Tipping your guide?

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Woody

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Mar 24, 2004
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Leominster, MA Avatar: Crow Hill Mixed
When hiring a guide for climbing what is the customary tip? My brother and I have been having this discussion. I have tipped 15 to 20 percent in the past and my brother says that $20 a day is ok. Any guides out there?
 
I have only gone on guided white water rafting trips, but have always tipped at least 15% and even more (especially if the day was a good one). My daughter is a white water guide and they don't get paid very much (especially when you break down the per diem into an hourly amount or consider that they are ultimately responsible for your well being). So they rely on the generosity of their customers. On day trips (costing around $100) I would tip about $20; but on an overnight trip where we had a BLAST and our guide was excellent, I once tipped $100.
 
I am a whitewater guide on the Hudson River. Your guide can definitely make your trip, and a good guide can make the trip exciting regardless of the water level. Likewise, a good guide (in any activity) can significantly add to your experience.

I don't know if there should be a set rule with regards to tipping a guide. I would say to simply tip appropriately based on what you feel your guide has added to your experience, especially compared to other guides you have used or seen in action. I have seen great guides have lousy days when they were in lousy moods, and quite frankly, if I was a cutomer, I would'nt want to tip them jack. I've seen rookie guides who don't know the river well provide an exceptional experience for their group.

Simply ask yourself if your guide added significantly to your experience, and tip accordingly. Some folks who come on our trips may not be able to afford to tip as graciously as they would like, in which case a sincere thank you will do just fine.

John
 
tipping

Ive climbed in the Whites with a peticuliar guide over the years, to learn more advanced techniques for technical ice and rock as well as to do first ascents. This is pricey, private days such as this cost around 120 bucks or so. I never tipped him, felt I was paying a premium as it was. Maybe I was wrong, you got me thinking now, but he never seemed slighted, maybe group trips are different, not sure.
 
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