Shoes and decks are consumables - getting a sponsorship, even if it's the occasional freebie from a local shop is a huge enabler for cash-poor skaters. The bene

Shoes and decks are consumables - getting a sponsorship, even if it's the occasional freebie from a local shop is a huge enabler for cash-poor skaters. The benefits are there for the brands too - don't underestimate the community aspect of nich sorta like skateboarding. skaters are essentially brand advocates/ambassadors irrespective of whether they were given the kit for free! Besides, if you snap a board or pop some bearings early in a session being able to wander over to a local store and pick a replacement is a big deal. Back in the day I'd happily have paid the bricks & mortar premium if it meant rescuing a day skating from an early trip home!