Recently, a paddling friend was lucky enough to have a kind soul recover a piece of lost equipment and return it. This led to a discussion of whether there are any sort of "etiquette" to follow in these situations.  Should you offer some sort of thank you gift to the person who found your gear?  If so, what should it be? If you are the person who found the gear, should you turn this gift down?   In the past, when I found someone's gear, the profuse thank you was all I cared about. I was glad to do the favor and hoped someone would do the same for me, if needed.  I assumed this is part of building good river karma.  I do a favor for you, someday someone may do one for me.  Some folks say they offer a six pack or case of beer, others offer money as a thank you. If you are on the receiving end, do you decline these offers?  Thoughts?