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Would you accept a sponsorship?

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Dddsz
Posts: 3042 - Karma: 7,328
Let's pretend skill is irrelevant... one day you are browsing Facebook and a message appears.

*Ding!*
You have received a message from (insert big-name company here)

They offer you a sponsorship and you have to make a decision. Do you want to give up your favorite pair of skis and ride theirs instead, deal with the pressures of putting out consistent content, and wait for the cameraman to get his shit together before every drop?... or would you tell them to fuck off?

I know all of the 12 year olds are still flinging out those sponsorship requests... but I don't see the appeal. Why don't more skiers say "you know what, I don't need sponsors... I want to use my favorite gear and ski where ever/whenever I want. So many "hometown heroes" are just begging to get noticed and worshipped.

In other words, would you rather go pro or keep everything the same?
Sep 11 2016 6:54PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
You ever been struggling to make ends meet, and then break equipment, or have your car blow up, or another random expense? It sure is nice to have people pay for you to do things you love...
Sep 11 2016 7:02PM
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Not_Good
Posts: 208 - Karma: 763
SconnieLet's pretend skill is irrelevant... one day you are browsing Facebook and a message appears.

*Ding!*
You have received a message from (insert big-name company here)

They offer you a sponsorship and you have to make a decision. Do you want to give up your favorite pair of skis and ride theirs instead, deal with the pressures of putting out consistent content, and wait for the cameraman to get his shit together before every drop?... or would you tell them to fuck off?

I know all of the 12 year olds are still flinging out those sponsorship requests... but I don't see the appeal. Why don't more skiers say "you know what, I don't need sponsors... I want to use my favorite gear and ski where ever/whenever I want. So many "hometown heroes" are just begging to get noticed and worshipped.

In other words, would you rather go pro or keep everything the same?


In a perfect world we'd all be able to shred whenever we want and wherever we wanted, but that's not how it is. We're a part of one of the most expensive sports out there, and while it's awesome to rep the brands you love skis are expensive. $500 you don't have to spend on a new pair can really make the difference. It'd be easy to say I'd never shell out for a brand I didn't believe in, but if it means I get to ski more why not?
Sep 11 2016 7:22PM
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grilled_steeze
Posts: 422 - Karma: 1,447
I don't think sponsors should be telling their athletes what to do, where to do it, and what gear you're doing it with. Thats not what sponsors are for. Sponsors should see great skiers and use them to make their product better, give a face to their brand, and in turn help fund the athletes adventures, either financially or with equipment.

for example, If an athlete wants to do something where they ski all over the US on a road trip and live out of their car for 6 months, and after a little bit of research checking out the skiers previous videos and accomplishments in skiing, Company XYZ sees it as an opportunity to promote their brand, so they send him/her a sponsorship deal. A little bit of financial help for the skier, and in turn that skier has to promote Company X along this trip and make good video content on the trip, etc. etc. Company XYZ will then have to decide if they want to keep putting money into the skier after a "trial" period. If the skier didn't come through with what they said they would do, they will not get their sponsorship continued. If the skier does a good job, Company XYZ adds them to the team and allows them to stay on as long as the skier is making quality content.

Not sure if this has any flaws, but it could work and be a little "freeing" for skiers while allowing the sponsor to still be happy
Sep 11 2016 7:34PM
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Cadenmccullough
Posts: 628 - Karma: 2,647
Is you are saving a bunch of money on skis and other equipment then hell yeah I would say yes.
Sep 11 2016 7:44PM
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Bloom.
Posts: 3533 - Karma: 13,167
If you're not at breck throwing triple corks, filming everyday, and getting upwards of 1k likes on your instagram, then godamnit, you're off the team. If you're going to ride for a company that sucks all the fun out of skiing and pressures you to perform, then its probably not worth the sponsorship.
Sep 11 2016 8:28PM
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mr-mcsteeze
Posts: 487 - Karma: 1,104
I would totally love to get a sponsorship trial but lets be real, it probably wont happen. Like most people on this site i cant double, dont have the balls to even try, and in a few years wont even be able to ski as much or even as well as i probably do now. But the idea of being able to get paid to do something i love while meeting people that have created the edits i love to watch, would be the one of the best moments of my life. Even if it was a small company who is just gonna give me some clothes and some money to go to some really nice parks for a few days with a filmer and a few friends, i would jump on that chance without a second though
Sep 11 2016 9:00PM
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Steez-Cheese
Posts: 25 - Karma: 24
mr-mcsteezeI would totally love to get a sponsorship trial but lets be real, it probably wont happen. Like most people on this site i cant double, dont have the balls to even try, and in a few years wont even be able to ski as much or even as well as i probably do now. But the idea of being able to get paid to do something i love while meeting people that have created the edits i love to watch, would be the one of the best moments of my life. Even if it was a small company who is just gonna give me some clothes and some money to go to some really nice parks for a few days with a filmer and a few friends, i would jump on that chance without a second though


You my friend are on the money
Sep 11 2016 9:50PM
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Jesse_
Posts: 1498 - Karma: 3,637
BloomOuterwearIf you're not at breck throwing triple corks, filming everyday, and getting upwards of 1k likes on your instagram, then godamnit, you're off the team. If you're going to ride for a company that sucks all the fun out of skiing and pressures you to perform, then its probably not worth the sponsorship.


I agree, I ski to have fun and if there's gonna be something keeping me from having fun skiing and pressuring me then I don't want anything to do with it.

But if it was a chill sponsorship and I fully believe in the product then I would for sure.
Sep 11 2016 9:51PM
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..=
Posts: 548 - Karma: 1,224
No. I want to be able to support my favourite brands when I am able to, rather than get their stuff for free. I'd rather buy my next Yoke item or HG Skis when I can one day afford them, so the brand can get that little bit further in the long run. Every bit counts
Sep 11 2016 10:26PM
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fredyferl
Posts: 2903 - Karma: 14,374
j.w.vNo. I want to be able to support my favourite brands when I am able to, rather than get their stuff for free. I'd rather buy my next Yoke item or HG Skis when I can one day afford them, so the brand can get that little bit further in the long run. Every bit counts

If only more people would think that way. Kids would rather be sponsored by a company they don't really care about just to say they're sponsored. But well they're young and I guess they'll get to that point one day.
Sep 11 2016 10:51PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 42,823
You need to define your terms better to make this a meaningful discussion.

What kind of sponsorship are you talking? A free pair of skis? A discount code? A travel budget? A promodel? Your own event? A salary? A movie part?

And honestly, in today's culture so many kids are so indoctrinated in content creation and self promotion that I doubt that side of things would change too drastically for them.
Sep 11 2016 10:56PM
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ascent_studios
Posts: 2157 - Karma: 4,578
Sconniewait for the cameraman to get his shit together before every drop?


you make it sound like filming is a bad thing
Sep 11 2016 11:14PM
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Rennis_Deynolds
Posts: 2739 - Karma: 19,061
check your privilege bro
Sep 12 2016 1:15AM
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Deepskier
Posts: 3267 - Karma: 4,818
Only if I fuck with their shit.
Sep 12 2016 1:24AM
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Literature
Posts: 13673 - Karma: 3,086
Ascent_Cinemayou make it sound like filming is a bad thing


Filming can be a terrible thing with the wrong mix of people. Lack of experience or patience or clear communication about objectives makes things derail fast, and let's not forget that filming skiing is hardly as fun as just blasting laps without having to set up the camera or redo a move when something is off.

But with the right people, in the right mindset, the work that athletes/models and film crews can do is a fine art. It's neat to work together with someone to achieve a common vision; even more satisfying to see the results do you both proud.

To the OP: Sponsorship is a job, so it's important to weigh the work you do with the rewards you receive. Many people shouldn't try turning their passions into their jobs; I guarantee that every person at every level of the ski industry has days where their work is frustrating and difficult or perhaps dangerous.
Sep 12 2016 1:50AM
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BonusNo413
Posts: 342 - Karma: 2,478
I have an organised approach to learning tricks. Kind of like what a weight lifter would do with various different exercises. Having a filmer asking me to ski a line of various tricks would just be annoying because it would cut into the way I like to ski. In my opinion if you can afford all the expenses it's better to not be sponsored. Although it does add to one's cool factor if they have a Redbull helmet.
Sep 12 2016 8:42AM
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Ranch
Posts: 742 - Karma: 1,030
OxcilicI have an organised approach to learning tricks. Kind of like what a weight lifter would do with various different exercises. Having a filmer asking me to ski a line of various tricks would just be annoying because it would cut into the way I like to ski. In my opinion if you can afford all the expenses it's better to not be sponsored. Although it does add to one's cool factor if they have a Redbull helmet.



cool factor
Sep 12 2016 1:53PM
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Stinging_Roger
Posts: 298 - Karma: 1,504
Imo, free stuff is great and all and sure I can be hard pressed money wise at times, but at the end of the day, I'd rather spend my own money knowing that I'm on my own schedule and I get to do whatever the fuck I want to with my time. No pressures to outperform. Definitely agree with Sconnie
Sep 12 2016 2:06PM
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arnie_grape
Posts: 3428 - Karma: 11,371
I wouldn't want a serious sponsorship. but I know a few guys who are sponsored by big ski companies through a local rep and they get a couple pairs of skis and some discounts and all they have to do is put together a few minutes of footage at the end of the season.
Sep 12 2016 7:31PM
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ascent_studios
Posts: 2157 - Karma: 4,578
OxcilicHaving a filmer asking me to ski a line of various tricks would just be annoying because it would cut into the way I like to ski.


Thats not what filmers do. A good filmer will let you ski the way you like and that is what they show in the edit. Our job as filmers is to capture your personal style in unique ways and to always get the shot. Every skier is different and that's what makes edits and movies dope!
Sep 12 2016 7:41PM
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X_ANKILLA
Posts: 2354 - Karma: -5,295
Semi-Pro. Get your ski gear for free. But minimum responsibility.

I got a buddy who is sponsored by Line, Full Tilt, and Holiday Outerwear. And they don't ask him to do shit. They just send him free gear every season.
Sep 12 2016 7:50PM
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chris.goodhue
Posts: 946 - Karma: 6,204
I mean the fact that I don't have to pay full price for a pair of skis is pretty bitchin' when your 20 years old and in college...
Sep 12 2016 8:14PM
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finnolydorb
Posts: 249 - Karma: 690
Ascent_CinemaThats not what filmers do. A good filmer will let you ski the way you like and that is what they show in the edit. Our job as filmers is to capture your personal style in unique ways and to always get the shot. Every skier is different and that's what makes edits and movies dope!

Ya I just follow whoever i'm filming around and let them do their thing, try and let them ski the way the want to.
Sep 12 2016 8:15PM
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ascent_studios
Posts: 2157 - Karma: 4,578
finnolydorbYa I just follow whoever i'm filming around and let them do their thing, try and let them ski the way the want to.


I ask them what tricks they're gonna do but thats only so that I can know where I should set up and what side I should cover
Sep 12 2016 8:17PM
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Jesse_
Posts: 1498 - Karma: 3,637
Me_N_ChrisSemi-Pro. Get your ski gear for free. But minimum responsibility.

I got a buddy who is sponsored by Line, Full Tilt, and Holiday Outerwear. And they don't ask him to do shit. They just send him free gear every season.


Yeah that's the kind of sponsor I'd want, kinda like how video part skateboarders are sponsored.
Sep 12 2016 9:43PM
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minihef
Posts: 811 - Karma: 763
LiteratureTo the OP: Sponsorship is a job, so it's important to weigh the work you do with the rewards you receive. Many people shouldn't try turning their passions into their jobs; I guarantee that every person at every level of the ski industry has days where their work is frustrating and difficult or perhaps dangerous.


This is key. Some companies might send out gear with few expectations but generally speaking there are few things in life that are actually free. If you're getting 'free' stuff then it's usually expected that you'll pay for it one way or another - it's just that you are paying for it with time/content/exposure/commitment/referrals/gear testing etc instead of money. If you're passionate about skiing this can be an incredibly helpful and rewarding thing. It helps with gear costs but also means you can play a part in an industry and community that is important to you. This can result in meeting awesome people and gaining exciting opportunities you otherwise might not.

You do have to weigh up the pros and cons though. If all you want to do is hot lap with your friends and not worry about a providing consistent stream of photos/edits then the duties of sponsorship may not be worth it to you. Especially for photography and filming, it can be a lot of time and effort for not a huge amount a skiing.

Also being sponsored by a company is 100% not worth it if you don't really like their gear. If you love skiing and do it a lot then having to use shitty gear sucks. You're much better off finding good deals on gear you like.

mr-mcsteezeEven if it was a small company who is just gonna give me some clothes and some money to go to some really nice parks for a few days with a filmer and a few friends, i would jump on that chance without a second though


Realistically most sponsorships don't involve much of a pay cheque, even with big companies (unless you're a top tier pro). Relatively speaking there's just not that much money in the industry.
Sep 13 2016 8:21AM
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mr-mcsteeze
Posts: 487 - Karma: 1,104
minihefRealistically most sponsorships don't involve much of a pay cheque, even with big companies (unless you're a top tier pro). Relatively speaking there's just not that much money in the industry.


you give me a place to sleep and money for food/beer and im game. I wouldnt be looking to make actual money off of it as id be into the experience more. Its pretty obvious there isnt a lot of money in the sport just cause of how few of us actually get to a level where we become profitable but id feel that most of us wouldnt be here for the money
Sep 13 2016 11:38AM
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fghtoffyrdmns
Posts: 2987 - Karma: 6,812
free shit is cool, being obligated to put out content and be a walking add is not
Sep 13 2016 2:53PM
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