OK, I recently had my first swim lesson with a private coach. Cost was $60 and was a one hour lesson where he looked at my stroke and then showed me drills to correct my faults. Not going back because he is too far away to go on a regular basis.
Do you give a tip in addition to the regular charge or only the $60? Would it have been different if I had spent several days ina row getting one on one advice from this person?
I know people have discussed tipping their regular coaches, here on ST, but I was not sure about individual lessons.
I don’t think you tip business owners. So I would say no. You can certainly show your appreication though by continuing to work with the individual and refer business. Also, back when I had money, I would offer to prepay several sessions (at regular price) if I thought the person might benefit (say a student or triathlete/coach about to head to a big race).
For other swim lessons you could take a look on active.com or your regions USAT. I found one for $99 where it’s like four hours for some classroom stuff, stroke analysis, they give you drills to use, and you also get a video of your stroke.
As a coach - NO. Our cost of services are worked into the price. I have gotten end of the year tips ( gift cards, gifts and such) from long term swimmers and some wealthier clients tend to just give over and above, no matter what. But in general we dont expect it or wish for it.
Definitely get more swimming lessons, but I don’t think several days in a row would help very much. Get a lesson, get some stroke analysis, then be able to spend a week or two doing drills and working in the pool on your own to develop and incorporate the advice, then go for another lesson. Lessons every day, and you are just going to be supervised, and being told the same thing.