Becoming a Sponsored Skateboarder in My Late 30s!

[@rogersaul5926]

Awesome, Will. Congrats. You’re such a positive presence for young skaters locally and you definitely personify the values you’ve shared here whenever we see you out at the skatepark (about celebrating what people CAN do, keeping things positive, and so on - and that stuff’s contagious, so I’m happy to see lots of young people following your lead). You’ll do great with this!

[@skate_oasis]

Hey Roger! Thank you so much for the kind words, it means a lot to me. Honestly when I was growing up, skateboarding culture seemed a bit more exclusive. It was going through a metamorphosis where it had been this niche, underground counter culture and it was becoming a popular, mainstream movement. I think some of the old heads at the time might have resented this, and as such, resented us youngsters for maybe...diluting their scene? Anyways, nowadays with everything being more inclusive and less gatekeepy, I've found that the skate culture is much more open, accepting, and less judgemental than when I was a kid. I want to be the adult at the park who gives off good, friendly, fun vibes. My whole goal is to try to share my passion for skateboarding and I like to think that I'm accomplishing that. Thanks again, Roger. See you at the skateparks!

[@tsibren]

This is so cool man! Congrats! I'm 38 y/o and after skating on quads and inlines for more than 10 years, I pulled the trigger on learning skateboarding as it was a kids dream. All the best.

[@skate_oasis]

There is nothing better than following your childhood dreams as an adult lol. You'll pick it right up!

[@danealexander1708]

Brilliant, mate! Congrats! Love your channel. All the best 🤘

[@skate_oasis]

Thanks dude! Really appreciate the kind words. I'm pretty stoked!

[@bigdeckenergy8119]

Congratulations dude! Land yachts pro model is next!

[@skate_oasis]

Haha thanks! It's either that or I start pressing and shaping my own decks someday...

[@robbeaton]

Awesome man, congrats! Not asking for any private specifics, what can you tell us generally/vaguely about the details of being sponsored at your level? Obviously you bring promotional value to them, and presumably there’s some sort of payoff with either money, goods, etc. Do you have to ride their boards now? Even skate with their t-shirts on or something? Do you have to compete or anything? Really interesting, sounds like a great fit brand wise. Bet the teenage you would have been flabbergasted to know the 30-something you would be sponsored!

[@skate_oasis]

Hey Rob, no worries, I'll answer all your questions. Caravan mainly wants me to represent them positively, so no acting like a butthead online lol. I share their info in my Instagram posts, and they usually share mine. Kevin from Caravan is building a solid online brand, and having skaters nationwide helps spread the word and support grassroots skateboarding. They've sent me a couple of decks, some soft goods, and accessories. I don't have to ride their boards (same with Landyachtz) or wear their shirts (good thing because I sweat a lot and DESTROY my skate shirts), and I don't have to compete. I get a small commission when someone uses my discount code, but I'm not in this for the money. Caravan is in Ontario, and I'm in New Brunswick, so it's like remote work lol. Teenage me is VERY stoked, and so is adult me lol. Appreciate your comment. Honestly, I was anxious about my skill level and almost didn't make a video about this. I'm a grown-ass adult with a career, so affording gear isn't an issue for me, but it is for many skaters. I know other skaters might deserve sponsorship more, but I'm stoked that Caravan and Landyachtz value my connection with my audience. Skateboarding has changed a lot in the last 20 years, and all skill levels are more accepted now. I'm all about celebrating what you CAN do on a skateboard, not what you CAN'T. Seeing anyone riding a skateboard makes me happy. I'm honored to partner with these two and help get more people out there skating. Stay rad dude!

[@robbeaton]

@@skate_oasis Thanks for the open rundown on everything - it sounds like a killer opportunity on both counts and you seem to be just right for it. Congrats again!

[@skate_oasis]

@@robbeaton Yeah no worries dude! Stay rad!

[@soberskater]

Totally on point with what you said about sponsorship... so rad though... also agree with using our "adult" brains to get better... I used to get upset about not landing tricks, now I say what can I do different... all good things bud, congrats 😊

[@skate_oasis]

It's weird right. I knew that Social Media people got sponsored, but I really didn't think it would happen to me. Skateboarding's skill tree is so expansive (like Skyrim but 1000x more) and you can explore board control, rails, flip tricks, old school tricks, transition, banks, etc etc etc. I have an odd bag of tricks thanks to just following my heart and trying to learn the stuff I think is in my wheelhouse and that I think looks cool. It's really wild to me that these companies who want to make money from skateboarding (no shade at all - we all need income) want to work with me - blows my mind. I've never been a good salesperson, but apparently I'm decent at inspiring people lol! Love seeing your comments and your videos dude! Your new ramp looks awesome and I'm so stoked to see you keep progressing. Skateboarding has given me so much happiness and it makes my spirit soar to see others experience that same happiness. Stay rad dude!

[@soberskater]

@@skate_oasis do you feel nervous at all? I was putting myself in your shoes and the first thing I thought of was dang I want to do good for my sponsors... you mentioned feeling the imposter syndrome stuff... but they picked you because of who you are and how you skate... it's so cool everything you got going on skateboarding wise ... seriously proud of you, giving dreams a chance to grow

[@skate_oasis]

@@soberskater oh heck yeah dude! I have an anxiety disorder and/or ADHD, so I'm my worst critic most of the time. I do want to do well for them, but they have also been watching my reels for a few months, so they know its not all bangers all the time. I'm just going to keep doing my thing.

[@soberskater]

@@skate_oasis perfect!

[@DadLeisureSkateboarding]

Great work man you are an inspiration 💪

[@skate_oasis]

Thanks dude! It's pretty surreal. Happy to be able to spread my love for skateboarding to as many people as possible.