How Do Skateboarders Make Money? (10 Different Ways)

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Skateboarding has grown from a hobby to an industry. 

According to Statista Stats, the skateboarding industry is estimated to be worth $1.94 billion U.S Dollars worldwide. There is a huge market for skateboarders.

But

“How do skateboarders make money?”

Mainly Professional Skateboarders make money through competitions, sponsorships, and endorsements. But there are several other ways a skateboarder can make money skateboarding.

This article will break down the ten ways professional skateboarders make money and give you tips on pursuing this type of career for yourself. Let’s jump into it.

How do Skateboarders Make Money? (With these 10 Ways)

Skateboarding is an amazing way to express yourself, but it’s also a great way to make money.

There are ten ways to Make Money Skateboarding:

  • 1. Selling their Brand
  • 2. Sponsorship
  • 3. Pro Leagues
  • 4. Magazine and Photographer
  • 5. Skateboarding Instructor: 
  • 6. Advertising for Products
  • 7. Teaching people How to Skateboard
  • 8. Filming Skateboarding Videos
  • 9. Selling Merchandise:
  • 10. Skateboard Writer (writing about Skateboarding)

Let’s Get Started

1. Selling their Brand

Selling your brand means having the signature items you sell directly to customers. For example, skateboarders can sell T-shirts with their names and logo. 

These shirts can be sold at local skate shops or online on their website, or through a third-party website such as Amazon.com. They also sell skateboards with their name on them.

2. Sponsorship

Some skateboarders are sponsored by large companies that sell skateboarding products, and the skaters promote these companies through the videos and photos they post on social media.

You may have seen skateboarders being paid to do things like wearing a branded t-shirt or decking out their board with stickers from that company. They’re most likely part of a sponsorship deal. 

Skateboarders can also be sponsored by a business that sells skate-related products, like skate shoes or skate wheels. Being sponsored means the company will pay the skateboarder to wear their t-shirts and promote their brand. 

3. Pro Leagues

Pro leagues are the most common way that skateboarders make money. These are like professional sports teams sponsored by big-money sponsors and receive plenty of media coverage.  

These Sponsors offer big prizes and money bonuses for their winners. Many pro skateboarders start in amateur leagues, which are less competitive, but still offer prizes and other attractions. 

4. Magazine and Photographer

Skateboarders can get a job as a photographer for skate-related media or contributors to skateboarding magazines and websites. Some skaters have earned money by appearing on reality shows.

5. Skateboarding Instructor 

If you have mastered the art of skateboarding and have been doing it for years, you could also take on the role of a skateboarding instructor at a local skate park or even at a private school. You could develop your classes and teach children how to do tricks or manage obstacles on their boards.

6. Advertising for Products

Advertising companies pay professional skateboarders to advertise their products. This can be done through social media, television, or print advertising.

This is an easy way to make money for professional skateboarders because they normally have a large number of followers on social media or YouTube. That is why many companies prefer them to promote their product.

7. Teaching People How to Skateboard

Skateboarders also make money by teaching people how to skateboard. This is a great way for them to make some extra cash, and it also helps them build their network of people interested in skateboarding.

8. Filming Skateboarding Videos

Skateboarders often get paid by companies to appear in their skateboarding videos. The sponsors of these videos want the coolest skaters they can find, so if you are already well-known for your skills as a skater, this might be a good way to make some money for yourself.

9. Selling Merchandise

Skateboarders can also sell merchandise such as t-shirts, hats, stickers, and other accessories that feature their name or logo on them. People love buying stuff that represents their favorite things, so this is a great way to earn money from their passion.

10. Skateboard Writer (Writing about Skateboarding)

You might think that this is the most obvious path for any aspiring skateboarder with a little bit of talent and interest in writing. Skateboarding magazines are always looking for the next young writer who can capture the essence of what it feels like to be an active member of the skating community.

If you have experience writing and are familiar with the ins and outs of skating culture, this could be your dream job. 

But if you don’t have much experience or exposure to the world of freelance writing, it might not be a viable option for you as yet—keep skating and build your portfolio before trying to start working for magazines.

How much does the Average Skateboarder Make?

The average Professional Skateboarder in the U.S makes $64,168. For some, this may be a surprise. 

The common perception of skateboarding is that it is just a hobby, an activity for kids and teenagers to do between school and other extracurricular activities. But as skateboarding has evolved into a professional sport, so too have the salaries of its top athletes.

Can You Make a Career in Skateboarding?

Can you make a career out of skateboarding?” And the answer is almost always yes.

Today, skateboarding is a multi-billion dollar industry and is arguably the fastest-growing sport globally. Skateboarding is also one of the most accessible sports there is, with ramps located all over the country and its popularity online.

So it should come as no surprise that it has been featured in numerous music videos, commercials, and movies. 

There isn’t necessarily a set path to becoming a professional skateboarder, many paths lead to success within the industry. Skateboarders can become writers for magazines, coaches for youth groups or camps, and even start their businesses.

Important Note: Skateboarding is a fun hobby, but it can be as serious as any other career when you’re doing it as a profession. 

The best advice for skateboarders who want to make a living in the sport is to start by networking and making contacts. Tell people about your desire to be a professional skateboarder, and make sure they know that you are serious about your goals. 

You may want to consider getting certified in some areas of skateboarding to build up your resume. 

Then, find opportunities to build an audience on social media, whether it’s through Instagram or YouTube. Put together your portfolio, and use this portfolio to get sponsorship opportunities.

Conclusion on How Do Skateboarders Make Money?

There are many ways to make money as a skateboarder, but if you’re truly passionate about skateboarding, you don’t have to limit yourself to making money. 

If you’re dedicated to the lifestyle of skating, you may be able to find ways to make money as a skater—whether it’s through your business ventures or by relying on your talent and skills and the connections you’ve made.

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Hi, My Name is Henry, Welcome to my little skateboarding world. I have a passion for skateboarding and want to share it with others. I want to teach people how to be successful on the skateboard and appreciate the benefits that come from skateboarding.

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