YouTube skater Alex White is calling out the skateboarding industry on how free products are handed out and what that is doing to the community.
White, who uses she/her/they pronouns, has been speaking to her followers about the need for change, especially when it comes to how brands, shops, and professional skateboarders give away boards.
According to White, the skateboarding world gives away far too much.
Once skaters turn sixteen, many start receiving free boards and other skateboard parts. This can make young skaters feel like buying their own equipment is unnecessary, and they often end up purchasing shop boards instead of professional boards with a discount.
She/her/they points out that this creates a habit where, by the time skaters are in their twenties or thirties, they expect free gear.
She says this expectation can come from knowing people in the industry or from getting a shop board occasionally, and it becomes normal to rely on handouts rather than supporting the industry.
"We just don't have any expectations to buy product. You move into your twenties and thirties and beyond, and you're just thinking that you are going to get free stuff because all your friends work in the industry or you know, get a shop board or they'll give you a shop board once in a while," Alex explained.
She suggests that the industry needs to rethink how sponsorships and promotional events work. Instead of constantly giving away free products, brands, skate shops and pros should pull back and create more meaningful ways for skaters to access boards and parts. "Maybe we don't give away so many skateboards," she said.
Alex also shared some ideas for how the industry could improve and get more people involved. First, she thinks the scene should focus on getting more kids skating.
That means making boards and equipment accessible in ways that encourage young skaters to start, without immediately relying on free stuff.
Second, she suggests unifying shops or creating a platform like skateshop.org to strengthen the community and make skateboarding more organized and supportive.
Third, is the one she had to point out earlier to stop giving away free boards as a standard practice. This will help skaters understand the value of supporting their local shops and the brands that make the boards.
Finally, she/her/they thinks brands should start using tools like Patreon or other subscription models to support the industry. This would allow skaters to invest in the community while still getting access to gear and experiences in a fair way.
This is all about creating a healthier skateboarding culture where people value the gear and the community around it. She/her/they hopes that by changing how boards are given out, more skaters will feel invested in the industry and help it grow for the long term.