How to get a real sponsor with Skateboarding like Rynaldo

If you are reading this hub right now it can only mean that you have been skateboarding for a while and are currently looking to get a sponsor. Am i right? This also means that you consider yourself to be good enough and you can pop some sick tricks? Yes ! As an ex-skateboarder, i will tell you exactly how i went to getting a sponsor. Not as easy as you think, but well worth it in the end. I mean, come on, who wouldn't like the advantage of getting all these free skateboarding shoes, skatebaording decks and tons of other skateboarding gear?

In order to get a guaranteed sponsor for skateboarding you will need to prove yourself determined and good enough. Skateboard everyday, whenever and wherever you can, such as:

Skateboard to school

Skateboard after school

Go to different skateparks

Skateboard in different cities if possible.

Skate stairs

Skate benches

Skate curbs and gaps

Skate in competitions

Practice, Practice, Practice !

Being creative and determined is what most skateboard sponsor companies are looking for in skateboarders, and in order to get a sponsor, you will need to prove yourself determined and have ability, if you dont have that, then you won't get sponsored. So let me tell you how to get a sponsor:

Make A Video

A great way to get sponsored is by making a "sponsor me video" which shows off all your best skating tricks. This is the very first thing all skateboarders do to get a sponsor. This way companies all over the world can see your ability for skateboarding. Make sure your video is not too long, a short video is always best in order to catch their attention as quick as possible, which is why it is best to only include your best tricks in the video. Consistency counts, so make sure you don't send them a movie with more bails than anything else.

Make Contact

Find a specific company that would would like to be sponsored from and find out who you would need to contact, write to or talk to, about getting a sponsor from them. Many companies have sponsorship information on their websites, such as uploading a "sponsor me video" to their site, which is a great way to get yourself noticed. So visit websites and see what they have to offer.

Enjoy Yourself

There are millions of people all over the world that skateboard but only a few of those million people become professional skateboarders in the end. There are so many people that skateboard just to get famous and not for the passion. "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. If you go out there and your main purpose is to get a sponsor, then its not going work. Just go out there and have fun. That is how i got sponsored. I din't go out there and expect it. I went out there doing what i love most ! Skateboarding !

Just Be Yourself

When you meet a professional skateboarder, they are always friendly and keep their cool. Don't be a jerk towards anyone or don't think you are better then anyone else. You have to realize that you are all chasing the same dream. Companies want you to represent them well, they want friendly and outgoing riders. So remember to keep up your good characteristics.

The Goal

The goal is simply to secure a sponsorship with the company you have selected to represent. It is much more easier to follow the instructions that will be mentioned further down if you know the company that you would like to be sponsored by.

Benefits

Depending on the company you choose to represent, the benefits will differ. Being sponsored could make it a lot easier to get to any of the skateboarding events you would like to attend or for you to actually get your own event organised. The gear you need is also usually given to you for free or can be purchased at a good discount price.

Your Target

There are so many companies that could sponsor you such as, board shops, local shops, restaurants etc. With board shops you would get sponsored by that specific board company. By being sponsored by local shops, you can get any board you like, as well the fact that you will always have a store that will have a large supply of deck parts, so working on your deck regularly will be a breeze. There are many companies that could sponsor you, companies that produce things such as, shoes, clothing, safety equipment, beverages etc. There are so many options of companies that you could prove worthy of sponsoring you.

Finding Contacts

You will need to eventually contact an individual at the company that you have decided on asking for a sponsor, and there are many ways to do this. There is the internet. Look up on the website of the company and look for information on contact details and sponsorships. Try and get a business card or contact information for the company you chose, from any local shop that might carry the company. A very good way to get contacts is to attend any events the company sponsors and get as many contacts from that specific company as you possibly can. Always take note of who you have contacted, as well as their position and what they have said to you. You never know who might get back to you with that one lucky call.

Bio Writing

The writing of your bio can be difficult at times because its hard for you to see yourself as honestly as others do. So the best thing to do when writing your bio is to ask your family and friends to describe you as they see you. While you write your bio, add information such as, where you enjoy skateboarding, the skateboarding styles you enjoy performing, as well as any outstanding results in competitions and a list of all of the events you have attended. When writing your bio, try and give the reader a slight insight on your life.

Getting Help

Putting together a great sponsorship package can be very difficult on your own, such as, making the "Sponsor me video" and taking pictures of yourself skateboarding. The best way to put together a great sponsorship package is to ask some of your friends to help. See if any of them have a good camera you can use to shoot your "Sponsor me video" and if one of them can work well with a video camera to shoot a video of you skateboarding, as well as asking another one to take pictures with a regular camera at the same time. Remember you only want to do the tricks that you are good at that will impress the viewer of the video.

Here is a list of some of the most well known sponsors:

DC
Zero
Mystery
Plan B
Enjoi
Destructo
Volcom
Independent
Osiris
Circa
Fallen
almost
Lakai
Alien Workshop
Black Label
eS
Etnies
Emerica
Lost
KFD
Blind

Take note that the sponsor may differ from country to country, state to state and city to city ! You may find many local skateboarding shops and skateboarding teams looking for fresh skateboarders.