How to make a living off snowboarding?

Question

I realize that the odd of me going pro at snowboarding is very rare. Since I just started this year at age 15 and go to the hill like 15 times a year. I think I'm progressing very good though I was able to master carving down all the hill go off jumps and land 180's, frontside and backside grabs, and one 360. I accomplished all that in about 6 times my first year. I really love to snowboard and would love to do it for a living. I would like to know can you make a living off being sponsored and does it pay good. Also what kind of tricks/rails should I master? Thanks

Answer 1

you can apply for a flow sponsorship at nearly any level.  flow sponsorships don't pay well but will provide you with necessities such as goggles, boards, gloves, etc, depending on what the company produces and has written in your contract.  you can't really make a living unless you are on a professional sponsorship level.

check out loop'd.com

its a site that makes it easier for kids to get sponsors

Answer 2

You need to be able to do 1080's before you can even think about being sponsored.  I'm not really sure what else you need...

You sound like you are progressing pretty well though, keep it up!

Answer 3

Your gonna need to be going up a helluva lot more than you are.

your also gonna need to be a little older than 15.

I'm a hardcore snowboarder, but i dont do pro, and i go up 1-2 times a week.

It only costs me like 350$ a year, because i have a full set of my own gear, and a season ski lift pass in my area.

so i end up boarding 100-120 times a year for only 350$, and i've been boarding for 11 years, so i've been up about 1250 times in my life.

And i'm still not good enough to be pro, you wont be pro for a long while, if you've only been boarding for a year and have only gone 15 times.

you need to have serious talent.

Answer 4

You have to go up more than 15 times a year.  Try at least 60-70+ days a year, probably more.  It is really tough to get good enough to go pro, and actually be able to make a decent living off it.  Most "sponsored" riders only get their stuff for free, and maybe a small travel budget.  

If you want to see the level you got to be at to make a comfortable living, watch MDP and Standard's snowboard videos.  Yeah, they are really good.  And that's how good you have to be.  

I'm not saying you can't do it, but if you want it, snowboarding will have to be more of a priority then 15 times a year.

EDIT: and one more thing... it is all about who you know, unless you are on the podium for major contests (like where you are competing against other pros).  You can have the talent, but if noone who can help you knows you have the talent, then it doesn't matter.  Start getting to know local shops and rep riders.

Answer 5

making a living...ud better just go to college man... i know people that can 10 perfectly along with cork 9s and arent even sponsered. if your gonna make money, just start competing in comps but starting at 15 is a setback. a 360 is impressive at 6 times on the snow but ive had 1 season and i hit good size jumps (40 foot kickers and 25foot cut ins). winning big contests may ake you 20grand but thats winning over pros..maby 100 of em. have fun lol! i would just be happy to win sum new gear or a 100dollar check.

stuff to master:

all rails(fs, bs, backlips nosepresses, tail presses, 270s on and off.)

jumps: be able to 900+ off 100foot gap kickers.

be able to do double grabs, suitcases, front and back flips, rodeos and other stuff.

gl

Answer 6

you don't have to do 1080s to get sponsored but big tricks like that help alot. you gotta be able to do at least 900s to even be considered. you can also try and start boardercross. many people think the only way to get sponsored is in the park, but you can start racing and get sponsored just as easily. your gonna have to go WAY more than 15 times a year to get good also. try goin at least 3-5 times a week.

Answer 7

oh yea, u can definitely make a living, your sponsors pay for your travels and get to see the world, that would be the life, however, i will not end up doin that. im addicted like you, i get to the slopes about twelve times probly more a year, but i do a ton of sessions in my backyard terraiin park. on a rail, start slow and remember, it doesnt have to be a rail, anything you can slide on, iced concrete, wood, plastic, u name it. start witha 50/50 (strait on the rail) then work your way up.

good luk!!!

o yea u sound like a kid whod need a summer activity to replace sniowboarding, try longboarding i'm actually thinking of trying mountain boarding which is just like snoboarding, seeing as how i live in 1 of da hilliest places not in mtns (cinci.)