This has nothing 2 do with the price of hair straigtherers in new mexico, and jarrod, give me back my dog

yeah ok.........come around at about um probly 11pm.........i should be finished with it by then

you will only need it for a min

If your talking about the sponsorships i'm thinking about... They aren't really 100% sponsorships... Its more the fact that we are riding as part of a team. Team members help to promote a particular shop when someone asks them about gear, they post a few reviews on new products, as well as wear a shirt/promo gear all to get access to gear at Mates Rates and to ride the latest model gear whenever possible...

Being part of a team of riders helps everyone improve because we are always encouraging and helping out etc, it also builds a network of friends across QLD/NSW. For the kids too it's good to be able to say 'Yeah i'm part of the _________ Team and i'll be riding in the demo on the weekend' etc...

Hence why as long as your a competent rider, even if you aren't, you can become one of the team riders...

Real sponsorship is when they fly you out to the US and pay for everything...

I have never actually heard of this shop saying they are going to sponsor anyone, its always been 'Would you like to become a TEAM RIDER'

Who pays retail anyway?

Team rider/sponsorship all the same thing, even the top pro's (in windsurfing anyway) have to pay their way. In the first (smarter) instance it is free advertising the other companies pay for it- which is pretty much why you have to be at top national or international level to start getting free gear.

So in the first instance it makes sense to have a team so that you're brand is always seen. Often you will have a few very good riders in the team but alot of riders with potential, by the team being and kiting/sailing together the bar is raised for all and most will become pretty damn good. Stick a sportsperson with slightly lesser skills in a team they will progress more than a "talented" individual rider.

You will often see young people sponsored as not only is it image but potentially a lifetime of them on you're gear. Ability is maybe only 50% of the package- how you handle yourself off the water (even in forums), what you can bring to the team and to an extent image are just as important.

Instead of being critcal of the sponsorship/team thing maybe work towards being a part of them. Speaking from watching windsurfing over the years enjoy the Team rider sponsorship thing while it is around, eventually as the sport slows the teams are cut or wiped out altogether. All in all it is a good indicator of how healthy teabagging is.

As for mates rates be it 10 or 50% off it's still $ saved and in you're pocket.

jarod its about image, a man who wears a steel wool wig just isnt what the shops are looking for, kite boarding is a very social sport, if you are outgoing and social you can easily promote stuff and that is what the shops are looking for.

In my view its a good way for companies to advertise, lets face it who actually reads product reviews or adverts in the mags and takes them seriously, or even really beleives 100% what is said in the review section on seabreeze. The best advertising is having people ripping it up on the beaches with your kites, thats the sort of stuff that grows popularity.

Also I wouldn't call it sponsership unless its costing them for you to ride their gear. E.g below wholesale. Giving people easy team rider deals is good especially for kids who don't have the income to afford a good kit retail.

I own a small school/shop and yes, do have some young team riders. This doesn't mean they are 'sponsored' in the true sense of the word. However, young kiters who are constantly in the water over the summer period are invaluable to my business because they are approachable and enthusastic. This generates so much interest in kitesurfing that my lesson bookings skyrocket when these guys hand out my business card.
I don't look for 'hot' riders to assist me to grow the sport. I look for approachable people that love to talk about kitesurfing.
Team Riders don't get free stuff. In return for their support they receive huge discounts on the stuff they buy.
Maybe they should be called back-scratchers??

This is a common question in many sports.
A sponsorship is what Thorpie has from Telstra, kind of here's the cash now put the logo on your head sort of deal.

When a kindly retailer or wholesaler offers to support you it is more of a contra deal. This can be discounts, freebies or good trade in prices. The people that receive these are big consumers with lots of dedication and enthusiasm, and not necessarily the 'best' rider. The benefit for the shop is that the rider is loyal to the shop/brand, talks the shop/brand up, has a good knowledge of the product and is always happy to chat about their favourite toys.

So if you provide around $4000 turnover to a shop/brand every year you too might find yourself on 'the team' with free watches, sunglasses, towels, T-Shirts, early release gear etc, etc.
If your riding around on last seasons gear and not a big consumer you just don't rate.

That is the law of the commercial jungle

How much for the doggie ?

I'm sponsored by "I need to use this money on kiting or my wife blows it on clothing" Pty Ltd