It depends on a lot.

Distance travelled, how firm the commitment was, what the previous communication was, etc. those all make a difference.

If I meeting at a set time for a quick local run, I'm not waiting for a no-show as long as I'm waiting for someone I'm meeting in Idaho for a 4 day trip.

It depends on whether or not it is me they are waiting for.

Whoops.  I meant I set the time 30 minutes earlier.

The whole "kayaker time" doesn't help. There are different  times for different kayakers. Seems like the kayakers I like to paddle with the most are generally dependable within 15 - 20 min at the worst. They often don't wait around much more than that. 10- 15 is a reasonable margin within the 2-3hr range.

The thing is, if I'm going to the Sky, an I know there's going to be lots of people there, I know that many will be late. It's the Sky. So I know better than to show up exactly on time there, or maybe I just don't want to always hurry for the Sky. Afterall, I could just as well solo it if I were to miss the group, and sometimes an unhurried stop or three up HWY 2 isn't a bad thing. Cute baristas in the coffee shacks along the road, for example.

But the important thing is to know and understand when timeliness is important! For example, during the winter months, and/or any trip involving the Oly P, a timely meet and an early start are critical. Lots of would-be good trips get sabotaged in the morning long before arriving at the put-in. Anytime hiking is involved, ect.

Just because I have no life (outside of paddling) doesn't mean I assume everyone else's lives are the same way. People (esspecially those with families) are busy in general, so it's important to remember that punctuality matters. Still, we are all fallible, selfish critters.