So the question always comes up on the river every season: Should I tip my guide? And, if so, how much?
Typically, we tell people it's not required, but much appreciated. Honestly, guides do not make what they are worth. Rafting is not a big money endeavor - lots of insurances and overhead to be paid. Guiding takes more than just getting you down the river safely. But, safety is still our number one concern.

We like to let people know, that they should only feel obligated to tip if the guide went out of their way to make your trip on the river special, extra fun, or made an extra effort to make you have a "extraordinary trip" on the river. ­­­There are many guides out there who only will give you a trip down the river (insert yawn) - believe us when we say we have seen it and, by the way, we don't hire those guys - Sorry, but there's the door! We are looking for the action and adventure in our guides. Anyone without a personality need not apply! Therefore, we urge our guides to go the extra mile and have fun with people without sacrificing safety in any way. Dumb jokes, funny stories, and a little education about the river and/or the area are just a few examples that may suggest a tip for your guide is in order.

In addition, making a trip personal for you is another big thing a guide can do to really customize your experience. If you were part of a bachelor party, did the guide make it a fun experience for you and make it a special trip for the groom-to-be? If you hosted a work group out on the river, did your guide emphasize the teamwork aspect of rafting to your boat-full of co-workers? These are things a professional guide can and will do that are examples of above-and-beyond and, therefore, should warrant a tip.

Now the big question - how much? It's not uncommon for a good guide to, sadly, not to get a tip at all - not all people who come on the river with us have an idea that a tip is a good thing in the world of rafting. Generally, we urge anything from $20 to $40 depending on how much your guide entertained you both on and off the river. If you really liked them, then go big! The amount you tip should also reflect the number of people in your group. If you have 6 people in the boat all in the same group, everyone could chip in $10 a person and tip $60 - a great tip!

In conclusion, tipping is a great way to show your guide you enjoyed the ride and that it was much appreciated! Just think how much you tip a server or bartender for a one hour meal at a restaurant. Now think about the person who just guided you down the river safely for almost four hours and, hopefully, left you with a lifetime of memories. Like we say on the river- (as with paddle in hand) give your guide the tip, not the shaft!