Career as a Skateboarder
Is it really possible to turn your talent of flawlessly going over a loop ramp into a fruitful career? If you ask Steve Caballero, Bob Burnquist, and Bucky Lasek, they’ll give you a simple answer. It’s a resounding yes. For many years, these professional skateboarders have been entertaining people in skateboarding exhibitions and contests.
How much money can you earn from skateboarding?
Though they have not disclosed how much money they make in a year, famous skateboarders like Burnquist and Caballero can make approximately $1 million every month. But on the average, most professional skateboarders earn at least $1,000 every month. This may be a pretty paltry sum compared to the $1 million mark, but if you want to reach this amount, start young and start now.
How to Earn from Skateboarding
So here’s the 64 million dollar question: how do you earn from skateboarding? Here are the most common ways.
1. Competitions
Just like any sport, skateboarding is filled with several contests every year. These contests can be a minor or major one, and they can be held in different countries. From Europe to South America, there is always a skateboarding competition that you can join in. One of the major contests is the X Games. It is sponsored by ESPN, and it comes once in a year.
2. Sponsorship
Aside from competitions, you can earn from sponsorships. From free skate clothing to better skateboards or even cash, you will be sponsored by a brand the moment you get famous. Some of these sponsors demand exclusivity, while others are willing to share your name with other brands. You may also be required to play at shows once in a while depending on your contract.
3. Endorsements
Famous professional skateboarders have been endorsing sports brands, skate clothing, skate shop, and brands of skateboards. This will be where the bulk of the money comes from. If your skateboarding skills are known around the world, there’s more money and more opportunities to be had.
4. Exhibitions
As previously mentioned, many sponsors would ask you to play or put on a show every once in a while. But if you’re an independent skateboarder, you can still participate in these exhibitions if a major network or a show organizer hires your services.
Now What?
Now that you know and fully understand how to carve out a career from skateboarding, the first thing to do is to scout for a manager. If you’re confident in your skills, you won’t have difficulty convincing a manager to take you in.
Why should you hire a manager?
For one, a manager knows how to make you famous. He has connections, and you will easily be booked in a show or get a sponsor if you work alongside a well-connected manager. Normally, a manager gets a cut from your earnings, but it is a small price to pay considering the rewards you will possibly have. Also, if you have a manager, you will focus more on honing your skateboarding skills.
