Are you the next Ryan Sheckler or Shaun White? Is your skating good enough to get you free gear, trips around the world and some major moola? Here are a few tips to help you become a sponsored skateboarder.
How To Get Sponsored - Skateboard 24/7
Go skateboarding all day, every day. Skate to school, skate in the school and skate after school. Try out different skateparks and new terrain. Travel to different cities, if you can, and try skating their benches, stairs and curbs. Companies are looking for skaters who have determination and creativity. Tony Hawk says he still skates at least two hours a day. If you don't have the ability, you won't get sponsored.
Skateboarding Sponsorship - Protect Your Head
If you're going to push your limits and try new skateboarding tricks, you're more likely to get hurt. Wear a helmet. You'll never get sponsored if your brain's a pile of mush.
How To Get A Skateboard Sponsor - Make A Video
Make a "sponsor me video" of your best skating so that even companies on the other side of your country can see you in action. Show your best skateboarding moves and make it short because companies get lots of long, boring videos from guys and girls who suck. Think of something wacky that'll make a possible sponsor take notice (they get dozens of videos from kids every month.) You may end up making several "sponsor me" videos as your skating and camera work gets better.
Getting Sponsored - Make Contact
Pick a company that you'd like to ride for and find out who you need to talk to or write to about getting sponsored. Most companies have information about sponsorship on their Web sites. If you have the ability, companies will want to talk to you about being sponsored.
How To Get Sponsored - Have Fun
Millions of kids skateboard but only a few become professional. You skateboard because it's fun, not because you might get famous later on. "Just go out there and have fun and do what you normally do and someone will notice you. I guarantee they will notice you and recognize what kind of skills you have", said Ryan Sheckler (in a recent interview with Kidzworld.) "If you go out there and your main purpose is to get a sponsor, then it's not gonna work. Just go out there and have fun. That's how I got sponsored."
Getting Sponsored - Be Yourself and Stay Cool
Pro-skaters are almost always cool so make sure you're cool too. Don't be arrogant or act like a jerk. Companies want their riders to be outgoing, friendly and to represent the company well. They look for skaters who have great ability and good character.
