Professional Skateboarder

There are many ways to get from point A to point B: You can drive a car, for instance, ride a motorcycle, run, walk, bike, skip, hop, or even jump. If your preferred method of transportation is a skateboard, however, then you might have more than a conveyance on your hands; you might also have a career.

That career, of course, is as a Professional Skateboarder, in which case you’re paid to compete in skateboarding competitions, shows, and events. A professional Athlete who plays with wheels instead of balls, you make your living with a combination of sponsorships, endorsements, and prizes. For example, Professional Skateboarders are typically paid by sponsors — just like NASCAR Drivers — who compensate you for using their products, wearing clothes with their logo on them, and using skateboards that are emblazoned with their brand. Similarly, Professional Skateboarders might be paid by companies to endorse, promote, and advertise their products, including skateboards, clothing, foods and beverages, gear, and video games.

First and foremost, though, your job isn’t selling stuff; it’s skateboarding. Although sponsorships and endorsements pay your bills, therefore, you spend the bulk of your days practicing and performing skateboarding tricks and stunts, including wheelies, pivots, jumps, flips, fakies, and ollies, the goal being to perfect your craft so you can attract audiences at skateboarding shows and earn prize money by winning skateboarding competitions.

Armed with just a board and four wheels, you can simultaneously work, play, and compete. And if you do it well, you might just be the next Shaun White, Bob Burnquist, or Tony Hawk!