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Frustration "No Sponsor"

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linus_deboss
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 1,914
As already depicted in the title - is there anyone out there who, just as me, just skis because its so damn fun, yet they got quite good at it.

Being a student and broke as fuck all the time, didn't we all think about maybe trying to get some free gear?


Well I have. I didn't even get replies... I would understand a kind "Nah mane, you suck and our team is full, but hey, keep trying"... but just no reply at all - that's kind of a punch in the face.

I don't ski for the money, I ski for the fun. Skiing is hella expensive and there are lots of people where you wonder how they got sponsors (no front) - just kinda frustrating to struggle to even only get some hardware (skiing on old used planks since 1.5 years now).



Anyone else experienced this? Discussions? I'm not whining I'm just wondering...
Jun 12 2017 6:06PM
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benharrington_
Posts: 194 - Karma: 872
Work at a ski shop, getting paid and get discount on store purchases.
Jun 12 2017 6:21PM
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fredyferl
Posts: 2943 - Karma: 14,828
Sending emails doesn't work most of the time, try to get sponsored by a shop or work at one, then you'll get to meet reps and you'll have much better chances at getting sponsored
Jun 12 2017 6:25PM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,635
FredyFerlSending emails doesn't work most of the time, try to get sponsored by a shop or work at one, then you'll get to meet reps and you'll have much better chances at getting sponsored

Yeah or local reps... especially the large and semi-large companies will have a Rep force out there and your first flow sponsorship would be directly with one of them because you can help them push product in the area.
Jun 12 2017 6:32PM
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linus_deboss
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 1,914
Mr.BishopYeah or local reps... especially the large and semi-large companies will have a Rep force out there and your first flow sponsorship would be directly with one of them because you can help them push product in the area.


Turns out they make them selves pretty rare in Switzerland... a shop once even refused me to meet the Line Rep since "I would be wasting his time"... (Note: Shop Manager doesn't even ski, bikes and snowboards but unfortunately managed the business with K2 as well...smh)
Jun 12 2017 6:44PM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,635
Lil_G-nusTurns out they make them selves pretty rare in Switzerland... a shop once even refused me to meet the Line Rep since "I would be wasting his time"... (Note: Shop Manager doesn't even ski, bikes and snowboards but unfortunately managed the business with K2 as well...smh)


If they have demo days at your mountain, go volunteer to help the Rep running it in the morning. Great way to figure out who they are.
Jun 12 2017 6:45PM
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linus_deboss
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 1,914
Mr.BishopIf they have demo days at your mountain, go volunteer to help the Rep running it in the morning. Great way to figure out who they are.


So far the only demos around my mountains were from K2, who are known to be totally out of budged :(

Would love to meet some Armada guys (skis ski great, brand represents what freeskiing should be in my eyes), even just to get to know them, and Innsbruck wouldn't be that far but then again nobody has BRAND REP tatted on their forehead hahaha
Jun 12 2017 6:48PM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,635
Lil_G-nusSo far the only demos around my mountains were from K2, who are known to be totally out of budged :(

Would love to meet some Armada guys (skis ski great, brand represents what freeskiing should be in my eyes), even just to get to know them, and Innsbruck wouldn't be that far but then again nobody has BRAND REP tatted on their forehead hahaha

Where do you hear K2 has no budget? That is false.

Also - are you looking for a salary? If you are just good enough for a free pair of skis each Rep has a certain amount they can use for this.

Dont start to get picky Until you are already at the point of exposure that companies are calling you.
Jun 12 2017 6:51PM
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linus_deboss
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 1,914
Mr.BishopWhere do you hear K2 has no budget? That is false.

Also - are you looking for a salary? If you are just good enough for a free pair of skis each Rep has a certain amount they can use for this.

Dont start to get picky Until you are already at the point of exposure that companies are calling you.


Lots of rumours went around that K2 is pretty low on budget, heard that from different people that get flowed...

Hell, all I want is some free planks that will get me through winter, and I'd do my very best to promote that brand (my video output is not that small on social media).
Meaning I wont be picky either, but first I'd have to get in contact with ANY brand. [unless I'd really only get 82mm underfoot skis - why should I rep something that I don't agree with in terms of skiing (is this already being too picky?)]
Jun 12 2017 7:03PM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22708 - Karma: 76,635
Lil_G-nusLots of rumours went around that K2 is pretty low on budget, heard that from different people that get flowed...

Hell, all I want is some free planks that will get me through winter, and I'd do my very best to promote that brand (my video output is not that small on social media).
Meaning I wont be picky either, but first I'd have to get in contact with ANY brand. [unless I'd really only get 82mm underfoot skis - why should I rep something that I don't agree with in terms of skiing (is this already being too picky?)]


Might be too picky... depends on how bad you want to get sponsored. If you're amazing you have the pick of the litter, if you are in-line with everyone else then be happy you get an offer for anything.

I still maintain getting in with local reps / local shops is the single best way to get your first sponsor.
Jun 12 2017 7:05PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5070 - Karma: 43,008
Mr.BishopMight be too picky... depends on how bad you want to get sponsored. If you're amazing you have the pick of the litter, if you are in-line with everyone else then be happy you get an offer for anything.

I still maintain getting in with local reps / local shops is the single best way to get your first sponsor.


/ Also the best way to get free or cheap stuff without having to put up with all the crap that comes with being actually sponsored.
Jun 12 2017 7:24PM
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linus_deboss
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 1,914
cydwhit/ Also the best way to get free or cheap stuff without having to put up with all the crap that comes with being actually sponsored.


if there were any offers...

https://vimeo.com/218530949

you guys tell me if its even worth trying
Jun 12 2017 7:28PM
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Session
Posts: 5379 - Karma: 22,196
So glad I have sponsors.






















Too bad it's not to ski.
Jun 12 2017 8:08PM
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IanAvery-Leaf
Posts: 9931 - Karma: 9,399
Lil_G-nushttps://vimeo.com/218530949

you guys tell me if its even worth trying


tbh most of your landings are pretty sloppy but you've got an impressive amount of technical tricks, just off the top of my head I can think of a handful of kids in Utah who have multiple sponsors who are significantly "worse" than you.

In this situation it doesn't seem like the skiing is so much the problem, if the desperate vibe you give off in this thread made it into the emails you sent then thats not really the best way to go about finding sponsors
Jun 12 2017 9:35PM
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Session
Posts: 5379 - Karma: 22,196
Bro,
How is your social media presence? It's nto enough to throw out an edit. You need to have a presence. Sponsorship is a 2 way street. You have to be able to offer something in exchange for free stuff or flow.
Jun 12 2017 9:41PM
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Park.
Posts: 2480 - Karma: 4,582
edit was dope but you don't have a ton of jump tricks. still way more technical than anything I can do but from a sponsorship standpoint they might see it as "only a rail rat" kind of thing. It's also important to stand out where you live. If theres a ton of other sick skiers where you ski, it'll be harder to convince a rep that you deserve skis.
Jun 12 2017 10:04PM
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linus_deboss
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 1,914
ski.the.easttbh most of your landings are pretty sloppy


start your day with a good laughter they say
Jun 13 2017 1:47AM
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Deepskier
Posts: 3267 - Karma: 4,829
Lil_G-nusAs already depicted in the title - is there anyone out there who, just as me, just skis because its so damn fun, yet they got quite good at it.

Being a student and broke as fuck all the time, didn't we all think about maybe trying to get some free gear?


Well I have. I didn't even get replies... I would understand a kind "Nah mane, you suck and our team is full, but hey, keep trying"... but just no reply at all - that's kind of a punch in the face.

I don't ski for the money, I ski for the fun. Skiing is hella expensive and there are lots of people where you wonder how they got sponsors (no front) - just kinda frustrating to struggle to even only get some hardware (skiing on old used planks since 1.5 years now).



Anyone else experienced this? Discussions? I'm not whining I'm just wondering...


I feel you I see so many kids with sponsors that ski ugly as fuck and I cam do what they do... but its this whole thing, you can't just send in edits or talk to people anymore, fuck I've been just trying to put in an order at Armada for months and can't get a hold of a fucking rep it ridiculous. Now you have to know people and they have to know you, yet you have to have a good social media following and good PR. I like to ride skis above my head and my 166 pipecleaners are at my lips, Im almost 6 foot and struggle to afford gas, 95% of the connections I know dont come through, I was supposed to get a pair of 9thwards, fell through, I was supposed to get ATLEAST wholesale on Armada, fell through. Half these people I had to follow up with 10 times before I got a reply (telling me its not happening) one of them being my coach. I have so many problems with the ski world these days, I could and just might write an essay on it.
Jun 13 2017 1:48AM
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Deepskier
Posts: 3267 - Karma: 4,829
Lil_G-nusLots of rumours went around that K2 is pretty low on budget, heard that from different people that get flowed...

Hell, all I want is some free planks that will get me through winter, and I'd do my very best to promote that brand (my video output is not that small on social media).
Meaning I wont be picky either, but first I'd have to get in contact with ANY brand. [unless I'd really only get 82mm underfoot skis - why should I rep something that I don't agree with in terms of skiing (is this already being too picky?)]


You and I might get along really well and its funny you say innsbruck because im hoping to take a trip there this fall or spring, was actually just about to make a "help me plan a trip to Innsbruck" thread.
Jun 13 2017 1:57AM
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-SnowSnoli-
Posts: 756 - Karma: 1,703
The only easy way to get to the reps of big brands in Switzerland is through a shop as they do not ship to personal addresses.
If you say your local shop is not helpful the other root would be try an online retailer. Don't go in demanding free skis. Just tell them you want to rep there shop and normally they should sort you out (depending on your level). Unfortunately the level of riders in Switzerland is ridiculous so sometimes it helps if your name is "known" in your local ski area or as already said have a solid social media presence

The other way for smaller brands that use distribution companies is to find out who they are and try that way. Off the top of my head I.e. Black crows is dac sports. Icelantic use side shore.

And as armada is now amer sports you can try amer sports Switzerland.
Jun 13 2017 2:56AM
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ETonasnowboard
Posts: 9 - Karma: 20
Watch out people, business student getting involved...

But yeah, like some people before already said, I think you are looking at this from the wrong angle. Because a sponsorship should not necessarily be about getting some free gear, but about getting help for progressing and getting better and having a better experience on the mountain. It's like, those sponsors invest in you and they expect in return that you represent them and show people what you can do on their ski, that's why they do it. And I mean, you're doing some pretty cool stuff on that rails, and the first 1.5 minutes you got me in awe witch is a good sign, but then after half of it I was like "actually it's a lot of the same". So I think in order to make you more interesting for sponsors, you should maybe expand your skiing horizons and like do your tricks elsewhere, start to use different features from rails etc orrrrrr get really really really insanely good at rails (niche versus differentiation strategy).
So I would kind of approach the sponsors in a "Yooo, you guys' stuff is awesome, and I really want to progress as a freestyler next season and do this and this and this or make like a rad edit or whatever, and I was wondering whether you could help me with that" or sth and stress what's in it for them. You can even address the values their brand stands for and how you reflect them and everything. And then that all in a very nonchalant way offcourse.
Also, some resorts have skishows that have freestylers included (Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis for example in Austria) so you could try earn some money and exposure that way. One of the best freestylers there actually works in the ski school and always has the best group which is crazy fun, so that's also a good way to maybe earn more money and exposure. And yeah, get to know other people, and speak with them and see how they get sponsors, that can also be really helpful in getting there yourself. And some other people might even have gear for a bargain if you still need some.

Sorry, just wrote a whole book but I'm bored.
Jun 13 2017 6:29AM
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TRVP_ANGEL
Posts: 12506 - Karma: 116,130
Thought this thread was bait and then i saw your edit. Based off of this thread i really question how you approached the sponsors annd i feel you probably came off as severely autistic
Jun 13 2017 9:35AM
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Aparker
Posts: 727 - Karma: 1,676
Lol your relly good u should hit jumps tho maybe that had to do something with it but you have good rails. Also how are you skiing on old used planks for 1.5 years when i see like 4 pairs in the edit, and you have 2017 poachers which only came out a year ago.
Jun 13 2017 9:57PM
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gbola
Posts: 266 - Karma: 737
kind of obvious here, but companies and shops dig people with unique style. a different style from the mainstream makes you stand out more. btw, you have some sick technical tricks
Jun 14 2017 2:17AM
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Sharko
Posts: 2274 - Karma: 4,101
AparkerAlso how are you skiing on old used planks for 1.5 years when i see like 4 pairs in the edit, and you have 2017 poachers which only came out a year ago.


Maybe it's not him in the video.
Jun 14 2017 3:56AM
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linus_deboss
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 1,914
gbolakind of obvious here, but companies and shops dig people with unique style. a different style from the mainstream makes you stand out more. btw, you have some sick technical tricks


this sounds as if I ski super boring...I hope not?
Jun 14 2017 4:52AM
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linus_deboss
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 1,914
SharkoMaybe it's not him in the video.


Well, if you compare all my different edits you defo see my face, and see that it's the same clothes more or less since 3 years.

Old used planks: there is a blend from 2 years ago (from a friend whos sponsored, that one was in pretty good shape tho), a last years chronic (got it from a homie whos sponsored and didn't use it anymore), this years blend (also from a homie, but the edge was already destroyed and it broke after like 2 weeks of skiing), this years poacher (bought it from a friend who's sponsored, and he already has next years poachers so he didn't use this "old" one anymore)
Jun 14 2017 4:55AM
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linus_deboss
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 1,914
TRVP_ANGELThought this thread was bait and then i saw your edit. Based off of this thread i really question how you approached the sponsors annd i feel you probably came off as severely autistic


lol I hope not
Jun 14 2017 4:56AM
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Jesse_
Posts: 1498 - Karma: 3,639
Lil_G-nusWell, if you compare all my different edits you defo see my face, and see that it's the same clothes more or less since 3 years.

Old used planks: there is a blend from 2 years ago (from a friend whos sponsored, that one was in pretty good shape tho), a last years chronic (got it from a homie whos sponsored and didn't use it anymore), this years blend (also from a homie, but the edge was already destroyed and it broke after like 2 weeks of skiing), this years poacher (bought it from a friend who's sponsored, and he already has next years poachers so he didn't use this "old" one anymore)


See if your sponsored friends could give you some advice? Or perhaps try getting in contact with some reps as others have said. Honestly you should be sponsored in my opinion seeing your skill.
Jun 14 2017 11:15PM
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Casey
Posts: 7849 - Karma: 24,320
ETonasnowboardWatch out people, business student getting involved...

But yeah, like some people before already said, I think you are looking at this from the wrong angle. Because a sponsorship should not necessarily be about getting some free gear, but about getting help for progressing and getting better and having a better experience on the mountain. It's like, those sponsors invest in you and they expect in return that you represent them and show people what you can do on their ski, that's why they do it. And I mean, you're doing some pretty cool stuff on that rails, and the first 1.5 minutes you got me in awe witch is a good sign, but then after half of it I was like "actually it's a lot of the same". So I think in order to make you more interesting for sponsors, you should maybe expand your skiing horizons and like do your tricks elsewhere, start to use different features from rails etc orrrrrr get really really really insanely good at rails (niche versus differentiation strategy).
So I would kind of approach the sponsors in a "Yooo, you guys' stuff is awesome, and I really want to progress as a freestyler next season and do this and this and this or make like a rad edit or whatever, and I was wondering whether you could help me with that" or sth and stress what's in it for them. You can even address the values their brand stands for and how you reflect them and everything. And then that all in a very nonchalant way offcourse.
Also, some resorts have skishows that have freestylers included (Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis for example in Austria) so you could try earn some money and exposure that way. One of the best freestylers there actually works in the ski school and always has the best group which is crazy fun, so that's also a good way to maybe earn more money and exposure. And yeah, get to know other people, and speak with them and see how they get sponsors, that can also be really helpful in getting there yourself. And some other people might even have gear for a bargain if you still need some.

Sorry, just wrote a whole book but I'm bored.


I have to agree on the edit. It would be better if you cut all the clips where you are skiing at 2 mph. In general you should try to ski faster, but your ability is probably not what is holding you back.

I think Bishop mentioned volunteering some bitch work for a rep. I mean that's basically the goal right- convincing a guy who has skis to give you some without having to pay. Like probably time to wash some dishes to get your free dinner. But also realize that you are one of many people that they probably know personally. In other words a lot of networks are already established, and the club isn't necessarily looking for new members in the first place, so that's why no one watched your edit.
Jun 15 2017 12:20AM
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gbola
Posts: 266 - Karma: 737
Lil_G-nusthis sounds as if I ski super boring...I hope not?


you don't ski boring haha! you're super technical. that kinda came out weird, i'm saying if you have something that completely stand out of the normal
Jun 15 2017 3:33AM
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big.love
Posts: 283 - Karma: 1,035
Might have something to do with all those pretty jumps in the background of your edit, not being sent...?
Jun 15 2017 9:53AM
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linus_deboss
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 1,914
CaseyI have to agree on the edit. It would be better if you cut all the clips where you are skiing at 2 mph. In general you should try to ski faster, but your ability is probably not what is holding you back.
.



well try going 40mph doing a 3swap on a non kinked downtube... some tricks just don't work at high speed + I guess that's a question of personal preference/style preference anyways... you don't see JC doing crazy tech stuff, he just goes fast... two types of skiing in my opinion
Jun 15 2017 10:34AM
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Casey
Posts: 7849 - Karma: 24,320
Lil_G-nuswell try going 40mph doing a 3swap on a non kinked downtube... some tricks just don't work at high speed + I guess that's a question of personal preference/style preference anyways... you don't see JC doing crazy tech stuff, he just goes fast... two types of skiing in my opinion


Yeah I understand, I am not criticizing your skiing, just offering feedback on what films well in my opinion. 4:30 is way too long for anything even if it's good. Personally I would break it up into 60 to 90 second edits and have more than 1. Then it's more like you are continuously producing content and you can hype each one on social media.
Jun 15 2017 12:09PM
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.otto.
Posts: 3493 - Karma: 12,895
Lil_G-nuswell try going 40mph doing a 3swap on a non kinked downtube... some tricks just don't work at high speed + I guess that's a question of personal preference/style preference anyways... you don't see JC doing crazy tech stuff, he just goes fast... two types of skiing in my opinion


i would much rather watch fast skiing
Jun 15 2017 2:18PM
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linus_deboss
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 1,914
.otto.i would much rather watch fast skiing


as mentioned above, this is personal preference. will wesson doesn't ski fast at all times either and I love good edits of him
Jun 15 2017 4:24PM
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linus_deboss
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 1,914
CaseyYeah I understand, I am not criticizing your skiing, just offering feedback on what films well in my opinion. 4:30 is way too long for anything even if it's good. Personally I would break it up into 60 to 90 second edits and have more than 1. Then it's more like you are continuously producing content and you can hype each one on social media.


lol yeah was supposed to be 4:20 but I fucked up on exporting the file phahah

things is lots of these shots have come out as 1 minute instagram edits over the season, this really is the compilation of all shots I liked of this season (besides the newest 4-5 insta posts which were filmed after I released the edit)

but I get the positive feedback - i think throughout this winter I made at least 2 minute-long clips each month, even if its just instagram
Jun 15 2017 4:26PM
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linus_deboss
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 1,914
big.loveMight have something to do with all those pretty jumps in the background of your edit, not being sent...?


and this is a point which I find horrible.

rail skiing doesn't get valued as much as it should.

look at ALL those fucking kids being able to huck ugly cork9s - boom, they got sponsors.
but all these little shits barely can make it through a curved rail or even worse are afraid of kinked rails.

what the fuck is this? yes, a dub 10 might be ballzier than a lip2 pretz4, but I'm damn sure the lip2 pretz3 doesn't lack the finesse that's needed to huck a dub.

even worse, rail skiing needs so much more experience because the rails just don't are the same everyday - you could say the same about a kicker, but I'm sure someone who can cork7 fucks up on none of 10, yet if you can 2p2 safely you eventually still miss one just because rails are sneaky bitches


tl;dr: dunno what y'alls opinion on this is, but rail skiing is underrated and it really frustrates me that an ugly 1080 is taken over a beautiful 1 pretz 1 on a rail anyday
Jun 15 2017 4:32PM
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JmckR
Posts: 1279 - Karma: 5,872
Lil_G-nusand this is a point which I find horrible.

rail skiing doesn't get valued as much as it should.

look at ALL those fucking kids being able to huck ugly cork9s - boom, they got sponsors.
but all these little shits barely can make it through a curved rail or even worse are afraid of kinked rails.

what the fuck is this? yes, a dub 10 might be ballzier than a lip2 pretz4, but I'm damn sure the lip2 pretz3 doesn't lack the finesse that's needed to huck a dub.

even worse, rail skiing needs so much more experience because the rails just don't are the same everyday - you could say the same about a kicker, but I'm sure someone who can cork7 fucks up on none of 10, yet if you can 2p2 safely you eventually still miss one just because rails are sneaky bitches


tl;dr: dunno what y'alls opinion on this is, but rail skiing is underrated and it really frustrates me that an ugly 1080 is taken over a beautiful 1 pretz 1 on a rail anyday


Nope, wrong.

You're edit is good and you're clearly a talented park skier but if dont/can't hit jumps then you won't get far. The scene is already flooded.
You need to be comfortable with variety. Doing a slightly different spin on the same rail 100 times a day is unlikely to get you sponsored. Gets boring to watch after a minute or so.

Just my two cents worth.
Jun 15 2017 4:58PM
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3mania
Posts: 2613 - Karma: 10,361
Just remember when it comes to free skis, it's not who you know... It's who I know.
Jun 15 2017 5:04PM
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Da.Vinci
Posts: 309 - Karma: 911
Lil_G-nusWell, if you compare all my different edits you defo see my face, and see that it's the same clothes more or less since 3 years.

Old used planks: there is a blend from 2 years ago (from a friend whos sponsored, that one was in pretty good shape tho), a last years chronic (got it from a homie whos sponsored and didn't use it anymore), this years blend (also from a homie, but the edge was already destroyed and it broke after like 2 weeks of skiing), this years poacher (bought it from a friend who's sponsored, and he already has next years poachers so he didn't use this "old" one anymore)


did you get your clothes from your dad, is he sponsored?
Jun 15 2017 5:54PM
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linus_deboss
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 1,914
Da.Vincidid you get your clothes from your dad, is he sponsored?


good point, clothes are 3 years old, and I payed them myself, if this is where you're getting it.

my mom repairs them. lol
Jun 15 2017 6:02PM
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linus_deboss
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 1,914
jmckay7Nope, wrong.

You're edit is good and you're clearly a talented park skier but if dont/can't hit jumps then you won't get far. The scene is already flooded.
You need to be comfortable with variety. Doing a slightly different spin on the same rail 100 times a day is unlikely to get you sponsored. Gets boring to watch after a minute or so.

Just my two cents worth.


I don't know man variety is a wide definition... I feel like besides certain spins my rail game varies greatly as in it includes a big amount of tricks that exist, but yeah, I don't fux with the Bunch or that kind of "variety" in skiing.

also, kind of saddening that it really comes to to kickering - I love great kicker game, but I just feel like I lack the style that would add the touch to my skiing if I included kickering in my edits...

of course street would be an option, but ain't no student got time for that, plus it's no fun, and that's the main reason I ski, fun.

and adding powder to an edit just for variety - lets be honest, if its not some crazy ass couloir or a huge BC jump were you could huck a trip (try building that with almost no snow), it's boring as hell to watch...
Jun 15 2017 6:07PM
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gbola
Posts: 266 - Karma: 737
Lil_G-nusas mentioned above, this is personal preference. will wesson doesn't ski fast at all times either and I love good edits of him


not criticizing your skiing, but will wesson is will wesson. he can do anything he wants
Jun 15 2017 6:42PM
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mikemac
Posts: 1292 - Karma: 3,623
Lil_G-nusI don't know man variety is a wide definition... I feel like besides certain spins my rail game varies greatly as in it includes a big amount of tricks that exist, but yeah, I don't fux with the Bunch or that kind of "variety" in skiing.

also, kind of saddening that it really comes to to kickering - I love great kicker game, but I just feel like I lack the style that would add the touch to my skiing if I included kickering in my edits...

of course street would be an option, but ain't no student got time for that, plus it's no fun, and that's the main reason I ski, fun.

and adding powder to an edit just for variety - lets be honest, if its not some crazy ass couloir or a huge BC jump were you could huck a trip (try building that with almost no snow), it's boring as hell to watch...


Honestly man I loved the edit, super tech tricks done with style and your blindside game is fresh as hell in my opinion, but as everyone's here has said, tech rail tricks aren't super marketable. Its a tough sell for reps who aren't in touch with the park rat life. People who aren't lifelong newschoolers users or lifelong park skiers honestly have no idea what they just saw or any idea how hard it is.

Also, if you ski for fun, branch out and have fun on jumps. Even if your not that good, keeping it mellow and trying to link full lines is a super good time. keep it as simple as 1 to switch 1 to 3. do it 50 times next season while practicing reaching for different grabs. Its definitely fun and it definitely feels good to cruise a 3 or 4 pack with low key tricks. i guarantee you'll develop a dope style with some blunts and safeties or whatever, and boom you have some filler shots/variety for your edit.

At this point working in a shop is probably your best bet for getting good deals. In my experience, a ski shop generally will get you 40% off anything in their store and often times will get you access to pro-deal websites like promotive if your working for a resort. I don't know anything about the area of Europe you live in, but it can't be too much different from the US. look around other resorts in the area or even sporting good stores in the town where you go to school.

A) you'll get deals right off the bat to help with your annual skiing bill
B) you'll be getting paid so you can boost your disposable income for things like new bindings, tuning kit, goggles, and even gas to get to the hill.
C) you will eventually meet the reps (or get their contact info from your managers) and if they have the space and you can prove you could be an asset to them (ie social media presence, photography skills, putting out edits and generally producing content for the brand) then they will be more than happy to put a talented, down ass local kid on flow.
D) key thing, be a good guy and work hard. Not saying you aren't, but in my experience kids who come off like a dick bc they think they're the man cuz they can 3swap don't end up getting to far in a small ski town. people who have been in the industry for decades (shop managers, resort supervisors, reps, etc.) won't want to employ, sponsor, or generally be around you.
Good luck!
Jun 16 2017 12:17AM
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JmckR
Posts: 1279 - Karma: 5,872
Lil_G-nuslook at ALL those fucking kids being able to huck ugly cork9s - boom, they got sponsors.
but all these little shits barely can make it through a curved rail or even worse are afraid of kinked rails.

what the fuck is this?


You also don't want to come across like this as well, it won't help your case. Mike's right, if you come across like you think you own the place because you can slide a few rails I can't see any companies want you to represent them!

mikemacD) key thing, be a good guy and work hard. Not saying you aren't, but in my experience kids who come off like a dick bc they think they're the man cuz they can 3swap don't end up getting to far in a small ski town. people who have been in the industry for decades (shop managers, resort supervisors, reps, etc.) won't want to employ, sponsor, or generally be around you.
Good luck!
Jun 16 2017 5:52AM
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AGOF
Posts: 2038 - Karma: 3,602
Lil_G-nusand this is a point which I find horrible.

rail skiing doesn't get valued as much as it should.

look at ALL those fucking kids being able to huck ugly cork9s - boom, they got sponsors.
but all these little shits barely can make it through a curved rail or even worse are afraid of kinked rails.

what the fuck is this? yes, a dub 10 might be ballzier than a lip2 pretz4, but I'm damn sure the lip2 pretz3 doesn't lack the finesse that's needed to huck a dub.

even worse, rail skiing needs so much more experience because the rails just don't are the same everyday - you could say the same about a kicker, but I'm sure someone who can cork7 fucks up on none of 10, yet if you can 2p2 safely you eventually still miss one just because rails are sneaky bitches


tl;dr: dunno what y'alls opinion on this is, but rail skiing is underrated and it really frustrates me that an ugly 1080 is taken over a beautiful 1 pretz 1 on a rail anyday


Lil_G-nusI don't know man variety is a wide definition... I feel like besides certain spins my rail game varies greatly as in it includes a big amount of tricks that exist, but yeah, I don't fux with the Bunch or that kind of "variety" in skiing.

also, kind of saddening that it really comes to to kickering - I love great kicker game, but I just feel like I lack the style that would add the touch to my skiing if I included kickering in my edits...

of course street would be an option, but ain't no student got time for that, plus it's no fun, and that's the main reason I ski, fun.

and adding powder to an edit just for variety - lets be honest, if its not some crazy ass couloir or a huge BC jump were you could huck a trip (try building that with almost no snow), it's boring as hell to watch...


So you post a thread asking if you are good enough to be sponsored, then post an edit, then get all hot and bothered when people post reasonable, constructive criticism, while usually giving you props as well.

This seems a little childish, especially the complaining about jump skiing. I mean if you are really skiing just for fun and to do you why get mad that others are sponsored for other aspects of the sport? Objectively to the average skier jumps are more impressive than rails, so companies tend to send product to those skiers, as they will be more likely to convince randoms those skis are awesome.

I would say the biggest issue with your skiing is it's very 1-dimensional. Spin on- switch ups- spin out. This doesn't show a huge depth of actual skiing skill, it shows you can shred rails, and wedge out about half your landings. I'd really like to see what your jump game looks like, as you need significantly more on-snow edge control to make it look clean.

Your tech rail tricks are sick, but if you really want to be sponsored you have to have the whole package (or at least a unique, fun style to watch, maybe add some shifties, taps, presses and surface swaps to your rail game, not every unique trick is a bunch bounce), especially in Europe where the level of unknown rippers is super high.
Jun 16 2017 11:58AM
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brockmoules
Posts: 68 - Karma: 175
Lil_G-nusif there were any offers...

https://vimeo.com/218530949

you guys tell me if its even worth trying


Yes for sure,you have some good rail skill bro
Jun 16 2017 1:13PM
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arnie_grape
Posts: 3451 - Karma: 11,683
maybe no one will sponsor you cause you're a stubborn kook
Jun 16 2017 10:39PM
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seanahue.
Posts: 2142 - Karma: 3,375
its not about what a ski company can do for you, its about what you can do for a ski company.

your rail skills are obviously sick, but you need to diversify. companies want a skier that can show up to any feature, any place, any conditions, and slay.

unless companies are knocking down your door with offers (which it doesn't sound like they are, no offense), you need to market yourself aggressively.

in this case, i'm not talking about producing more/better content, or sending more emails to more companies; i'm talking about selling a company on your skills OUTSIDE of skiing... do you know a lot about how skis are manufactured, and can you speak professionally about your skis to potential customers? can you shoot/edit video/photo yourself? do you have a network of local shop employees (or even better, shop buyers/owners) who respect your opinion enough to potentially buy skis from a company that you ride for?

ROI = Return On Investment. the higher potential ROI you can provide, the more likely you will be to score a legitimate contract.

these days, i would venture to say that actual skiing skill is only about 50% of the equation. ski companies don't just give skis to kids just because they are good at skiing, there's a lot bigger picture to take into account.

i only mentioned a few points for the sake of example, but seriously think about what aspects you can improve on, both athletically and professionally, to increase your value to a company.

tons of people who work in other areas of the ski industry started with that same dream as you: goin pro, man! but then a lot of people realize that their greatest value lies in their brain, and not in what spinny flippy things they can do on snow. not trying to shit on your dream, just trying to explain that being a sponsored athlete isn't neccessarily the only route to achieve what you want (free shit!)

sorry for the essay. long story short, if you want to be a sponsored skier, treat it like you would applying for any other job. build your value, convey it well, and the rest will take care of itself. good luck man :)
Jun 16 2017 11:29PM
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linus_deboss
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 1,914
A-cAllI would say the biggest issue with your skiing is it's very 1-dimensional. Spin on- switch ups- spin out. This doesn't show a huge depth of actual skiing skill, it shows you can shred rails, and wedge out about half your landings. I'd really like to see what your jump game looks like, as you need significantly more on-snow edge control to make it look clean.
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maybe add some shifties, taps, presses and surface swaps to your rail game/QUOTE]

I was racing before, so, yah, I'd say I got that edge control lol

surface swaps... dear mister, there were surface swap pretz4s and surface swaps on skinny rails... tbh bs surface is one of my favorite tricks haha


not getting all hot, just stated my opinion that rail skiing is underrated, as you said yourself, you think spinning in, on and out doesn't show actual skiing skill - well, actually, it do, I would say.

tl;dr; I disagree.
Jun 18 2017 8:50AM
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