours/day]

Retail
Individuals who work in the Paddle Kitsap Retail tent are responsible for distributing the pre-ordered paddle tops and handling retail sales throughout the week.

Requirements: Good customer service and organizational skills. Cash management and credit card processing experience a plus. [4-6 hours/day]

Lunch/Rest Stop Coordinators
Lunch and Rest Stop coordinators oversee the setup, operation and breakdown of lunch or one rest stop each day. This includes managing community volunteers to help in preparing and setting out food and beverages and restocking throughout the day if necessary.

Requirements: Good customer service and organizational skills. Ability to drive a truck and lift and move food and beverage containers helpful.

Course Monitors
Safety is the most important concern on Paddle Kitsap. Course monitors help ensure paddler safety by alerting paddlers about dangerous conditions and then helping them proceed safely. Course monitors will be assigned a location for the day. They will be on the water and will be equipped with first-aid, food, drink, and communication.

Requirements: This role is good for someone who enjoys interacting with paddlers and is a strong paddler. [6-8 hours/day]

Year-Round Volunteer Opportunities
Not everything happens in August. We use volunteers throughout the year for a variety of tasks. Below is a list of activities and dates when we need volunteer help. We will send out e-mail updates with complete details closer to the time of each activity.


Volunteer Calendar

Volunteer Training - Summer

Paddler Packet Stuffing and Party: July 8th 7PM @ Olympic Outdoor

  Center, 18971 Front St, Poulsbo, WA 98370 

Event Preparations - July

Paddle Kitsap 2008 - August 1-2

Post-Paddle Organization - August 3