What many people need to learn about skydiving is that there is something called skydiving etiquette. Like at a restaurant, your server delivers your food; your skydiving instructor takes time to meet your needs and helps you have the time of your life. If this stands true for you, you should tip them! But how much do you tip your skydiving instructor?
If you are able, you should tip your instructor. The amount in which you tip depends on you. A general rule of thumb is between $20 and 20% of your total cost. Some people have tipped over $100. A handwritten thank you card is appreciated too!
I shouldn’t have compared skydiving to a restaurant, as it’s pretty different in how it operates. However, my point stands; show your appreciation somehow! Below, I’ll explain a few different ways you can do this and how to choose what and how you tip your instructor.
Is Tipping A Skydiving Instructor Mandatory Or Optional?
Whether or not you tip your instructor is entirely optional. After your skydive, if you want to leave your instructor a cash tip because you felt your instructor provided the best possible experience, feel free to do so!
Gratuity often ranges from $20 to 20% of the price of your jump. However, this amount fluctuates from person to person; some people have left $5, and others $0.
Should You Tip Your Tandem Skydive Instructor?
Many folks debate on whether they should tip their instructor. In tandem skydiving, tipping is a widespread practice. Nonetheless, instructors get compensated for their jumps, so they are not entirely dependent on gratuities.
A monetary tip for your instructor would be very appreciated, but they don’t count on it, and it’s not required.
A tip is a thoughtful gesture that your instructor would undoubtedly appreciate if you had a great time and want to thank them for making your experience memorable. Skydiving is expensive and it is understandable to not receive a tip as an action sports guide/instructor, but it is certainly appreciated.
Learn how much money skydive instructors make in our detailed post here.
What Is the Average Amount of Tip Given to A Skydiving Instructor?
The standard minimum tip is $10 if your expectations were met and you had an excellent time. On the other hand, $20 or above is always welcomed, especially if you had a blast.
Some instructors occasionally get paid $50 or $100, although this is the exception rather than the rule. A tip should only be given if you have the resources to do so and if you believe that your instructor went above and beyond to ensure your needs were met.
How Can You Show Appreciation To A Skydiving Instructor Other Than Through Tipping?
Several alternatives exist to paying your tandem guide to take you on a fantastic journey. Giving the drop zone or online a positive evaluation of your experience is greatly welcomed and might even aid them in future skydiving endeavors.
An honest and genuine thank you goes a long way, but so does a card or handwritten message. Skydivers have compelling stories and do it for a variety of reasons. It can mean a lot to your teacher to hear how they have impacted your life or helped you reach a goal.
Your instructor’s goal is to look after you during the skydive and make it an unforgettable experience, and they genuinely enjoy what they do. Tipping is a customary show of appreciation in the skydiving community but is not required.
How you express your gratitude goes above and beyond what they would have anticipated. Below are a few other ways you can do this:
- Buy them some beer (If they don’t drink, buy their favorite soda).
- Order them pizza or get them their favorite meal!
- If you have a business, offer them some freebies, such as free stays at your campground or a free rafting tour with your company, etc.
- Make them a card / Buy them a card.
- Give them a hug!
- Bring them their favorite candies, chocolates, etc…
I know when I went skydiving my very first time, I was flat broke. I couldn’t cash tip, and I couldn’t get her anything; I felt awful. I remember she said that her helmet pulls on her hair sometimes, and it hurts.
Since I also crochet, I made her a thin hair cover made out of acrylic yarn that blocked her hair from getting snagged. Sure, the tip came a couple of weeks later, but she said it was the best tip she had ever gotten.
Just pay attention to your guide! You’ll know what to do.
Should You Tip A Skydiving Instructor Who Is Also The Owner Of The Skydiving Company?
Regardless of who your instructor is, even if they own the company, you can still tip them! They may not keep the tips, however. I know one guy that used to collect them all, and at the end of the year, he would use the tips to throw a big party for his instructors.
What If You Don’t Want To Tip Your Instructor?
Without a doubt, don’t tip if your experience wasn’t spectacular. Talk to your instructor about what they could have done better. Or, if you had a disconnect, talk to someone else at the facility. Feedback is so important.
When it comes down to it, tipping isn’t a must; it’s simply to show your appreciation. Sometimes a smile and a wave are more than enough to make anyone’s day. Your tip is not going to make or break them or their day, so don’t sweat it!
Final Thoughts
Skydiving instructors are a special kind of expert. Most of them go out of their way to ensure that your needs are met and that you’re comfortable through your whole experience.
If you feel inclined to do so, throw them $10, $20, $100, a rack of beer, some candy, or a hug their way! They’ll appreciate it much more than you think!
On the same accord, if you don’t feel that your experience necessitates a tip, then leave your instructor some feedback. They can only correct what went wrong if they know what went wrong. Gratuities are not required, so there is no need to stress! Focus on having fun; paying your instructor is the best way.
When Heather is not participating in extreme sports you can find her working the events across the country, or writing about these amazing adrenaline rushes. She loves to go skydiving, snowboarding, parasailing, hang gliding, dirt boarding, off-roading and hiking.