Weckingball never holds back, and his latest comments on professional skateboarders stirred up plenty of conversation.
Known for calling things as he sees them, he recently questioned why so many pro skaters rely on corporate contracts instead of getting regular jobs.
His take?
“You guys think this funny? All pro skaters are either:
1. Broke and faking they’re not
2. Rich kids pretending to be pro skaters
3. Bought and paid for by Raytheon”
It’s blunt, but the guy isn’t exactly wrong. The skate industry has changed a lot over the years, and making a living from it is trickier than ever.
Sponsorships are often the only way for skaters to support themselves, but at what cost?
The Money Struggle in Pro Skateboarding
Back in the day, making it as a pro meant getting a board sponsor, appearing in videos, and winning contests.
If you were good enough, you might get a shoe deal or a signature product. But as brands grew, so did the demand for skaters to represent them in ways that went beyond just skating.
Now, sponsorships involve social media content, marketing campaigns, and partnerships with companies that have little to do with skating. Some skaters navigate this balance well, while others feel forced to accept deals that might not align with their beliefs.
Weckingball’s comment about skaters being “broke and faking they’re not” isn’t far from reality. Plenty of pros barely scrape by, despite looking successful online. They show up to events, promote their sponsors, and give the illusion of financial stability but behind the scenes, many are struggling to pay rent.
On the other end, there’s the “rich kids pretending to be pro skaters” line. Skateboarding has always been a mix of different backgrounds, but there's no denying that some skaters come from money.
That financial security allows them to focus entirely on skating without worrying about bills, something a lot of their peers don’t have the luxury of doing.
Corporate Deals: A Necessary Evil?
The last part of Weckingball’s statement about skaters being “bought and paid for by Raytheon” was clearly a shot at major corporate involvement in skateboarding.
It’s no secret that big companies have entered the scene, bringing money and exposure but also raising concerns about authenticity.
Some skaters see these deals as necessary. If a company offers a solid paycheck in exchange for some promotional work, is it really selling out, or is it just making a smart financial move? Others argue that aligning with brands that have nothing to do with skating waters down the culture.
This debate isn’t new. Skaters have always had mixed feelings about money in the industry. Some are all about independence and keeping things raw, while others take the opportunities that come their way.
Reality Check
So, should pro skaters just “get a job” instead of signing with big brands? It’s not that simple. Finding stable work while maintaining a pro career isn’t easy, and there aren’t many companies willing to support skaters in a way that allows them to keep doing what they love.
Some manage to carve out their own path - starting businesses, working side gigs, or investing in long-term projects. But for most, the choice is either accept the sponsorship money or struggle to make ends meet.
Weckingball’s comments may have been blunt, but they highlight a real issue. The skateboarding industry isn’t as glamorous as it looks, and for many, the dream of making a living from it comes with difficult choices.