Surfing is a great pastime and adventure water sports though very extreme in nature. People have been surfing for a very long time, and many people have been enjoying a surfing career much before true professionals took off with multi-million dollar contracts. Right now, thousands of people work as part or full time employees within the domain of surfing; designing and selling surf boards, creating surfing gear and attires and promoting surfing related events and contests are some of the business ideas involved with surfing. Surfing is a big industry and it employs thousands of people in almost all countries in the world that face seas and oceans.

Most of these people are surfers who thought of combining their personal skills with a plan of making a living. A few of these people earn quite a lot of money, while the others are still working for their employers. If you are a surfing enthusiast and are thinking of becoming a surfing professional, then you could definitely become one provided you follow some ground rules. When you look at the income earned by top level professional surfers, you may be surprised at their paychecks. There are a few of them who are earning in excess of millions of dollars every year. On the other hand, a majority of top surfing professionals are earning in excess of $500,000. If you have the right talent and attitude, even you can earn that sort of money.

Do you have a burning obsession of becoming a top level surfer? Do you want to earn and accumulate what great professionals are earning right now? Well, you are not alone. There are many people, who are thinking of becoming top surfing professionals. If you have the required skills, knowledge and techniques, you can easily enter one of the local amateur surfing contests and try to win at least one of them. As you start winning many of these events and when you find a sponsor who can take care of your financial needs, you can become a professional with the ability to win any major surfing events.

Taking inspiration from Kelly Slater

What makes Kelly Slater the most complete and highly skilled surfer of all time? What makes him the legend he is right now? Did all those great wins at ASP, World events and Masters and Eddie Aikau make him the greatest surfer of all time? Did his stupendous stunts like High Five and Letting Go Tube lead him to the path of glory? Kelly Slater makes an interesting, but legendary story – just imagine a poor boy with his single mother growing up at a remote beach in the state of Florida without any great waves! Also, imagine him to possess enough natural talent and a burning desire to make it to the top of surfing world! With training and honing of surfing skills, he became both the youngest and oldest world champion and professional in the history of surfing!

For people who wish to become a big league professional in surfing, Kelly Slater provides a remarkable story that sounds too amazing to be true. Yet, he forms a great source of inspiration for people like you who want to ride your way to surfing success. What does it take for you to become a person like Kelly Slater? To repeat his success level, you may need to develop a number of habits and positive characters that are so unique to people like him.

What made him so special in surfing? After all, he was just another ordinary boy, who grew up with a traditional middle class family. Cocoa Beach, Florida is not a great surfing site, unlike those great surfing shores in Hawaii or Australia. In spite of absence of suitable conditions, Kelly Slater used to wait for those occasional big waves to try his primitive and amateurish surfing techniques. His consistent practice and dedication soon paid off and by the age of thirteen, Kelly Slater was already an established amateur in the world of surfing. He was one of the best surfers in the country by the age of fourteen! He also started to appear in well-known surfing magazines of the area. By the time he was twenty, he was already the youngest winner of world championship!

Slater caught the attention of corporate sponsors by winning the Body Glove Trestles competition in 1990. Slater always believed in showing his best to his friends and public. By the age of eighteen, Slater entered the big world of corporate sponsored surfing, when the noted clothing company, Quicksilver, snapped him up by paying him a six figure salary! Until now, he has been Quicksilver’s brand ambassador and representing them to enhance the image of the company.

The prerequisites to become a noted surfing professional

You never get to be a world champion in surfing, if you don’t have an intrinsic drive to reach the top! You will need to get ahead of yourself, your mind and body to surge ahead as a surfing professional. Just think of all those laurels and awards of surfing world, not to mention those million dollar sponsorship contracts! You will need to let go of your burning ambition, desire and needs to become a surfing pro; Kelly Slater always thought that his body and mind were always ahead of him. Just watch Kelly Slater’s famous video “Letting Go” and understand what he deliberates about in the first few minutes of the video. In fact, he talks about how he achieved those stupendous results by “letting go of his present state of mind” and try hard to become a better surfer.

Kelly Slater always believed that more you want a result the less likely you are to get it. When you focus more on getting results, you will black out your mind, develop stress, lose confidence and start feeling out of control of your body and mind. So, what were the ingredients that Kelly Slater used to cook his professional success recipe? Well, these ingredients are very simple to use in your life. Just let go of results and start focusing on transforming yourself into a very good surfer. Once you become good and add a number of skills to your surfing inventory, you will see that you are becoming a very good surfer.

Kelly Slater’s formula for success

The formula for becoming a surfing professional like Kelly Slater is very simple to use and adapt. It is almost like coming back to the basics of surfing. It is almost like tuning your mind. To become a very good surfing professional, you will need to:

• Getting good quality decent surfboards
• Getting your methods and techniques in the proper manner
• See that your heat tactics are dead right
• Streamline body and mind to beat stress and frustration
• Concentrate on contests and events with enhanced focus levels

Additional Tips: To become a professional surfer, you will need to strive hard to enhance your image by winning more local tournaments and events, promote yourself in local newspapers and magazines, publish photos and interesting articles about your achievements and lastly keep contacting major and minor corporate surfing sponsors. After all, almost all professionals in surfing did those things before turning big time professionals.

What do the following names have in common – Rodney Mullen, Kareem Campbell, Reese Forbes and Tony Hawk? What about Jason Lee? While millions of young teenagers simply love the name of Tony Hawk, movie buffs would love to recall the cinematic roles played by Jason Lee. If you ask a young teenager what he or she knows about Play Station, you would probably get an instant answer – Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater video game! All the great names mentioned above are great professional skateboarders, who are heroes to millions of kids and teenagers around the world. Each one of them kicked off their professional careers as little boys on fibre glass skateboards zooming up and down the streets, unsettling their parents and infuriating their neighbours. In fact, they never had an idea that one day they will rule the extreme sport world with their stunning acrobatics with skateboards.

Thousands of teens and young boys have tried to emulate these great skateboarders. On the other hand, hundreds of youngsters are dreaming of becoming another Tony Hawk or Rodney Mullen. It does not take a long time to realize that Tony Hawk is epitomizing all the goodness of skateboarding with his gravity-defying skateboarding acts. His acts have been making steady news for almost two decades, while his past performances and memorable achievements are fuelling the ambitions of millions of people, who are aspiring to become skateboarding professionals just like Tony Hawk.

Following the footsteps of Tony Hawk

If you are a diehard fan of Tony Hawk, you are not alone! In fact, you are just like those millions of people, who want to be a future Tony Hawk. Tony Hawk represents a bold and brilliant breed of skateboarding professionals, who have already made name for themselves with multi-million dollar sponsorship contracts, as well as winning several iconic events and championship matches. Tony Hawk also represents a rare professionalism that no other extreme sports icon has been able to repeat. He is also a source of undying inspiration and encouragement for thousands of amateur skateboarders who are trying hard to go pro.

If you are one of them, trying hard to become a true skateboarding professional, then you may need to follow the footsteps of a legend called Tony Hawk. If you want to be another Tony Hawk earning millions of dollars as sponsorship earning, then you will need to repeat the acts of Tony Hawk, at least some of them.

Now, what is so special about Tony Hawk? Why do people around the world love him, especially those kids and youngsters, who use skateboards to crisscross the streets and corners near their homes? Did he set any benchmark in the field of action sports? Why do video and console game enthusiasts around the world like Tony Hawk so much? How could have an enduring life story that is full of great achievements?

Now, the dicey question is very simple as well! Just look at the following stunning feats of skateboarding:

• Kickflip McTwist — a 540 body rotation, while flipping the board with foot
• A 900 (two and a half mid-air spins)
• A Ollie 540
• A Kickflip 540 and
• A Varial 720

Could you think of performing all the above mind-blowing skateboarding acts? Yes, you can! Only when you think and act like a Tony Hawk! These are the most routine acts that Tony Hawk performs in almost all major events and tournaments.

Can you become a professional like Tony Hawk?

Becoming a professional like Tony Hawk is not that easy, though not very difficult. It took years of hard work, blood, sweat, tears and dedication for Tony Hawk to become what he is right now. In the beginning, even Tony Hawk was like you – he was a young and extremely enthusiastic boy, who had his own dream of becoming a great skateboarder. A lot of skateboarders dream of becoming professionals by procuring sponsorships. The immense pride, instant attention, the free sets of gears and tools and the publicity – all these can look great and make them feel good.

Now, the question is, are you confident enough to participate in a competition and win it by scoring very high points? Can you really stand out among the competition? Your first goal should be to enhance your visibility among local people, skateboarding companies, shops and representatives, who throng local events and competitions. Sponsored riders can get free gears and other benefits like event attendance support. In some cases, they can also get some cost reimbursements for the expenses incurred. Turning a real Pro make take some time as the space available on the top is quite limited. You first aim should be to get a decent sponsorship which invariably will help you to turn pro later.

If you want to be the next Tony Hawk, then just consider the basic fact that he is a stickler for many simple rules that are so essential for the skateboarding activity.

• Consistent sessions of daily practice for a minimum of three to four hours a day.
• Coordinating different skills to hone the techniques and methods
• Nurturing available talent to the best possible extent
• Developing super athleticism
• Developing superior discipline
• Developing courage and independent spirit

Do you feel that you can develop all these characters? If yes, then you are on the edge of skateboarding stardom!

Developing a professional skateboarding career

A skateboarder reaches the topmost level by devoting his or her time, energy and entire life to the sport. That is what Tony Hawk did all these years to stay at the top. Starting off as a very young boy, the ride was not too smooth for Tony Hawk; occasional obstacles and disappointments did not impede Tony Hawk, rather they made him more determined and focussed. After goofing around with a basic Bahne skate board for some time, Tony Hawk soon became a well recognized skateboarder in the area. By the age of twelve, Dog Town skateboards sponsored Tony Hawk, by fourteen he was a pro and at sixteen years of age, he was established as the greatest skateboarder in the world.

Professionals in almost all sports had a catalytic event at the beginning of their careers. Tony Hawk’s was no different; in fact, his brother was instrumental in promoting his skateboarding talent at an easy age. Tony Hawk has a range of suggestions and advice for those who want to pursue a career in skateboarding. They are simple, yet very effective. In the end, they are very productive as well!

To be a master skateboarder, you may need to follow Tony Hawk’s simple tips:

• Learn the basics now
• Learn to fall and recover
• Learn perseverance and working hard
• Follow your heart and soul
• Take it slow, as it may take years to learn your art

Skateboarding is more of skills than any other thing. However, it is also about passion, dedication, knowledge and a burning obsession to do the best. The best advice comes from Tony Hawk’s heart – “Do what you love doing. Just believe in yourself and do something because you love it so much”

Consider skateboarding as a job and not a hobby – especially when you are planning to become a professional. Treat it as a profession and you will emerge stronger in your quest to become a famous pro.

Behind the birth of an action sports legend are extraordinary and superhuman feats that are unparalleled in history. An extreme action sport is very difficult and challenging; it is an area where only a select few can enter and conquer the world. Snowboarding is one such action sport, where only a few gifted ones are surviving because of its highly competitive nature. Only a person with a rare mix of vision, foresight, stout heart and an ability that can help the person to transform into productive action can succeed and make a legendary tale.
Supernatural talent and an inclination for extreme adventure can make one a great sportsperson in snowboarding. Many snowboarders are already performing stunning feats that are unheard in the annals of human history. Of all the famed snowboarders, Terje Haakonsen and Shaun White provide a great example of how one can reach the status of legend within a short time. Legends in their chosen field, Terje Haakonsen and Shaun White personify some of the best qualities that are necessary to reach the pinnacle of success in action sports. Terje Haakonsen and Shaun White are living legends, who have the ability to inspire and encourage people to repeat their stupendous success.

The Magic of Terje and Shaun!

The extreme action sports arena is where you can make a great name and earn great amounts of money. Snowboarding is just one example of a great sport industry that is helping a number of great athletes to earn millions of dollars every year. Hundreds of people are aspiring to become noted snowboarders. Now, the big question is very simple also – can you really become one? If you ask that question, the answer is very simple as well – Yes! You can become one! You can become a Terje Haakonsen or a Shaun White in snowboarding! What does it take for you to become a great snowboarder? How can you achieve greatness in this exciting sport? Just consider these achievements:

• Going thirty-two feet above a quarterpipe?
• Hitting Heikki 9.3?
• Descending free from a high peak as 7601?

For a great snowboarder like Terje or Shaun, these wonderful events are just commas in their long list of memorable achievements. These are the achievements that help them earn millions of dollars every year as sponsorship income (Shaun White was the top most paid athlete in action sports industry, when he earned $9 million in prizes and sponsorship events!). These are the visible footprints of well-known legends that make people around the world emulate and follow.

Snowboarding as a Great Career

Most of the famous professional snowboarders chose snowboarding as a paying career. The lure and attraction of big time sponsorship and championship fame made them practice hard to attain greatness in snowboarding. Living very near to great snowy mountains and icy back-country regions may help you a lot, to provide that elusive, yet slow start to your snowboarding career. Clear and lucid focus very early in their career was possibly the most potent catalyst that helped great snowboarders take a giant leap towards snowboarding stardom. Just take the example of Shaun White! He was a fantastic young skiier with a champion prospects. It didn’t take long for him to switch to snowboarding – in hindsight, the best thing for his career.
Almost all professional snowboarders were amateurs in their early career. Winning local contests with top honors made them to win more contests from across the world. Getting used to winning all the time also made them to keep and maintain the tempo and momentum of the career. Immense discipline and an upright lifestyle were the two important keys for their professional success. Early training and acquisition of snowboarding skills are the other critical parameters that assisted them to become what they are now.

What does it take to become a great snowboarder?

To become a true champion snowboarder, you will need to spend a long time in practicing the most basic techniques and methods of snowboarding. Spin tricks over the five-meter mark, going thirty-two feet above a quarterpipe, passing through wind lips and gaps are some of the most basic techniques for any professional. For snowboarding professionals the most complex lines in snowboarding are also the most basic things. The bylines are very simple for a great snowboarder like Terje and Shaun – do whatever they want to do on a snowboard and later get back on their feet! They trusted their body, mind, physique and vision. In fact, they listened to their intuition and mind by trusting their body and soul.

Sponsorship can make you a famous snowboarder

Snowboarding is very competitive and challenging! Corporate sponsorship is the main way by which champion snowboarders earn their money. Huge yearly contracts help them earn millions of dollars. For those who show keen interest in taking up snowboarding as a career, getting sponsorship looks very attractive and profitable. However, you may need to wait for some time to gain sponsors. There are as many big sponsors as small ones. Big sponsors are already sponsoring some of the most famous snowboarders, while many small sponsors will be looking to sponsor budding snowboarders.
It is very important and critical for you to get the required support from outside the action sport industry. You could be more professional by seeking meaningful sponsorship. Use the professionalism pooled to gain more experience and later participate in better events. Be responsible when you make your decisions. Whatever the case, it is always good for you to have someone taking the responsibility of finances and events. When you have sponsors on your back, you can easily concentrate on your performance in the field. Seeking sponsorship may also have its pitfalls! After all, signing for a sponsorship means adhering to rules and clauses of the contract; your agent may ask you to grab every available opportunity to make more money. Agents and sponsors are always behind name and money. Sponsors always want something that will bring some money for them. If you are a budding snowboarder, get ready to accept rejection from sponsors. After all, it is part of the game.

Snowboarding as a serious action sport

If you truly want to take snowboarding seriously, you have to believe in yourself and snowboarding in general. The hardest part of snowboarding is to maintain the momentum and get going without interruption. It is more about your mental composure than the sports itself – as Terje would testify! However, note that your supporters, friends, colleagues and sponsors always judge you by your performance and laurels. Hence, improving your practical skills and knowledge about snowboarding could be very vital for your future success. Terje and Shaun have been full of force, vitality and skills which eventually made world famous. You can become just like them, only when you acquire different skills of snowboarding, as they did early in their age and throughout their snowboarding life.
Snowboarding experts take their sports and career very seriously. They also take their lifetime to reach a place that brings them glory and laurels. You too can acquire skills like them and grab hold of big sponsors! In the end, the immortal stories of Terje and Shaun should make you feel confident and bold enough to repeat their success levels. Some people may believe that it is all in their bloodline and genes. However, it can’t be solely attributed to genetics. After all, snowboarding is an extreme sport that relates to courage, vision, boldness, energy, vitality, big money, thrill and excitement. Even you can relate yourself to all these great human attributes! Yes, it is possible when you apply your mind and body!
Finally, do you have what it takes to become a great snowboarder like Terje and others? Here are some positive traits that could make you a great snowboarder:
1. Dedication to the sports
2. Skills accumulated and results procured
3. Professionalism gained
4. Personality and health
5. Notable Profile
6. That elusive ‘Wow Factor’
7. Loyalty to the profession
Do you feel that all these characters came naturally by birth to great snowboarders like Terje and Shaun? They worked hard for years with dedication, concentration and a focused goal to reach the top.
For example, Shaun White was never a man destined to reach the pinnacle of snowboarding success because of his congenial heart defects at his birth. Despite these critical conditions, Shaun White proved himself that he was far from a physical weakling by venturing into such exciting sports as skiing and snowboarding. Great snowboarders often hail from great snow countries! Shaun White lived in an area that was far away from those wonderful snowboarding country. At the tender age of six, Shaun White was extremely adventurous and fearless.
Fortunately for Shaun White, his parents recognized his immense snowboarding talent very early in his career by taking him to the mountains on a regular basis. The results of hard training soon paid for Shaun White and his family. At only seven, Shaun won his first amateur contest that took him to the national level contest as a rookie; incidentally, he placed just outside of the top ten in that wild card contest.
White’s transition from an amateur snowboarder to a professional one was a remarkable story. Soon after the wild card participation at the nationals, Shaun’s mother sent a live video to the famed Burton group who are the big time sponsors for many professional snowboarders. The video impressed the Burton people who eventually offered him a lucrative snowboarding sponsorship. In this way, Shaun White turned pro aged seventeen.
With five major national titles under his belt, Shaun White captured his first major win as a pro by winning the historic Arctic Challenge. Soon, he captured the first Winter X-Games medal at the age of 16! Right now, he is the winner of staggering 16 X-Games medals out of which 10 are gold! The U.S Grand Prix medals and gold medal in Halfpipe were the other notable achievements for the young pro. By the age of seventeen, Shaun White was a true legend and a household name. Now, White is a legendary action sportsperson who endorses several products and services apart from earning millions of dollars in prize money as well as corporate sponsorship deals.
Shaun White improved his existing skills with new ones that are more thoughtful as well as innovative. In spite of many failures in his life, Shaun increased his talent by practising hard by adding or supplementing different techniques and methods. This undying attitude made him what he is today – a young legend who can do anything!

When Terje and Shaun can do it, so can you!

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!