Is Tipping Common in Skydiving?

You’ve just had an awesome skydive – you’re coming down from the adrenalin high and saying goodbye to your super cool instructor, and then it crosses your mind that maybe you should give them a tip for such an amazing experience. All of a sudden, your excitement from the skydive turns into a bit of anxiety as you question: how can you show your appreciation? Do you tip your skydiving instructor? If so, how much do you tip skydiving instructors? Well, don’t fret! The issue of tipping can be stressful when you don’t know the protocol, and the last thing you want is to feel stressed on the day of your skydive! So let’s clear up some common questions about whether or not to tip, and how much to tip your skydiving instructor.

Skydiving Etiquette

There are so many ways that you can show appreciation to your tandem instructor for keeping you safe and providing a fun experience. First and foremost, the easiest way to say thanks is to show up for your skydive prepared. Being prepared means arriving at the dropzone for the time that you scheduled; keeping yourself adequately fed and hydrated; getting a good night’s sleep the night prior; wearing the correct skydiving attire, like comfortable clothes and sneakers; showing up sober and ready for the experience; and lastly, being open to having a great time. By being bright eyed and bushy tailed and ready to listen and learn, you are helping to make the whole experience smoother, safer, and a lot more enjoyable for both you and for your instructor.

Always Appreciated, Never Expected

Many people wonder if they should also give their instructor a tip after landing from their jump. Tipping is a fairly common practice in tandem skydiving. However, instructors are paid for the jumps they make, so they do not rely solely on tips for compensation. Your instructor would surely appreciate a monetary tip, but they don’t expect it and it is definitely not required. If you had a fantastic time and you want to give your instructor a little bonus for helping to make your experience unforgettable, then a tip is a kind gesture for which they would certainly be grateful.

How Much Should I Tip My Skydiving Instructor?

Tips are totally optional, so it is completely up to you in terms of how much is right. If you want to give your instructor a cash tip after your skydive because they were hilarious or super chill and also made you feel safe and empowered at the same time, then gratuity amounts typically range from $20 to 20% of the cost of your jump. 

Other Ways to Say Thanks

There are plenty of ways besides cash to say thank you to your tandem instructor for taking you on an epic adventure. For instance, leaving a great review about your experience either online or with the dropzone is mega appreciated, and can potentially even help them in their skydiving career. A card or personal note is a lovely gesture, too – a sincere and heartfelt thank you always goes a long way. People skydive for many reasons and often have powerful stories. Hearing how they helped make an impact on your life or assisted you in accomplishing a goal can mean a whole lot to your tandem instructor.

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It’s your tandem instructor’s job to take care of you during your skydive and make the experience out-of-this-world amazing, and they truly love what they do. Tipping is a common gesture of gratitude in skydiving but it’s not obligatory. Whatever way that you choose to say thank you is above and beyond their expectations. Whether it’s a smile and a “thanks”, a handwritten note, a cash tip, a great review, or just coming back for more skydives – it all makes the happiness meter go way up. 

Ready to get sky high and spread the love?! Let’s go!