For years, energy drink sponsorships have been a lucrative path for skateboarders, offering a steady income in exchange for brand loyalty and, often, a move to Southern California. But what if other beverage companies entered the skateboarding scene? This article explores the potential of alternative sponsors, imagining how their unique brand identities might align with the world of skateboarding.
The author wonders what other drink companies could bring to the skateboarding world as sponsors.
Guayaki Yerba Mate: The “One Last Part” Crew
Guayaki Yerba Mate, with its natural focus, might seem like a natural fit for a team of health-conscious, vegan skaters. However, the reality is that Yerba Mate often appeals to skaters in their early to mid-20s who are coming to terms with not turning pro and are focused on putting together that one last “banging” video part with their friends. The tall aluminum can evokes memories of post-skate bar visits, but with a healthier twist. The Yerba Mate team could be spearheaded by skaters who appreciate a nod to the past, perfectly fitting the “Perma-Flow Bros.” vibe.
The tall aluminum Yerba can brings back memories of youth and post-skate hangouts.
Snapple: The Intellectual Skateboarders
There’s a point, around 30, when people might transition from Arizona to Snapple, perhaps due to a growing aversion to artificial ingredients or simply a desire to appear more sophisticated than the 99-cent Arizona. It’s difficult to imagine a Snapple skate team. It could easily be seen as a knockoff of the Arizona team, especially considering Arizona’s not-so-polished image. However, perhaps some intellectual skaters, like Mark Suciu or Walker Ryan, might be drawn to the trivia on the inside of the Snapple caps, finding a unique appeal in the brand’s quirky, knowledge-based identity.
Snapple might attract the more intellectual skaters, interested in the facts on the inside of the cap.
Aloe Garden Water: The Subtle Thrill-Seekers
Aloe Garden Water has a subtle, almost unexpected edge. Tom Karangelov, with his seemingly normal demeanor and monochrome outfits, might be the perfect fit. It’s the subtle excitement that aloe water represents. It’s sweet water with little bits of aloe which adds a bit of funky texture that is a bit unexpected. It’s not the most obvious choice, but that’s part of its appeal. It’s different, and good.
Aloe water and its unique texture would be perfect for the skater with a subtle edge.
Essentia Water: The Performance-Focused Team
Essentia Water, with its marketing approach as a fancy tech product with added health benefits, might face criticism similar to Cariuma – water just isn’t a core concept in skateboarding. However, Essentia could attract skaters who are interested in performance, with a belief that the product’s higher price point equates to better results and can help them achieve the level of steeze demonstrated by the Nordic skaters like Deedz. The brand’s focus on performance could translate to a team of skaters who are serious about their craft and pushing boundaries.
Essentia Water could find its niche in the performance-focused part of the skateboarding community.
Nesquik Milk: The Next Generation of Skateboarding
If Nesquik were to sponsor a team of young, up-and-coming skaters, it could drastically change the skate landscape. The milk in Nesquik could fuel their growth spurts, making them land new tricks before their bedtime. This could be a major challenge for energy drink companies that commonly sponsor young skaters, and it could create a competitive market that benefits both the young skaters and fans. Nesquik’s entry into skateboarding could offer the necessary challenge to established energy drink brands, fostering a healthier competitive landscape and focusing on a younger generation of talent.
Nesquik could fuel a new generation of skaters, powered by the milk in the drink.
Health-ade Kombucha: The Pool Skating Veterans
Kombucha feels like a drink for older pool skaters who’ve been told by their yoga instructors that it’s good for their joints. Health-ade Kombucha could bring a team of older, retired skaters back into the spotlight. Imagine Omar Hassan, Steve Caballero, and Christian Hosoi filming a video in 2021 for a brand of Kombucha. The Olympics have opened new doors for crossovers like this, that would not have been possible before. A Kombucha brand sponsoring older legends could bring a unique perspective to the skateboarding world.
Health-ade Kombucha would be a great fit for pool skating veterans and bring them back into the spotlight.
Perrier: The Stylish and Sophisticated Skaters
Manuel Schenck, known for his refined sense of style, would be the perfect first member of the Perrier skate team. He embodies sophistication, with his loafers, tailored pants, and slicked-back hair. He doesn’t just drink Perrier, he sips it. He could be joined by Blondey and the rest of the Thames crew, creating a team that’s more about style than pure athleticism. A collaboration between Thames and Perrier, releasing a rugby shirt and knitted vest, seems like a real possibility, but it may also be one of the few collabs that could be worse than the Sriracha x Emerica collab.
Manuel Schenck and the Perrier brand are a match made in style heaven.
The world of skateboarding sponsorships is constantly evolving, and it’s fun to imagine the possibilities beyond the typical energy drink. Each of these alternative beverage companies could bring a unique flavor to the skateboarding world, creating new dynamics and opening up new avenues for skaters to express their individuality. It will be interesting to see if any of these predictions come to fruition.
