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March 3, 2008
Keeping the Dream Alive: Other Careers In Skateboarding
by Gary Smith
I know sometimes the truth can hurt, but the reality of it is we can’t all be as good as Eric Koston. This doesn’t mean you need throw in the towel just yet. If skateboarding has been your long time dream, then there are ways to still live it.
The ways I’m talking about are actually easier than being a pro skateboarder. You can still enjoy almost all the same perks but with less risk involved. You won’t have to grind that 72stair rail for an ad instead you could be the one filming/shooting it.
Filming/photography is one of the best ways to still hang out with your favorite pros and get to go around the world for free. Just like skateboarding there is skill and style involved. Any monkey can hold a camera but to capture the trick right is the art of it. Filming/photography is just as important as the trick.
So there is a lot pressure with this career path. Say you get the opportunity to film/shoot Bucky Lasek do a nollie kickflip Mctwist, but oops you left the lens cap on, your career is done before it even started.
If you can’t hold a camera but are great at editing, you may still be in there. The editor probably doesn’t get to go on every trip but you have the opportunity to put the masterpiece together. If want to see great editing and filming check out the Fully Flared video, Ty Evens is the man. To get a job as a skateboard editor it helps to think outside of the box and be creative; going to school doesn’t hurt also.
Now if you hate filming/photography and editing but are great with people, a team manager or sales rep position is perfect for you. A team manager gets to go everywhere the team goes, hit on all the ladies while the rest of the team has to “perform” at the demos. It’s not all gravy for them though. Their responsibilities are endless, sending out packages, booking flights, and driving the tour van. These are just a few of them. The worst responsibility is having to kick your friend off the team because his board sales are low. The best way to get this job is to be good friends with the team and live in the area where the company is based.
A rep is a little different. You basically rep a couple of companies (you like of course) and try to sell their products to skate shops. This job requires a lot of driving. You get paid through your sales so if you’re good at selling you get to eat Red Lobster that month. The good thing is you set your own schedule and skate all the free parks from town to town.
I guess all in all there is a lot of responsibility in the skateboard world. Whether it’s being pro or pushing a pencil to get that Habitat order done. I still think it’s better than any other job to have. So who’s going to be the next Koston, Atiba, Ty Evans, and Mic-E Reyes?
GSmith
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