The following is Rod’s story and history in skate- boarding as told to me. He’s been skateboarding since the mid-seventies and through the years he has played a major role in the New York and New Jersey skate scenes and in turn in the global skate scene. He’s one of the true unsung heroes and architects of modern skateboarding. And those who know him and have been lucky enough to befriend him and skate with him will tell you without a bad word one, that Rodney Smith’s fingerprint is on all that’s good about skateboarding. And no doubt it will be for a long time to come.

IGSA's report on the 2008 Niorth American Championships and the Hot Heels Africa races, as featured in Concrete Wave Magazine.

North Carolina’s DownHillBillies have quickly established a solid reputation for putting on a first class skateboarding event. There are many reasons for the DownHillBillie’s success but two of the key reasons are they ensure they have excellent prerace planning and a solid team in place to execute their plans. This article focuses mostly on planning a slalom race, but the advice given here is applicable for planning all sorts of skate events including a downhill, slide, street or transition
contest.

There is nothing like it: the moment when you’re offered a sponsorship from your favorite company. Imagine the opportunity to have a company you support actually endorsing your unique way of riding while you promote them. With a bit of work and a lot of persistence, you can do this. The following is a basic rundown of what you can do as an individual to get yourself into a position to be sponsored.

Part I of III

INTRO
There is nothing like it: the moment when you’re offered a sponsorship from your favorite company. Imagine the opportunity to have a company you support actually endorsing your unique way of riding while you promote them. With a bit of work and a lot of persistence, you can do this. The following is a basic rundown of what you can do as an individual to get yourself into a position to be sponsored.

DEFINITION OF SPONSORED VS. PRO
Before we get into it, I just want to go on record and clearly define the difference between pro riders and sponsored riders. “Sponsored riders” can expect to get gear and eventattendance support. They might get some costs covered and be reimbursed for things they spend money on to do the activities the company is paying for. A “pro” will be receiving money directly from the company, be it for boards, ads or just straight-out payment. Often, a pro may have a side job that also supports them to supplement their income. The basic distinction here is the sponsored rider gets gear and event costs covered and the pro just gets paid huge, fat sacks of cash. The following is a guide on sponsorship. Once you’re sponsored, then you can worry about how to become “pro.”