Tip your tandem instructor

Have you ever had an “oh, crap!” moment?!

I did.

Yes, again.

This happens to me far too often.

Anyways, we were at the DZ recently and I was chatting with my TI a bit and then he started talking to some of the jumpers sitting next to us.

He was no longer talking to me, but I was clearly close enough to hear the conversation, so I wasn’t exactly eavesdropping.

They had an awesome number of jumps that day but my TI mentioned that not one person had tipped him.

Wait.

Back up.

I should have considered tipping him?

NOT my actual tip.

Uh. Oh.

Clearly, I enjoyed our jumps, but I had no idea that people tipped for this.

In my defense, I had planned on buying him beer, but found out he doesn’t drink, so it at least occurred to me to show my appreciation.

So?

The lesson is this.

If you are planning a jump, and aren’t strapped to spend a little extra, PLEASE, tip your TI and while you are at it, you should PROBABLY tip your videographer, if you have one.

Obviously, it’s not EXPECTED but CLEARLY appreciated.

Now, the next question is whether or not I need to tip for EVERY one of our jumps?!

I’ll have MY tip ready when I got out next time!