How to Be a Professional Snowboarder

Many snowboarders dream of traveling the world as professionals, but few ever get to live the dream. As a professional snowboarder, sponsors will pay you to wear their gear and ride their boards. You will compete in televised events like the X Games and the Dew Tour, gunning for six-figure prizes, and will be featured in snowboard magazines. Becoming a professional snowboarder is no easy task, but working your way through the local ranks will increase your chances of success.

Instructions

    • 1

      Go to your local snowboard shop and buy boots, bindings and a board. Buy a symmetrically shaped, flexible twin-tip board for terrain park riding. Buy a long, stiff directional board for powder and backcountry riding. Try on multiple pairs of boots to find the most comfortable fit. Reputable shops hire knowledgeable staff members, so tell them about your planned riding style and ask them to help you find the perfect board.

    • 2

      Sign up for lessons at your local mountain. Snowboarding lessons are essential for the first-time rider because they teach the fundamentals of the sport. Large resorts and local mountains offer lessons based on ability. Practice the techniques learned in your lessons as often as possible.

    • 3

      Enroll in advanced freestyle lessons, which are available at most mountains, to learn freestyle tricks. Starting on small jumps and rails, balance yourself while airborne or on a rail by keeping a low center of gravity. Progress to larger jumps and rails once you have mastered the small ones and attempt larger tricks. There are also snowboard camps across the United States that specialize in hands-on freestyle training and often hire professionals to teach enrolled students.

    • 4

      Enter local and regional competitions. Competitions are the best place to make a name for yourself and gain new exposure. If you do well in competitions, companies may ask you to ride for their sponsored teams. Big-name companies like Burton, K2, Rome and Forum all sponsor events in search of new talent.

    • 5

      Compile your best video footage and photographs into a short video montage. Upload this video to the Internet and send it to the companies and snowboard shops you would like to ride for. Send competition results along with your video to show potential sponsors that you're competing.