Due to my work schedule I was unable to take the SSI dive classes at my local dive shop. They do offer private instruction, which I signed up for. My instructor has been great and I am down to my last 2 lessons. I realize with private instruction they do not make as much as when they teach a full class. I would like to tip him but do not know how much. I was thinking $100 or so. Any suggestions (esp if there are any instructors out there) would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance for the help.
Off Topic-Dive Instructor Tipping (private instruction)
- Thread starter DiveLabby
- Start date
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Wow what a great tip!!!!! Different areas call for different amounts. Most in my area don't even tip. I would say to give what you feel he was worth to you.
Pam_In_Paradise
Contributor
All of the instructors I know would consider $100.00 a wonderful tip as most get none at all. I think a nice touch is a note to them telling them how they have made learning to dive such a positive experience and point out the specific areas where they made an extra big difference. I have also called an instructor when something that they taught me made a difference in staying safe in a particular situation. I was fortunate enought to go through a really tough, tough rescue course and divemaster course and after travelling around and working with various instructors I wrote a big thank you to him for making me a capable diver and divemaster.
tracker
Guest
I he makes you comfortable and you are happy with your experience, a hundred bucks would be a very appreciative gesture.
BHB ScubaTroll
Contributor
Another suggestion,
If you have made a connection, and your instructor has mentioned a favorite restaurant, or other establishment.
Adding a personal touch of a gift certificate to that establishment for half that amount can make as big an impact as cold hard cash. In some cases an even bigger impact
If you have made a connection, and your instructor has mentioned a favorite restaurant, or other establishment.
Adding a personal touch of a gift certificate to that establishment for half that amount can make as big an impact as cold hard cash. In some cases an even bigger impact
Sharkbaithawaii
Contributor
My instructors wouldn't take a tip. At the time I jsut thought it was a rule. We had to battle to pick up the dinner tab after our last cert
Pam_In_Paradise:
$100 is a wonderful tip and not excessive, but it's uncommon. I love what Pam's done. Sometimes a note or call can be a better tip than cash (though cash is rarely declined). It just depends on how people are motivated. If the instructor puts a lot of effort into making sure you're trained well, their greatest gift will be knowing you became a safe diver.
Like most teachers, scuba instructors aren't the highest paid, so a gift certificate to anywhere would also likely be received with gratitude. You could also take continuing education in the future and request that instructor. That way you'd continue to learn in whatever areas you decide (night diving, photography, etc.), and the instructor would get paid for the additional course. That would be a win/win situation.
Another thing you can do for your instructor is write to his certifying agency, ya know PADI, NAUI, SSI, whichever one would love to get a good revue.
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