With the wake industry booming and riding ability reaching mind-blowing levels, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd if you're an up-and-coming rider with dreams of being sponsored. But by being involved in your local scene and riding to your best ability, it's inevitable that you start getting some recognition. We grouped a few tips together to help land you that sponsorship to make your wake dreams come true. If you feel like you have what it takes to ride for Active Water Sports, fill out our sponsorship application.
Befriend your local shop
Shop at your local wake shop to get the newest gear and get to know like-minded people that want to ride. It also gives you the opportunity to meet professional riders and brand reps that have the potential to sponsor you. Attend shop events and compete in local events, which could lead to competing in national events and getting your name out there.
Share videos and photos
When you're out riding with friends, make sure to snag videos and photos of your best riding. You can create a "sponsor me" video part to send to your favorite brands in hope of grabbing their attention. Send in photos to your favorite magazines, like Alliance Wake, for a chance to be featured. The easiest way, of course, to show off your skills is to post it on social media. Tag your favorite brands so they can check it out, too. Above all, sharing videos and photos gives you a better chance for wake brands to see your dedication and skill level.
Don't just be a good rider, be a good person too
Companies aren't just looking for the next up-and-coming rider, they also want someone who is a class act, will fit in with the rest of the team and will represent the brand well. Get to know and befriend the staff at your local shop, local riders, brand reps and more so that they can put in a good word for you. Remember that no matter if you're sponsored or not, you're representing the wake industry. And if you do happen to get sponsored, you're representing that company, too.
Be persistent
It's true what they say, hard work pays off. If you don't get sponsored right away, don't get discouraged. With fluctuations in the industry, keep in mind that a team may be full, so it may not be the right time or in a company's budget to sign a new rider. Traveling to contests may be tiresome and financially tight, but riding as much as you can will only improve your ability and chances of getting your name in the limelight. Keep riding, keep getting better. If you're winning contests, know the right people and are sharing your best videos and photos, it's only a matter of time before you start getting recognized and your name will be hard to ignore.
Befriend your local shop
Shop at your local wake shop to get the newest gear and get to know like-minded people that want to ride. It also gives you the opportunity to meet professional riders and brand reps that have the potential to sponsor you. Attend shop events and compete in local events, which could lead to competing in national events and getting your name out there.
Share videos and photos
When you're out riding with friends, make sure to snag videos and photos of your best riding. You can create a "sponsor me" video part to send to your favorite brands in hope of grabbing their attention. Send in photos to your favorite magazines, like Alliance Wake, for a chance to be featured. The easiest way, of course, to show off your skills is to post it on social media. Tag your favorite brands so they can check it out, too. Above all, sharing videos and photos gives you a better chance for wake brands to see your dedication and skill level.
Don't just be a good rider, be a good person too
Companies aren't just looking for the next up-and-coming rider, they also want someone who is a class act, will fit in with the rest of the team and will represent the brand well. Get to know and befriend the staff at your local shop, local riders, brand reps and more so that they can put in a good word for you. Remember that no matter if you're sponsored or not, you're representing the wake industry. And if you do happen to get sponsored, you're representing that company, too.
Be persistent
It's true what they say, hard work pays off. If you don't get sponsored right away, don't get discouraged. With fluctuations in the industry, keep in mind that a team may be full, so it may not be the right time or in a company's budget to sign a new rider. Traveling to contests may be tiresome and financially tight, but riding as much as you can will only improve your ability and chances of getting your name in the limelight. Keep riding, keep getting better. If you're winning contests, know the right people and are sharing your best videos and photos, it's only a matter of time before you start getting recognized and your name will be hard to ignore.
