Skateboard Sponsorship: How, Why and When?

Question

My son skateboards, as most teens do. He is good and is commited, so is my pocketbook. How do I go about getting him sponsorship. What are the reasons behind doing it. And when is a better time for it. I know absolutely nothing about this. Also, what about lessons, and compitions, what are the pros and cons there. Any and all advice would be great. I just need a good kickstart here.

Answer 1

The best way to get sponsored in skating is to make a sponsor me video and take it in to local skate shops.  Ask if the shop has a team and how to get on it.  Some have regular tryouts and some only have openings when someone leaves.

Don;t expect a free ride from a local sponsor.  Most likely a local sponsored skater  gets a few shop t-shirts, a discount and maybe some hard goods once in a while.

Another way to get sponsored is to place videos and pictures on sponsorhouse.com.  It;s a free service and sponsors can range from local to national sponsors.  

It is a good idea to compete and place in local and regional comps to get attention of scouts that might be at the competition.

No matter who sponsors a skater, they will want something in return.  Advertising.  A rider is expected to wear or use products when in public and will be required to compete in so many comps per year.  The sponsor usually pays for entry into the contest and may pay for travel expenses as well.  

Once a skater does well at competitions and and has a sponsor, getting another sponsor is much easier than the first.

There is no good or bad time to become sponsored.  It is up to your son if he wants to become sponsored and up to both of you to take on the commitment.  

There are lessons and skate camps throughout the country.  Most however cater to beginners and some intermediate skating.  To find one in your area, check at a local skate shop or skate park.  You might also find someone who can give private lessons.  The best way to learn new stuff in skateboarding is to skate with others.  You learn how to do something and show somebody how to do something.  It not only is inexpensive, but everyone gains.  It's good karma.

Answer 2

Well, how old is he first off. Usually its not a good idea for them to be traveling around with a team if they arent about 18 yet, just because he would be traveling and some parents may not like that. Though, you may disagree.

To get him sponsored he should probably start by learning some new tricks that are pretty challenging, make him stand out. Make a short video of him doing these tricks, you should try to get the people at a local skatepark/shop to check it out and they might help you from there.

The reasons would be to help him move further as a skateboarder, if thats he wants to do. It would be quite an experience.

The competitions are a way to get him noticed by potential companies that may want to sponsor him, so see if he wants to enter any if he hasnt already.

Most skateparks offer lessons, ask them for more info.

The cons of competitions and lessons would be the time consumption. It can take up a whole schedule.

The pros would be growing as a skater, and getting some life experience out of it. It could help him decide if he wants it as a career or not.