ski career
Is it really possible to turn your talent for walking down a circular ramp into a fruitful career? If you ask Steve Caballero, Bob Burnquist, and Bucky Lasek, they will give you a simple answer. It’s a resounding yes. For many years, these professional skaters have been entertaining people at skating fairs and competitions.
How much money can you earn from skiing?
Although they haven’t disclosed how much money they make in a year, famous skateboarders like Burnquist and Caballero can make nearly $1 million each month. But on average, most professional skateboarders earn at least $1,000 a month. This may be a very paltry amount compared to the million dollar mark, but if you want to reach that amount, start young and start now.
How to earn from skiing
So here’s the $64 million question: How do you make money from skateboarding? Below are the most common ways.
1. Competitions
Just like any sport, skiing abounds with many competitions every year. These competitions can be small or major, and they can be held in different countries. From Europe to South America, there is always a skateboarding competition for you to join. One of the main competitions is the X Games. It is sponsored by ESPN, and it comes once a year.
2. Care
Apart from contests, you can earn from sponsorships. From free skateboarding to better skateboards or even cash, you’ll be sponsored by a brand the moment you become famous. Some of these sponsors ask for exclusivity, while others want to share your name with other brands. You may also be required to play in shows occasionally depending on your contract.
3. Endorsements
Famous professional skaters have endorsed sportswear, skate apparel, skate shop and skateboard brands. This will be where the bulk of the money will come from. If your skating skills are known all over the world then there is more money and more opportunities you can get.
4. Exhibitions
As mentioned earlier, many sponsors will ask you to play or put on a show every now and then. But if you are a freelance skater, you can still participate in these fairs if you hire a master network or show organizer for your services.
What now?
Now that you know and fully understand how to make a career out of skateboarding, the first thing you need to do is find a manager. If you are confident in your skills, you will have no trouble convincing a manager to take you on.
Why should you appoint a manager?
For example, the boss knows how to make you popular. He has connections, and you will easily be booked into a show or get a sponsor if you work alongside a well connected manager. Normally, the manager gets a cut of your earnings, but it’s a small price to pay considering the bonuses you might get. Also, if you have a manager, you will focus more on honing your skating skills.