Skateboarding is undeniably fun, but it’s also a serious profession for many. Like any job, it comes with its own set of unique expectations and obligations. We’ve gathered insights from industry insiders to shed light on the often-unseen aspects of being a professional skateboarder. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just curious, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the pro skateboarding world.
Online Board Sales Often Benefit Pros More Than Shop Sales
When you buy a skateboard deck directly from a pro’s sponsor’s website, they can earn significantly more than from a skate shop purchase. Depending on the brand and distribution, a pro might see around $10 per deck sold online. While they still earn from skate shop sales, the online channel provides a bigger profit margin by cutting out the middleman. This direct-to-consumer approach is increasingly important for professional skateboarders’ income.
Pros Don’t Always Own the Rights to Their Footage
The person who hits record, or the person who pays them, usually owns the rights to skate footage. This can lead to complex situations. Sometimes, a filmer might hold footage hostage until they feel they’ve been fairly compensated. For example, filmer J. Strickland famously asked for $10,000 for Kirchart’s Sight Unseen footage. Occasionally, footage never sees the light of day due to disagreements. While some pros try to pay filmers directly for their time and skills, it’s not a common practice.
Vans Pioneered Shoe Sponsorships for Skaters
Vans was the first shoe brand to sponsor skateboarders, marking a significant shift in the industry. Stacy Peralta became the first skater to sign a paid contract with Vans, earning $300 a month to promote Vans and their Skate-Hi shoe in 1973. While that might seem small now, it was a groundbreaking deal. Today, a basic shoe contract can pay roughly 10 times that amount per month, with additional incentives such as photo bonuses, travel stipends, and social media obligations.
Mark Appleyard Once Had a Million-Dollar Shoe Contract
Mark Appleyard, during his time with C1rca, was offered one of the biggest shoe contracts in skateboarding history. While lucrative contracts still exist, they’re not as common as they once were. Today, a signature shoe deal from a major company can still net a pro well into the six-figure range, with potential for more based on the shoe’s success. However, million-dollar contracts are rarely offered nowadays.
Shoe Colorway Deals Don’t Pay As Much As You Might Think
Instead of creating a completely new pro model shoe, many pros today are offered colorway deals, where they select colors and materials for existing models. A typical colorway deal might pay a flat fee of around $5,000 or sometimes $1 per shoe sold. While these deals are easier to secure, the financial rewards aren’t as high compared to a signature model shoe.
Not Every Pro Rides the Products They Are Sponsored By
Many pros don’t ride for their first choice of brands. They might take a paycheck from their third or fourth favorite. This is why you may see pros in photos using non-sponsored trucks or wheels. Some have even gone as far as to paint over logos or edit them out of photos to avoid problems with sponsors. While this might work for a while, it’s definitely a way to get a contract terminated if a sponsor notices.
Many Pros Supplement Income by Selling Excess Product
Professional skateboarders often receive more product than they can use. Many find creative ways to get rid of it. This could involve selling to thrift stores, using online platforms, or even trading with local businesses. For example, one pro traded C1rca shoes to a local burrito spot, which resulted in free food for him and his friends for years.
Health Insurance is Rarely Offered by Sponsors
Most sponsors do not offer health insurance to their riders. Some have tried to match health insurance costs 50/50 with their riders, but these attempts often fail when skaters default on their payments. This highlights the vulnerability of pros in terms of health care.
Professional Skaters Are Independent Contractors
Professional skateboarders are typically independent contractors, not employees. This means they have to be very aware of tax write-offs. Expenses such as travel, clothing, and food are all part of the standard deductions. Some have even written off mini ramps or private skateparks as business expenses, showcasing a strategic approach to managing their finances. Utilizing the services of a money manager like Ryan Clements can be beneficial for many skaters.
Some Doctors Provide Care “For the Culture”
A few doctors are known for being huge fans of skateboarding and are willing to go the extra mile to help skaters. Some might even accept payment in the form of product, similar to how a flow skater might be compensated. These doctors often connect skaters with specialists who can offer similar support.
Sponsors May Fund Backyard Skateparks
Companies like Red Bull and Monster have supported their athletes by funding their backyard skateparks. Even ramp material companies like Gator Skins have provided free materials. So, seeing a large logo in someone’s backyard may not necessarily mean the skater is a huge fan of that particular product.
Some Pros Avoid Red Top Boards
Some pros have very specific preferences when it comes to their boards. For example, some will not ride a board with a red top ply. It is even considered taboo for some companies to ship red top boards to their pros. Others are particular about things like the board’s placement in the hydraulic press during manufacturing.
Pros Can Get Paid Just to Show Up at Contests
Street League once paid skaters $5,000 simply to show up and compete. However, contests like Tampa, with over 100 skaters, do not offer appearance fees, instead providing a good time and free beer after the competition. This highlights the different financial models used by various skate contests.
They Can Double Their Contest Winnings
Many contest skaters have a “contest matching clause” in their contracts. This means that if they win $10,000 from a contest, their sponsor will also pay them $10,000. The higher the skater places, the larger the prize and the more the sponsor pays out. This can be a major source of income for competitive skaters.
The Published Photo Isn’t Always the Actual Make
The published photo is typically the best-looking one, but not always the actual make. For example, Tristan Funkhouser ollied over the China Banks without a photographer present. When he went back to recreate the trick with a photographer, he wore almost the same outfit for the photo. This illustrates the lengths photographers and skaters will go to get the right shot.
Once You’re Pro, You’re Basically Pro for Life
The only way to stop being pro is to officially retire, as Heath Kirchart and Daniel Shimizu did. If you don’t announce your retirement, you’re technically still a pro, even if no one is using your name on products anymore. You do not need products stocked in skate shops to keep the title, a can-do attitude can keep the narrative alive.
In conclusion, professional skateboarding is a complex world with its own unique challenges and rewards. From navigating sponsorships and contracts to managing finances and health care, there’s much more to being a pro skater than just riding a board. This inside look reveals the hidden aspects of this exciting profession.
