Do I tip the instructor?

[aqwert5]

Originally Posted by smackdaddy

Hey aq - first, congrats on getting out there and doing it!

Second, let me encourage you to do a write-up of your experience when you get a chance. There are so many people always asking about how to get started that it would be great to point them to this thread so they can see exactly how someone did it.

I'll try to write something next week.

[legarots]

For BKB, I took the instructor out for lunch at the end. For multi-day trips, I did tip what came about to be 5-10% of the course fee. But in those cases, I thought the instructor did a really nice job.

[SeaLifeSailing]

As the owner / operator of a private sailing school, I don't even remotely expect tips, and to me, a positive testimonial or a referral is far more valuable. However, as the owner, I am better rewarded for my efforts than a hired instructor would be (although my financial risks are much higher). In the case where you attend a sailing school where the instructor is paid an hourly or daily wage, I would say that if the instructor exceeds your expectations, surprising him or her with a gratuity would be most appreciated, but never expected. Remember, the amount of training and expense required to become a certified sailing instructor is significant, and the pay they recieve is fairly modest. Meanwhile, the difference between a very good instructor and an indifferent one is huge in terms of your perception of the sport - why not reward someone who's gone out of their way to make your experience overwhelmingly positive?

[sailsail]

You don't have to tip the instructor, I have never expected a tip.
Although I have had parents of unruly kids tip me, even when their kid never did anything wrong.