Hi Peeps,

After reading the thread on Andy Yates and having a think about what it is to be a "sponsored" rider, I felt moved to throw down some words from a Sponsors perspective. As a sponsor, I get approached regularly for sponsorship from aspiring riders so I thought I would explain the way it works so that it might help anyone looking to get "hooked up".

Firstly, we need to look at what a sponsorship is. Most riders think that once they become a good rider that it is their right to get free or discounted gear as naturally a sponsor would love to hook 'em up with free stuff. This is not usually the case. A sponsorship is a business contract between the sponsor and the rider. The rider gets free or discounted gear and assistance for comps or has access to other stuff they may need from time to time. The sponsor on the other hand expects something in return, in theory, of an equal amount or more in return. Hence the contract, a business agreement must be a two way street.

Being the best rider doesn't make you the most attractive person for the sponsor. I mean if being the best in the world meant mega sales, then everyone would be riding Flexifoil, but look around. How many people ride Flexifoil? Few!

The most attractive person to sponsor is the guy or girl on the beach who rides well, is always friendly and helpful to others at all times and who represents the brand in the best possible light. Sometimes talking up or pointing out the good points of their gear to other riders and offering people a demo on their kit. In effect a sponsored rider becomes a sales person in some form and represents the brand they ride.

Being in the "cool kids" group and/or being aloof, reserved, shy, introverted, arrogant, or thinking you are better than anyone else is a big no no. A sponsor wants the kind of person who rides well, but maybe not the best on the water, who helps people in need, saves boards drifting away from newbs, offers tips and assistance and most of all, is totally approachable and ready to help with a smile. Using foul language around members of the public (especially around women and children), shooting their mouth off on the forums or generally setting a bad example is not attractive for a sponsor.

Look at some of the most influential riders in the past who have long term respect and a good image over time and have a think about how they represent themselves to the public. Robby Naish, Mark Shinn, Lou Wainman, Shannon Best, Aaron Hadlow etc etc. There are many other riders who may make a big splash but soon disappear into obscurity. Professionalism is being an advocate for the sport and a representative for the brand. Remember whenever you are in the public eye, you are being judged.

Just a few thoughts. FWIW This by no means is about Andy, just a general bit of info for aspiring riders.

DM

Mmm - I agree 100% with Darren and I hope this gives a few people out there a little insight into how it works...

To give an example, We have 3 types of sponsored riders...

The Comp winners - The hot shot kids who get us comp results and media coverage. Their job is to ride well, and to promote themselves as well as their gear. These guys may as well fall under our advertising budget.

The Talkers - (over half of our team) Older or more mature guys/girls that are happy to ride for a bit, or stand on the beach and talk to anyone watching or showing interest, handing out brochures and being advocates for the sport in general. These guys are sponsored to bring us customers.

The Demo'ers - Who's main aim is to get people to ride their gear. As in 'Hey, I noticed you're a little underpowered, wanna try my 17m?' These guys also man the demo days and events, their job is to make people want to upgrade their gear.

We've borrowed our system from Cabrinha, who categorise their riders as 'Media Hunters' - Like Dre, Susi etc who don't need to ride in comps, but get LOTS of magazine and media coverage. And Event winners - who simply ride on the pro tour to get results for the company. These are people like Jesse Richman and the course racers.

You gotta WORK for free stuff! And I reckon Andy is a pretty damn good example of a sponsored rider, he's approachable, rides well and COURTEOUSLY (as in he will ride downwind if you pass him) and is happy to talk to anyone on the beach, as well as reputable media sources. Slingshot certainly get their $ worth from him

what about a case study on Mark Occillupo, retired sponsored rider for Billabong. I reckon he was a huge bonus for them. there were a few personal issues though. maybe that was a different era, and media was surf mags only. todays media is a lot wider, so as you say Darren the rider needs to be a complete package.

lets face it some one who is ripping the be-jesus out of a wave gets some attention. the other personal issues are overlooked for a while.

Poida said...

what about a case study on Mark Occillupo, retired sponsored rider for Billabong. I reckon he was a huge bonus for them. there were a few personal issues though. maybe that was a different era, and media was surf mags only. todays media is a lot wider, so as you say Darren the rider needs to be a complete package.

lets face it some one who is ripping the be-jesus out of a wave gets some attention. the other personal issues are overlooked for a while.

Are we talking about the same guy that spent a decade on the couch topping 100kgs, hideing from photog's (ask sarge) and promoting billabong to everyone in his lounge room? Don't get me wrong occy's one of my favourite surfers ever (how good is his surfing at bells in the occumentry) but if anything he's an example of a sponsor going above and beyond, lucky it worked out in the end.

cramhobart said...

Poida said...

what about a case study on Mark Occillupo, retired sponsored rider for Billabong. I reckon he was a huge bonus for them. there were a few personal issues though. maybe that was a different era, and media was surf mags only. todays media is a lot wider, so as you say Darren the rider needs to be a complete package.

lets face it some one who is ripping the be-jesus out of a wave gets some attention. the other personal issues are overlooked for a while.

Are we talking about the same guy that spent a decade on the couch topping 100kgs, hideing from photog's (ask sarge) and promoting billabong to everyone in his lounge room? Don't get me wrong occy's one of my favourite surfers ever (how good is his surfing at bells in the occumentry) but if anything he's an example of a sponsor going above and beyond, lucky it worked out in the end.

HHAHAHA, to true. As is the case with a lot of pro skaters.

Bigwavedave said...



I for one would rather sponsor a friendly, approachable noofer who makes the sport appealing to my potential new customers, than a hard core, boot wearing egotist who doesn't spend any time on the sand talking to potential newbies.

Wow, got beef much? I bet you would also probably rather a white male than a black one to... seeing as though we are all about hardcore stereotyping on here.

Actually I'd rather give gear to a lady kiter (colour and style variable). People wanting to get into the sport (the ones who spend the $$$) find it easier to approach them on the beach. And stereo)typically, ladies like to talk more to people.

There were no stereo types in my comment. Did I hit a raw nerve? (boots can be sexy)

What the point was is, if I was a business, I would choose to give gear to the person who would provide my business with the most prospective customers. Andy and Keahi are excellent examples of approachable riders with no ego.

Bigwavedave said...

Actually I'd rather give gear to a lady kiter (colour and style variable). People wanting to get into the sport (the ones who spend the $$$) find it easier to approach them on the beach. And stereo)typically, ladies like to talk more to people.

which brings up another good point, whats the thoughts on giving big sponsorship to girls who really are not that good? i mean i have seen some girls getting gear deals that are stupendous compared to some of the good guys.

good team riders are hard too find who do the right thing and help promote the shop or brand they are sponsored by, most people want something for nothing just because they can kite a little better than the next person.

dont take my post the wrong way there are some excellent guys and girls out there that do all the right things, and some that you get totally burnt by!

As a shop rider myself as others have said, is more about being a face and representative for the brand and shop.

I am not a great rider, i can hold my own in amongst it and boost big but as before, being the best rider is not so much the case.
It's more about being a good ambassador for the sport, influencing people to get lessons and buy gear.

As for demoing you maybe expected to offer your kit for demo once in a while but mostly it is your gear you paid for it now ride it.
most shops also have schools and run advanced clinics for which the team / shop riders are expected to help out with along with demo days.

As for Girls it's merely a percentage thing the average riding level is lower that that of guys but given the percentages and number of women in the sport makes it that little bit easier to get a shop deal. Plus if they are hot they move to the front of the Que..
SEX SELLS

Has it ever crossed anyone's mind that many of the do gooders for the sport/ambassadors could be shooting themselves and 'existing kiters who aren't making money out of kiting' in the foot? If you're continuously encouraging 100's of people, season after season, to enter the sport through (some) of these half arsed kite schools OR associating with these spankers that are going out of their way to get 1000's of kiters worldwide to visit. You're not really helping and are the main contributers to alot of our issues..... Is it not the source of most of the issues we all keep crapping on about?

All we read about in the last couple of years is our locations being on the brink of being banned, Euro invasion, crowds, newbs, blown ins breaking the rules, attaching ribbons identifying hazardous riders, some anus kiting between the flags. etc etc.

Some would say 'we just gotta keep educating the kiting community man, working with the councils and everything will be sweet'. BS to that! As long as there's too many people with business plans to keep pushing through half trained new kiters into the wild..... and.... spankers selling your locations, you'll never keep up. We were doing just fine before the schools, visitors, show ponies, business man and big mouths moved in. We could still buy gear... and there were a few hundred less pricks around. Our spots sure as hell weren't under any threat of being banned.

Just get a job and buy kites... preferably from someone not stuffing up your local....and if you're sponsored and have to pay top dollar for your kites still... you're just an inexpensive salesman/pawn really.

And seriously... multiple kite schools at one location?

Just because a girl doesn't perform as athletically as a male doesn't make her less sponsorable (?)

It's all about $$$. New retail business is more profitable to a shop.

If Joe Public sees a top 10 rider throwing a back mobe at the local beach and also sees a girl just cruising and trying a few jumps, he will ask the most approachable kiter for advice on how to get into the sport. THAT is the kiter that the shop wants to sponsor.(regardless of skill)

Joe Public only knows that it all looks pretty cool. It's easy to lose objectivity when you are looking from within the sport.

Shop riding is all about making money for the shop. Unapproachable hot riders aren't worth a penny.

I cross path's in the water with Rowdy from time to time and he is one of the guy's who gives you a wave or say's gidday on the beach. He is happy enough to hand his kite over to someone who is interested in trying them (if they can kite of course) so i wouldnt put him in the wank category just because he rides boots now and again.

sir ROWDY said...

Why would you have hit a raw nerve? I ride a skate most of the time and I like to talk smack with everyone on the beach, so I'm hardly the dude you are talking about. I was merely pointing out how everyone sticks "boots riders" in the one category, especially the guys that are to old to ride them. Bit like skateboarders.

It looks to me that there is allot of sour grapes on here with this subject. There is a massive difference between a shop rider and a sponsored rider and then there are different types of both depending on how the business or manufacturer can use the person. Putting them all in the same basket to discuss is a waste of time.

You obviously aren't facing as many issues as we are. Can we advertise your local nationally & internationally? We could have a campaign/ business plan to try to get as many as people there as possible?
And while it's overcrowded & dangerous enough and on the brink of being shut down, could we try to get more & more people there?... should we go out of our way to start advertising everywhere else with a 3 to 4 hours drive?

Sorry there is such things as spots being banned, way too over-crowded, dangerous, big area sport, flooded market, can't get a car park, non kiting community complaints, poor training etc etc.

Now that's a good idea!! yeah we'll just simply ask them to 'politely leave if they can't abide by the rules'. Why didn't I think of that? Good one! and sorry I must say your metaphor regarding speeding in the car isn't a very good one.

Go ride different locations! have a great time with your group of mates! and luv the sport for what it is.... but don't be a rude prick and tell the world of this place or open up your kite school right next to someone elses!!..... or make a wank of yourself there while visiting, get these people's spot banned, then fk off.

You can buy a good kite for around $900 to $1300 unsponsered....is that ball park as many shop sponsered riders are paying? Ask the shop to give you x amount per hour or contribute to your super.

Maybe when all your locations are banned or as crowded as ours you'll understand. I must say back before we had the multiple schools, shops, promoters, big mouths... I couldn't really see it as an issue either.

Trying to keep kiting underground or quiet is just plain stupid. If im at a beach i would rather be kiting with other kiters who have had the right lessons and training from a teacher than a bunch of guys who think they know everything cause a mate that has kited for the past twelve months just taught them. Shop riders are picked (with some shops) to give joe public standing on the beach interested in the sport the correct advice on how to get into the sport. Your kidding yourself if you think these people wont try to get into it whether they get advice or not.

Saffer said...

sir ROWDY said...

- Lou Wainman went to rehab for crack...
- I have heard many people say they don't like Robby N.
- Mark who?
- And Aaron Hadlow is a pretty shy (but nice) guy in real life, not the first person who is going to give you a demo on his gear.

So I dunno whether your subjects are actually the best example Darren haha. That being said though I totally agree with what you said on a "discounted gear" sponsorship level.

Lou changed the sport and was an icon.
Robby was a windsurfing icon
Mark was a number one rider
Aaron was a number one rider.

In short, be an icon, be number 1 in comps or follow the advice of the original post or you won't get anyway.

Sorry man, I missed this post before. But what I was getting at was these people hardly follow the guidelines of what was initially spelt out.

I do agree that Lou was a pioneer and undoubtably is the reason this sport is heading (in some parts) in a creditable direction and in my mind was not nearly rewarded or remembered enough for his efforts. You still can't deny the fact that he is no where near being a perfect public figure or face of a brand (in regards to what was said in the beginning).

Yes Robby was a windsurfing Icon (and ripped at that) but is undoubtably riding off the back of that fame. As a kiter he is a long way from what I would consider pro. It's just luck for him that a lot of kiters are from a windsurfing background.

Yes Mark was a number one world tour kiter, which at the time was a considerable joke, beating guys with monkey pullups and boardoffs... Slowly to fade out as things got legit and he couldn't keep up. Lucky timing for this guy. Epic rider though? Meh.

Aarons number one status hasn't sold his kites, his videos of raw undeniable talent is what has sold him kites and made him who he is today. If world titles make you big time then surely Mark would be all over it, but it doesn't and he is not.