Many riders sent me requests about sponsorship such as “I want to be sponsored” or “I’m still looking for a sponsor”.
Strapless riding is ….sorry, was a small niche in kitesurfing, and even if the level is getting high now, riders have only a limited choice in strapless riding competitions, where it’s difficult to stand out.
To make clear how to get sponsored, take time to read 2 sides about sponsorship. From the sponsor vs from a rider.
Pete Cabrinha wrote these words to help you to understand how it works, the mechanism
“Its sounds pretty good doesn’t it. Getting the support from the industry. Traveling the world, posting up in exotic locations. Being a part of the advertising campaigns that shape the sport of kiteboarding. Well yeah, in fact it is pretty good. A dream job by any standards.
But like any “job” there’s some hard work thrown into the mix.
On a weekly basis I get approached by people looking for sponsorship. The common questions are: What type of things are you looking for from a rider? What are the deciding factors when choosing a sponsored rider? So I thought I would take some of the mystery out of the process and let you in on things that we at Cabrinha Kiteboarding look for when choosing a rider. These are listed in order of priority.
While some of this may apply to other companies much of it will not. Cabrinha is company that puts an equal amount of weight on Rider Performance and Lifestyle. We feel that no matter how serious you are about this sport, no matter how good your competition results are, you have to be enjoying it. The passion has to be there.
So read on……. who knows, you might be on your way to a life as a kiteboarding pro.
Talent.
Talent is a pretty broad term and I use it here instead of more defined measurements such as competition results. Whether you are a competition rider or someone who has a way with the media, your kiteboarding talents or skills need to be world class. Talent is king and this is the first thing that will get us to look your way. Sometimes we bring riders on board early in their careers because we recognize that they have talent and we can see the potential in where those skills will take them. Other times we pull directly from the competition talent pool where their results speak for themselves. Either way you must have the skills that represent today’s high level of riding.
Attitude
We put this one high on the list because if you have talent and a great attitude, the rest of it will fall into place much easier. Having a great attitude doesn’t need much explanation. If you have it, your friends will know it, the media knows it, the people at your beach know it, and we’ll know it. Its about your ability to showcase and share the sport with everyone. Especially with the people you don’t know. When looking at it from a brand’s perspective, a good attitude reflects on the brand in a way that is measurable and valuable to us.
Respect
You might see a trend here. If you have talent and a good attitude… you’ll gain respect. This is important to us because if you have the respect of your peers it will make you, and us credible. What you say and do will actually mean something and you’ll be able to affect others. If you’ve gained respect its also because you’re giving it as well. Its good to recognize the others in the sport who are leading the charge. Don’t disrespect other riders in order to try to elevate your vision or position. Its far more powerful to let your riding do the talking. Keep it positive.
Media
Next to the personality and performance qualifications your media skills are one of the most important things to a sponsor. And this is where the work comes in. There are many things in your kiteboarding career to manage. You’ll need to keep your skills at a respectable level, your competition results in line with your goals, and you’ll need to manage your relationship with all of the different forms of media.
In today’s changing media landscape you, the rider, have far more control of your media destiny than ever before. You have the ability to broadcast your game to the world in photos, video and written form. This is HUGE for both you and us and doing this well can elevate your status within our team. Once you are established, this alone can be the factor in what keeps a sponsor interested in you.
The biggest boost to a rider’s relationship…..”
continue reading the full text by Pete Cabrinha here : Cabrinhakites.com / Sponsor
The other useful point of view, exposed in details by Gavin McClurg, captain of the Cabrinha Quest who proposes global ocean expeditions, Offshore Odysseys.
Read this :
how to get sponsored part 1: Do and Don’t.
how to get sponsored part 2 :Three major elements.
how to get sponsored part 3 : GEAR and/or MONEY.
Hope it could be helpful to groms and other young guns to find the way to live their passion.
