How to Become a Sponsored Skateboarder

For many skateboarders, getting sponsored is a fantastic goal to reach. It’s a culmination of all the hard work and effort put into getting noticed and represented and the journey can seem difficult, even impossible to some… but it is achievable.

There are several ways you can get sponsored, either by a brand or a skate shop. You can even get multiple sponsors if there isn’t a conflict of interest. For example, it’s unlikely to get sponsored by two skate shops or by two skateboard deck brands, but you could most definitely get sponsored by a skate shop and your favourite skateboard brand. Obviously, getting more sponsors includes additional benefits, but also more responsibility and you will need to consider how you put the time in to represent each and the best way you can do this is through social media, which coincidently is exactly how you will most likely get sponsored in the first place.

Getting Discovered

The first step towards getting sponsored is getting noticed. With the thousands of up-and-coming skateboarders out there, this can seem daunting and standing out from the crowd will be like finding a needle in a haystack, but there might be a few things that distinguish you from everyone else. Do you have a certain style whether it’s how you ride or simply how you present yourself? Skating is an extension of your personality, and all personalities are unique…so let it shine!

Of course, the likelihood of getting discovered is minimal if you’re simply going to a skate park every day in the hopes a scout walks by and notices you, so you’re going to need a set of tools to get you promoted. A lot of you may already be on Instagram and TikTok which is a great start, but you’ll be competing against thousands of other people on there.

The most successful pro riders we’ve seen have spread out to other channels, such as YouTube, Twitter and even set up their own website or blog. They have then weaved everything they do together forming a fantastic diary of content allowing a much wider audience across all social platforms to see what they are up to.

It also allows you to see what works on some social platforms and what doesn’t, because we all know the algorithms are different and sometimes a bit of a mystery, but the golden rule is that if audiences are engaging with you, then you must be doing something right.

Lastly, it’s important to be patient. You won’t find success overnight and many pro riders have got to where they are through persistence and consistency.

Growing your name

It might seem obvious, but if you’re looking to get sponsored as a skateboarder, make sure your content is focused on skateboarding! Yes, we all have other interests and hobbies and yes, it’s nice to mention them occasionally, but you need to make sure that when someone looks at your profile, they see some one who lives and breathes skateboarding…but that’s just one part of the equation.

You don’t have to be the most amazing skateboarder in the world to get sponsored, but you must show you’re making progress. Entering and winning competitions or attending events and covering them on social media is like gold dust and the more you go to, the more exposure you’ll get, but a lot of brands like to see skaters doing new and amazing things in the parks or streets. Just head out into the natural environment of a skater and try our new stuff. Land your first 7 steps. Grind the longest rail. Manual across the length of a car park. Mix it up and see those likes and shares tot up. Which leads onto one of the biggest factors when getting sponsored…the number of followers you have.

Now You’re Ready to get Sponsored

If you’ve ticked all the boxes and you’ve got a large number of engaged followers, you’ll be in a good position to get sponsored, but don’t lose sight of the fact that a brand has chosen you to represent them as an extension of themselves. Some of these responsibilities might include attending events and competitions, or exclusive using their products or giving them a shout out now and again. The benefits will always be the best part of sponsorships though and you’ll usually find a load of privileges, bonuses, and even more exposure, elevating you to new heights.

Remember to stay passionate and post regularly. It’s easy to get burnt out, trying to think of new ideas, but sometimes it’s best to just take your camera out and shoot what you do naturally.

Even if you don’t get sponsored, there are other benefits to blowing your own trumpet. SkateHut are always on the lookout for influencers and YouTubers to review and provide their thoughts on the latest products as brand ambassadors, so if you want to have chance to get noticed, but have always thought you can’t make it, now is the best time to set that profile up and push your content out.

It’s up to you now!

So, there you have it. A condensed run-through for what it takes to get sponsored, but just remember the golden rules;

1.       Regular and frequent posting on social media.

2.       Be passionate about what you do.

3.       Persistence and time will grow your audience.

4.       Continue to push and develop your skills.

5.       Let your personality and identity shine through.

6.       Attend competitions and events. Get your name out there!

Good luck to everyone aspiring to be a pro skateboarder and, who know…maybe one day you will be sponsored by SkateHut!