Staff 2011

Back:  Patrick Sikes, Kim Beaumont, Sam Beaumont, Danny Condren, Maddie Love, Jay Allgood, Kristen Rowinsky, Connor Beaumont, Eileen Martin, Dave Featherston.  Front: Elizabeth Searight, Grace Hawkins, Louisa Lima, Steve Annunziato, Abby Beaumont, Patti Cuomo, Jimmy Murphy.  And a dozen more couldn't make it!

Staff 2010

Front: Connor Beaumont, Grace Hawkins, Becca Dombrowski, Jimmy Murphy.  Middle - Carolyn Bridgman (actually works for the Market, but we love her), Abby Beaumont, Louisa Lima, Kim Beaumont, Alli Gallagher, Steve Annunziato (Nunz).  Back:  Patti Cuomo. 

Staff Bios

Meet the 2011 staff...

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WORKING DOWNUNDER

Application - download and email or mail

What it takes to work Downunder...

Candidates should be 18 or over.

We expect the best, because we provide the best - in activities, equipment, merchandise and customer service.  Our staff are personable, efficient, safety conscious, well educated, attentive and have excellent attention to detail.  AND they epitomize the kiwi way.  They have huge smiles on their faces and are totally focused on making the clients experience an exceptional one.  Every day there are scores of interesting people that come through the door, whether to buy something from  the shop, take a lesson, give it a go for the first time, or returning for the umpteenth.  The ideal DU employee makes sure they get what they want and go away happy.

We're looking for dedicated, responsible, proactive, and efficient people, that are flexible and reliable, and available the whole summer.  Must have former work experience, ideally in the watersports industry.  First aid and CPR certified.

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Store, Dock, Guide, Instructor

The dock hands are usually guides as well, working the dock is a way for them to get the hours they need to pay for college.  And there are a lot of hours.  We're open daily 9-6 Mon-Wed, 9-8 Thursday and Friday, 8-6 weekends and holidays.

Store staff need to be able to interchange with Dock staff.  One minute you might be taking a rental reservation, the next you could be outfitting them and teaching the basics before loading them into their kayaks and off on their journey!  Or you could be meeting and greeting people in the store, sharing information, selling, merchandizing and making sure the place looks fabulous. 

Alli Gallagher - works the store and helps on the dock 

Dock Staff take over once kayakers have done the paperwork.  They tell them about the area and conditions (tide, weather, wind) and recommend paddling courses based on these.  The give basic instruction on the dock, outfit with lifejacket and paddle, then assist in and out of kayaks.  They're responsible for ensuring all the equipment is clean, in good order and ready to go.  Need to be strong - hauling kayaks in and out of the water - organized, and vigilant - docks are not safe places. Dock hands are usually experienced kayakers as well and act as guides, or guide assistants.

The more versatile you are the more likely you will be to get a job Downunder!

Guides if you have kayaking experience and are over 21 you may be considered for a guide position.  Ideally a lot of kayaking experience, although the right candidates will be considered and start as assistants.  Younger guides only go out as assistants.  Senior guides (21+) lead groups.  Guides are involved with camps, birthdays, corporate events, scout troups and so forth.

Every spring/early summer we offer training sessions, as well as ACA certified instruction i.e. if you want to be an instructor, you can do it over a couple of weekends.  It's LOADS of fun. 

Instructors - we're always keen to meet instructors and incorporate them into our programs.  Kayaking, Stand up Paddle Boarding, and Yoga.

Becca Dombrowski leading camp

Becca having some fun

Leon, Alli and Becca enjoying a break

Rick Trismen recovering a kayak with the Paddle board

Dave McPherson and Rudi Elert, ACA Instructors at the Stamford Kayak Meet-up Group Kayakers' Jamboree

Some of our Staff from previous years

We hire College Students, School Teachers, Kayaking enthusiasts and Professionals.  Key qualities are: confident, efficient, reliable, responsible, personable and strong.

Staff Party 2009 - Scott, Nunz, Becca, Rae, Grace, Kelly, Brenden, Leon, Alli,

Alli Gallagher on a Stand-up Paddle Board

Connor Beaumont at the sidewalk sale

Brenden Becker leading camp

Kelly Randall on the dock

Mike Juterbock and Pat McGowan

Steve Annunziato "Nunz"

Nunz, Adrienne Keen, Brenden B.

The Store

Brenden leading a birthday party

Leon leading camp

Dave Mcpherson leading ACA Quickstart for sea kayakers

Grace Hawkins mastering the Hobie pedal kayak

Grace and Kim Beaumont in a Paddle board standoff

Jesse Ford leading a Corporate event on Sheffield Island

Jesse guiding a group of seniors