Getting sponsored might be a dream for almost every kid when they first start out, but isn't necessarily the greatest thing. Sure, getting free product and making money for doing what you love is great, but sometimes things are too good to be true and you might lose sight on what made you start skating in the first place. We're not trying to discourage you or saying that getting sponsored is the most horrible thing out there, but be sure that you're going to be expected to do a lot more than skate.

More Responsibilities
Yeah, it's great to get free product. But if you're not out there getting any footy or photos while wearing or riding that product, you can kiss those packages goodbye. You've got to put in work to set up sessions with photographers and filmers, and make sure the goods get to the TM.

Demos/Autograph Signings
How does signing autographs for hours for kids who just expect to see Eric Koston sound? Or how about skating a demo for kids wanting to see you airwalk and benihana everything after you got home at 4 AM from a filming mission? Oh, and chances are the obstacles at the demo won't always be the greatest. Be prepared to have to skate homemade boxes, rusty flatbars, and rickety launch ramps. Traveling and going on tour can be awesome, but sometimes not traveling can be even better.

Your Gear Matters
So let's say Truck Company A sponsors you, but their trucks suck. So you still ride Truck Company B's trucks. Well, get caught doing this and you'll be sure to catch some heat. Or even worse, getting a photo in a magazine where it's clear you're not riding the right trucks. Not a good look.

Realize What You Are
You get free gear with their logo all over the place, and they fly you around the world. So what does the company gain from sponsoring you? It's free advertisement, and you're selling the product. Realize that you're a tool to make the company money. Sure, not every company is that serious about it, but to put things bluntly, that's the way it is.

It Becomes A Job
There's no doubt that skateboarding will always be fun. But what happens when you depend on what you do for fun for your paycheck? Yep, you guessed it -- it becomes your job. And jobs aren't always fun. Be prepared to get daily schedules from the TM while on tour, and you better be getting footy while you're out on that all-expense paid trip to Japan. Some people are able to deal with being sponsored the right way, but for some people, it can ruin their whole outlook on skateboarding.