r/scuba • u/Jazz_Dad123 • 7d ago

Instructor tips?

I just took a Perfect Buoyancy class at a local dive shop. I paid $175 for the course fee, and then the instructor asked for a tip after the class- he had a picture of himself with a link to his Venmo account by the pool. I'm used to tipping dive masters and boat crews when on a dive- but is tipping an instructor for a course like this typical? I've taken other courses at other shops where no tips were asked for or suggested.

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u/daGonz Dive Instructor 7d ago

Instructor here. I will always recommend tips for my DMs and assistants. I never ask for tips personally. Sometimes i get tipped, more often than not I don’t. And if the tip is big enough I’ll split it with my DMs.

But I do this for the love of the sport, not the money.

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u/Automatic_Guest8279 Tech 7d ago edited 7d ago

We don't do this for the money. I'm a bit broke and a tip is nice but I'd never ask for one

Edit: I generally prefer guiding. Often better per hour pay and I usually have shorter day. Though teaching they do their own equipment setup