How To Get Sponsored

 

Chapter 2:

How to Land Your First Real Sponsor

Getting a discount is one thing. Getting a real sponsor—someone who sends you gear, pays your entry fees, maybe even cuts you a check—is another level.

You don’t need to be famous to get your first sponsor. But you do need to be valuable.

1. Understand What Brands Want

Sponsorship is a business deal, not charity. Brands want exposure, influence, and loyalty. They don’t necessarily care if you’re ranked number 1—they care if people listen to you.

They look for:

• A strong social media presence (even 500 real, engaged followers matters).

• Regular event participation or competition results.

• Great photos or videos featuring their gear.

• A story that connects with their brand image (adaptive athlete? youth leader? backcountry specialist? Industry Certifications? Life Story?).

2. Build a Simple Sponsorship Pitch

Your first pitch doesn’t need to be fancy. It needs to be clear.

What to include:

• Who you are and what you do.

• Why you like their brand.

• How you plan to represent them.

• What you’re asking for (gear, discount, entry fees).

• What you can deliver (social posts, event presence, logo placement).

3. Sample Pitch (Basic Email)

Subject: Partnership Opportunity – [Your Name]

Hi [Brand Rep’s Name],

My name is Keith Deutsch and I’m an adaptive snowboarder with 28 years of certification in the industry. I’ve competed internationally, helped develop adaptive riding techniques, and regularly post content showcasing my gear and travels.

I’ve been a huge fan of [Brand] for years, and I’d love the opportunity to represent you this season. I’m currently planning to race in [events], post biweekly content, and am building a local training park that will be heavily featured online.

Would you consider a gear or discount sponsorship for this season? I’d be proud to rep your brand.

Thanks for your time,
Keith

 

4. Be Ready to Deliver

Don’t ask for anything unless you’re ready to give something back.

Your job after landing a sponsor:

• Tag them in every post.

• Email quarterly updates (photos, events, results).

• Say thank you publicly.

• Be honest if you’re injured, out of season, or can’t deliver.

 

5. Personal Story: The First Real One

The first time I got a real sponsor, I didn’t send a pitch—I had a conversation. It was Go Fast Energy. I was traveling, hungry, and clearly living the dream on fumes. The guy saw something in me: hunger, commitment, grit. He handed me a few cases and said, “Keep in touch.” I did. And by the next year, they were flying me to events.

That one conversation turned into a relationship because I followed through. I repped their brand like it was my job. Because it was.