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john a wrote:@cesar: But there are several of well known pro riders from Brazil: the Madisons, Bruna, Remu, Neto... None of them on Youri´s level though

Hi John,

You write correctly: "None of them on Youri´s level". But have a look at the beaches here.
Surely they are not world champions yet, but...

Cheers
Caesar

Hey Caesar,

Living here in Canada makes me reflect on my years playing competitive hockey with the comment you made about unknown possible future champions. It is a common theme that you here people whine about here in regards to themselves, their kids, relatives or that kid they know who should have played in the NHL. The truth of the matter is no matter how good these players may have been they obviously weren't good enough to make the big leagues. Yeah some may have been able to play at that level but not a true superstar of the sport! Your local rippers will make it if they are just that good as someone will eventually come across them. If they haven't been offered sponsorship deals it may be that they are good but lack that edge of what the greats are. Youri, Aaron, Dre, Kevin, Andy and Alex are all exceptional riders who have the ability to win world championships. Their riding levels are beyond the reach of 99% of the field that these individuals can lay down solid rides no matter the conditions or whatever gear they may be using. I am not taking away from the talent of your local rippers as they would crush my riding within the first trick being thrown but true superstars of the sport will rise up. It takes the rare individual with the right mental toughness to push past boundaries and will turn heads no matter where they hail from. The greats will always be the greats!

James
www.theglobalartist.com

capitan nemo wrote:The team riders are there to promote.
As a potential client It is easier for me to relate with someone from my country or continent. There are more kitesurfers in Europe and in north America so i guess that's why there are also more team riders from those locations.
When you relate to a team rider you relate to a brand and then you might buy some gear from that certain brand.

you guys make a lot of good points, yes you have to have cred, and be presentable and match the brand values.
but the captain points to the simple human fact that " you will pay attention and listen to someone who is like you or someone you wish to be" This one psychological phenomenon explains a lot of adverts.

soul19 wrote:Hey Caesar,

Living here in Canada makes me reflect on my years playing competitive hockey with the comment you made about unknown possible future champions. It is a common theme that you here people whine about here in regards to themselves, their kids, relatives or that kid they know who should have played in the NHL. The truth of the matter is no matter how good these players may have been they obviously weren't good enough to make the big leagues. Yeah some may have been able to play at that level but not a true superstar of the sport!
James
www.theglobalartist.com

You make some good points but being a team sport, it is more difficult to relate to an individual sport like kitesurfing. To me the idea of sponsorship is to sell the brand. There are many way to accomplish this, winning events, lifestyle focus and image just to name a few. Watching the various company videos is a very entertaining way to sell your brand. If you or I relate to something in that video say, then we might be interested in maybe a purchase.
The manufacturer spending the cash can sponsor anyone they think will sell there product. White ,Black or Purple(Barney on kite!!!!) . There choice.

...

Hey Bigwave,

If you read my first comment in this thread I have touched on the points that you made. I fully agree that use of social media is the way to get yourself noticed! It is the new television and magazine coverage that creates hype over a particular rider and the brands that they represent. Herein lays the problem why certain riders will not ever see sponsorship...no use of social media. James Boulding and Patrick Rebstoke have the media content well dialed in!

James
www.theglobalartist.com

Also I am glad that someone pointed out the elephant in the room! I laughed when I read the title of the thread.... a racist comment to question why a certain demographic seems to monopolize the professional bracket. A bit of tongue in cheek.

I think it comes down to but no limited to: A little luck, where you live, your education level or how much you commit to something, who your friends are, how dedicated you are to your blog and making videos and posting photos, because even someone in a 3rd world country can promote themself with internet.