What exactly is a professional kitesurfer?

[dandamangs]

Sorry if these are lame questions, but I realized I don't know the answer.

What exactly is a professional kitesurfer?
How does this differ from being sponsored?
Is there any information out there on the general steps/requirements on becoming a professional?

Thanks,
Dan

[kitecozumel]

a) Hadlow and Lenten...
b) you pay/buy kites or kite gear is given to you.
c) you're a awesome rider/sponsored and have a lot of followers on Twitter.

sorry, not me, I kite on the weekends, ha ha ha

[sarcasm]

That's an interesting question/point.

I have seen several websites/tv shows where people claim to be professional kiteboarders. It almost becomes laughable at a certain point. I suppose by the strictest definition of the word, a professional kitesurfer is one who has received some compensation for kiting, however minimal. However, to me, a professional kiteboarder would be one who receives enough money annually from kiting to survive (or do well).

Interested to see what others think.

The same topic comes up with poker. What makes a professional poker player? Do you have to be seen on TV? Or can you just grind out your 300 bucks a day in relative obscurity?
Again, making enough to survive is my criterion on this one as well.

[POACHER]

Not really sure, but I wish I was one whatever the definition cuz my job F'in SUUUUUUCKS.

[E^Ri]

This is a tricky one. The way I see it if you are making any money at all you are a professional, even if it is not a full time salary. On the tax forms and contracts the rider is defined as a professional kiteboarder. At this point a rider is usually either on a national or international team for a company and is being used it said companies marketing campaign or gear development.

Another way to look at it is simply what level a rider competes at. If an event has an amateur and pro division then those competing in the pro category are pros.

I consider a professional and a pro to be two separate things even though one person is usually both. Professional riders don't necessarily have to compete as pros but it is usually a prerequisite to be chosen to test gear or be on company teams. And someone who in not making any money can still compete in the pro division.

Sponsored just means that they receive some sort of support from the company, be it gear or help with travel costs and event registrations.

[shawntkeating]

In general, professionals get paid and sponsored riders don't.

As kiteboarding is not as defined as a sport, this may not really be the standard.

[MikeBirt]

competing and making a living through competing and promoting; prize money and sponsorship..

not having to supplement your income through other means..

...from my history in the w/s industry that's the bottom line..

obviously some have better incomes than others!

[chemosavi]

A pro kiter is a person who ties his shoelaces and pulls his pants up to his waist. ( i dunno bout that! ) A pro kiter is a person who turns on the loo fan after he's taken a big dump. A pro kiter is a person who votes with his heart and not his wallet. A pro kiter is a person who gives kind, attitude-less advice to beginning kiters. A pro kiter is a person who will land ANYONE'S kite, no matter how bad they suck. A pro kiter is just another ashhole, like you or me, with different strengths. A pro kiter is most likely banking on a bright future as long-lived as the slug crawling across your dog dish. Be kind to him (or her). They need the support.

[TopHat]

Many years ago a pro kitesurfer was a person who was paid to test, assist development & design of products , & Competed in Professional Competition representing their products, brands, or labels.

In this day, in many cases, It is a term or label used by Major Water Sports Companies to identify a future loss, expense, or write-off pertaining to a certain individual with a special ability to promote themselves through major media and say, "Yes Boss great product & take the cash" regardless of their actual riding skills.

It's a funny sport we are in. It's young and trying to grow.

Any Venture Capitalist's out there looking for a write-off, I know some out of work Pro Kiters

Aloha, Ride Safe, Have Fun…

[aircatcher]

Forget it,everyone has different styles and styles have no limit.I guess if you admired someone (or yourself) skills so much, you would call that person (or yourself ) a pro.