I agree fully that the tip for a guide should be based on how hard the guy works for you. I also think on the guide's part that some could go a long was in improving their river karma by even saying HI on the river. I say hello, what's happin' to folks I meet. Most of the time people are friendly back. Unfortunatly some of the guides seem bothered by a simple hello. I try to stay friends with everyone I meet on the river. You never know when you might need some help. Granted the likely hood of a guide sticking his boat aren't as great as that of a weekend warrier, but I've picked up a guide's gear on the Duc a couple of years back after he dumped his boat. A simple "Hello, not too bad" can go a long way toward keeping things happy on the river.