I think the mechanic analogy works fine when talking about hobbies. Its like hiring a mechanic to restore your classic car (not your every day car), yes a mechanic can do it faster and perhaps even better, but you don't get the satisfaction of learning about your car and physically doing the work yourself.

If its a completely new water, you might want to take a guide the first time, after that why not do it yourself?

I think the mechanic analogy works fine when talking about hobbies. Its like hiring a mechanic to restore your classic car (not your every day car), yes a mechanic can do it faster and perhaps even better, but you don't get the satisfaction of learning about your car and physically doing the work yourself.

If its a completely new water, you might want to take a guide the first time, after that why not do it yourself?

Quicksilva you got my point that is exactly what i mean. Take a guide once sure.. after that why would you take one. I never said i was 100% against guides.