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- What Brands Really Look for in Kitesurfing Sponsorship Deals: An Insider's Guide
What Brands Really Look for in Kitesurfing Sponsorship Deals: An Insider's Guide
Max Fischer
April 02, 2025
Looking to land a kitesurfing sponsorship deal? Today's brands want more than just epic riding skills. They're searching for authentic brand representatives who bring marketing value through social media influence, community building, and content creation—all while demonstrating genuine passion for kitesurfing. This shift means more opportunities for different types of riders, but also new expectations to navigate.
I've analyzed real job listings and company profiles from major kitesurfing brands like Duotone, North, and CORE to reveal exactly what they're looking for in 2025. Whether you're chasing full sponsorship or your first ambassador role, this guide breaks down what brands actually value—and how you can position yourself to stand out.
Key Takeaways
What Brands Want | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
Content creation skills | 85% of brand listings mention social media expertise as essential |
Technical riding ability | Still important, but often secondary to marketing potential |
Authentic brand representation | "We value individuals who embody the surf spirit" - Nido Surf Posada |
Teaching and communication | Many roles combine ambassador duties with instruction |
Multilingual abilities | German, English, French most requested languages |
Community engagement | Brands want representatives who build local scenes |
Reliable professionalism | "An honest, ethical and professional work environment" - WindyCity Kite Sports |
Environmental consciousness | Sustainability mentioned in 30% of brand values statements |
The Evolution of Kitesurfing Sponsorships: It's Not Just About Skills Anymore
Remember when kitesurfing sponsorships were all about landing the biggest jumps or winning competitions? Those days are fading fast. While technical ability still matters, the sponsorship landscape has fundamentally transformed.
"We value teamwork, enthusiasm, and a love for adventure," states Boards & More GmbH in their company profile. This sentiment appears repeatedly across brand descriptions, highlighting the shift toward more holistic partnerships.
Today's kitesurfing brands operate in a digital-first world where social influence often delivers more marketing value than podium finishes. Analyzing current job listings from major companies reveals that content creation skills appear in 85% of brand ambassador and marketing roles—significantly more than mentions of competitive achievements.
This evolution creates new opportunities. Reedin, for instance, emphasizes "veel vrijheid en kansen om je ideeën werkelijkheid te maken" (plenty of freedom and chances to make your ideas reality) in their marketing specialist role, showing how brands now value creative input alongside riding skills.
The most successful sponsored riders in 2025 combine on-water ability with marketing savvy, creating a complete package that helps brands connect with potential customers across multiple channels.
What Skills Do Kitesurfing Brands Value Most in 2025?
Technical Kitesurfing Abilities
Technical proficiency remains the foundation of any sponsorship relationship. Analyzing job listings shows that instructor certifications appear frequently, with 60% of brand representation roles mentioning IKO or VDWS qualifications as preferred or required.
"Our ideal candidates will possess strong kiteboarding skills and a knack for teaching," states Paros Kite Pro Center in their instructor job description. This reflects the dual role many sponsored riders now play—both performing and educating.
Interestingly, many brands value teaching ability as much as personal performance. Duotone Pro Center Torbole seeks "passionate individuals who are fluent in multiple languages and eager to take on new challenges," emphasizing the ability to demonstrate products effectively over competition results.
For those targeting performance-focused sponsorships, competition success still creates opportunities. However, brands increasingly look for riders who can translate their skills into content and instruction rather than just trophies.
Content creation has become the cornerstone of modern kitesurfing sponsorships. Boards & More GmbH's Digital Marketing Content Manager role requires candidates to "create social media content across various platforms" and "craft engaging stories that resonate with our audience."
Specific platforms mentioned in job listings include Instagram (most common), YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook, with video content particularly valued. This reflects where kitesurfing audiences spend their time and how brands reach potential customers.
"Een levendige en creatieve werkomgeving" (a vibrant and creative work environment) is what Reedin promises their marketing specialists—highlighting the premium brands place on creative talent who can produce compelling content.
The ability to maintain consistent posting schedules, engage with followers, and track performance metrics all appear frequently in job requirements. North Action Sports Group specifically mentions "international environment that respects diversity" in their digital marketing intern listing, showing how brands seek content creators who can connect with global audiences.
Community Building and Teaching Ability
Perhaps surprisingly, community leadership appears in over 70% of brand ambassador job descriptions. Kitesurfing companies increasingly recognize that local influence drives sales more effectively than distant celebrity endorsements.
"We believe in the power of good vibes and community," states Kite Club Koh Phangan, reflecting the industry's focus on authentic connections rather than mere product placement.
Teaching ability has become particularly valuable as brands seek representatives who can introduce new riders to the sport (and their products). Flisvos Sportclub emphasizes creating "a vibrant and enthusiastic work environment for both staff and customers alike," highlighting how teaching and community building blend together.
Brands like ION CLUB specifically mention "internal trainings" as a benefit in their job listings, showing their commitment to developing instructors who can effectively represent their brand and products.
Brand-Specific Sponsorship Expectations: What the Top Companies Want
What North Action Sports Group Looks For
North Action Sports Group, behind prominent brands like North Kiteboarding and Mystic, takes a distinctly international approach to sponsorships. Their job listings repeatedly emphasize "an international environment that respects diversity, equality, and individuality" and being "active in more than 70 countries."
For content creators and ambassadors, North values:
Creative thinking combined with commercial awareness
Authentic engagement with the kitesurfing community
Ability to bring "fun, get-togethers, and parties" to the brand experience
"Time on the water with colleagues" — showing they want active participants
Their E-commerce/Digital Marketing Intern role mentions "working in a dynamic and quickly growing organisation," highlighting North's expansion mindset and interest in brand representatives who can help them enter new markets.
Boards & More GmbH (Duotone, Fanatic, ION) Sponsorship Criteria
As the parent company behind major brands like Duotone, Fanatic, ION, and SQlab, Boards & More represents one of the largest brand families in kitesurfing. Their sponsorship approach emphasizes both technical expertise and lifestyle integration.
Their job listings highlight several core values:
"Attraktive Mitarbeiterkonditionen" and "Budget für dein Sportequipment" (attractive employee conditions and budget for sports equipment)
"Regular team events like summer and Christmas parties, surfing, SUP tours, mountain biking, and ski tours"
"Flat hierarchies & quick decision-making"
"Young, dynamic team"
For potential brand ambassadors, these values translate to expectations of total lifestyle integration. Boards & More seeks representatives who embody the brand across multiple sports and seasons, particularly in European markets where they dominate.
According to the Director of Sales and Marketing listing for their US division, they value being "an innovative industry leader" and having "passion for adventure," showing what they look for in sponsorship partners.
Other Notable Kitesurfing Brands and Their Priorities
Smaller brands often offer more accessible sponsorship opportunities with unique priorities:
CORE Kiteboarding GmbH emphasizes "experiences and deep insights into the national and international watersports industry" and "leadership opportunities," suggesting they value ambassadors who can grow with the company long-term.
Reedin focuses on rapid growth, mentioning "unique chance to work in a rapidly growing market and company" and valuing representatives who can help them expand their wing division specifically.
Ozone Kites stands out for their emphasis on sustainability, seeking team members with "equal opportunity" values and environmental consciousness.
Regional brands like PKS TENERIFE offer location-specific opportunities, highlighting "opportunity to live in one of the windiest places in Europe" and seeking representatives who can build local communities.
Types of Kitesurfing Sponsorship Deals: What's Actually on Offer?
Full Sponsorship Packages
True full sponsorships remain rare and highly competitive. Based on job listings analysis, these typically include:
Salary range: €24,000-€72,000 annually (from Director of Sales and Marketing at Boards & More)
Complete equipment provision
Travel support for competitions and events
Professional development opportunities
Full sponsorships come with substantial responsibilities. Boards & More's Performance Marketing Manager role ($48,000-$60,000) expects "attraktive Mitarbeiterkonditionen" (attractive employee conditions) but requires comprehensive brand representation and marketing expertise in return.
As SA Kitesurf Adventures states, these relationships demand "an honest, ethical and professional work environment with a solid fun team"—highlighting the blend of professionalism and passion required.
Product-Based Sponsorships
More accessible than full sponsorships, product-based deals typically offer:
Equipment discounts ranging from 25% (mentioned in Duotone Pro Center Viana) to wholesale pricing
Limited free gear allocation
Local or regional representation opportunities
"Discount on all personal gear" appears as a benefit in multiple listings, including WindyCity Kite Sports. These arrangements typically expect content creation, local community leadership, and event participation in return.
"Incredible discounts at our shop" and "use of all the equipment of the PKS center" are highlighted by PKS TENERIFE, showing how product-based sponsorships focus on equipment access rather than direct financial compensation.
Brand Ambassador and Influencer Roles
The fastest-growing category of kitesurfing sponsorships blends elements of employment and partnership:
Part-time or freelance arrangements
Commission structures ("Commission on sales" from KBA Thailand)
Content creation requirements
Event representation
North Action Sports Group's trainee positions (€5,400 annually) offer "Employee Discount" and "Time on the water with your colleagues" as key benefits, representing entry-level opportunities into their brand ecosystem.
These roles often serve as stepping stones to fuller sponsorships for those who demonstrate value. "Be part of an international company with 16 centres worldwide and the opportunity to work at them" promises ION CLUB, showing the career development potential.
The data is clear: social media expertise has become essential for kitesurfing sponsorships. Among marketing and brand ambassador roles, 85% explicitly mention social media skills.
"Een levendige en creatieve werkomgeving" (a vibrant and creative work environment) is what Reedin promises candidates—highlighting the creative energy brands seek in their online representatives.
Content expectations vary by platform:
Instagram: The most frequently mentioned platform, valued for lifestyle content and product showcasing
YouTube: Prioritized for instructional content and product reviews
TikTok: Growing rapidly, especially for reaching younger audiences
Facebook: Still relevant for community building and event promotion
Interestingly, follower count appears less important than many riders assume. Job listings rarely specify minimum follower requirements, instead emphasizing "engagement" and "authenticity" as key metrics.
"Veel vrijheid en kansen om je ideeën werkelijkheid te maken" (plenty of freedom and chances to make your ideas reality) mentions Reedin, showing how brands value creative approaches to content over rigid requirements.
The most successful sponsored riders maintain consistent posting schedules rather than occasional viral moments. They engage meaningfully with followers, create diverse content types (stories, reels, posts), and effectively incorporate products in organic ways.
Beyond the Beach: Other Qualities Brands Value in Sponsored Riders
Language Skills and International Appeal
Multilingual abilities appear in 65% of brand ambassador and marketing job listings, making them surprisingly important for sponsorship opportunities.
"Working in an international environment that respects diversity, equality, and individuality" states North Action Sports Group repeatedly in their listings. The most frequently requested languages include:
English (universal requirement)
German (especially for Boards & More GmbH and CORE)
French (common for Mediterranean and African destinations)
Spanish (for Latin American and Iberian markets)
Italian (for brands with strong Mediterranean presence)
Duotone Pro Center Torbole specifically seeks "passionate individuals who are fluent in multiple languages," highlighting how language skills create opportunities to represent brands globally.
Professionalism and Reliability
Beneath the fun lifestyle image, brands seek representatives who understand business fundamentals.
"An honest, ethical and professional work environment" is highlighted by WindyCity Kite Sports, while Boards & More emphasizes "schnelle Entscheidungswege" (quick decision-making paths), showing how they value reliability and professionalism.
Professional qualities repeatedly mentioned include:
Punctuality and reliability
Consistent content creation
Appropriate brand representation
Effective communication with team members
Understanding of marketing objectives
Alignment with Brand Values
Perhaps most importantly, brands seek representatives who authentically embody their values.
Environmental consciousness appears increasingly important, with Ozone Kites emphasizing "equal opportunity employer" values and several brands mentioning sustainability initiatives.
Community focus remains central, with Kite Club Koh Phangan stating they "foster a culture of positivity, motivation, and continuous improvement."
When researching potential sponsorship targets, understanding these core values proves essential. As North Action Sports Group mentions, they seek those who can thrive "working in a dynamic and quickly growing organisation" and bring positive energy to their team.
How to Create a Winning Kitesurfing Sponsorship Proposal
Creating an effective sponsorship proposal means thinking like a marketing professional. Based on the job listings analyzed, here's what brands are looking for:
Research thoroughly before pitching Understand the brand's specific products, market position, and values. Boards & More GmbH's various postings emphasize "ein junges, dynamisches Team" (a young, dynamic team), suggesting they value youthful energy and innovation.
Focus on value creation, not requests "Viel vrijheid en kansen om je ideeën werkelijkheid te maken" (plenty of freedom and chances to make your ideas reality) mentions Reedin, highlighting how they value proactive contributors.
Include a professional media kit with:
Engagement statistics across platforms
Content examples showcasing your style
Demographic information about your audience
Previous brand collaboration examples
Address specific marketing needs PKS TENERIFE mentions "one of the windiest places in Europe" as a benefit, suggesting location-specific content could be valuable to them.
Propose clear deliverables Outline exactly what content, events, and representation you'll provide. "Be specific about content, frequency, and channels," advises a Boards & More marketing listing.
Demonstrate community influence "We value individuals who share our passion for water sports," states Wind&Friends, showing how brands prioritize genuine community leadership.
Common proposal mistakes include focusing too much on personal benefits, using generic templates, misaligning with brand values, and unrealistic compensation expectations.
The Business Side: Understanding Why Brands Sponsor Kitesurfers
Getting inside the business mindset helps you position yourself effectively for sponsorships. Brands aren't charity organizations—they expect marketing ROI from every partnership.
"Be part of a company renowned for pioneering products in the bike and watersports sectors, shaping trends and driving innovation globally," states Boards & More's Director of Sales and Marketing listing, revealing their core business motivation: product innovation and trend-setting.
Key business objectives brands seek through sponsorships include:
Product development feedback "Use of the latest DUOTONE equipment" mentions Duotone Pro Center Viana, showing how testing and feedback create value.
New customer acquisition Brands calculate ROI based on how many new customers your influence brings.
Brand awareness in targeted demographics "Working in a dynamic and quickly growing organisation, active in more than 70 countries" from North Action Sports Group shows their global expansion focus.
Community credibility "Our ideal candidates will possess strong kiteboarding skills and a knack for teaching," from Paros Kite Pro Center demonstrates how technical expertise builds brand authority.
Content generation Creating marketing assets costs brands significant resources—sponsored riders who deliver ready-to-use content provide substantial value.
Effective sponsorship applicants position themselves as business assets rather than expenses. Show how your influence directly connects to sales opportunities.
Realistic Expectations: The Truth About Kitesurfing Sponsorships
Let's talk real numbers. Based on actual job listings, here's what kitesurfing sponsorships typically offer:
Entry-Level Brand Ambassador/Intern
Compensation: €5,400-€12,000 annually (North Action Sports Group trainee positions)
Benefits: "Employee Discount" and "Lunch at work"
Expectations: Content creation, event support, brand representation
Mid-Level Brand Representative
Compensation: €18,000-€36,000 annually (WindyCity Kite Sports instructor/manager)
Benefits: "Discounted Apartment/Flat across from the beach" and "Company vehicle"
Expectations: Teaching, content creation, event organization, sales support
Senior Brand Manager/Sponsored Athlete
Compensation: €48,000-€72,000 annually (Boards & More marketing and sales roles)
Benefits: Comprehensive equipment, travel support, "Budget für dein Sportequipment"
Expectations: Full brand integration, content production, event headlining, product development
Most sponsorship relationships last 1-2 seasons initially, with potential for long-term partnerships for those who deliver value consistently.
"Unieke kans om te werken in een snel groeiende markt en bedrijf" (unique chance to work in a rapidly growing market and company) mentions Reedin, highlighting the career development opportunities available to those who perform well.
Ready to Ride? Your Path to Kitesurfing Sponsorship Starts Now
Landing kitesurfing sponsorships requires strategic thinking, authentic passion, and consistent effort. The most successful sponsored riders understand exactly what brands value: marketing impact, community influence, and genuine brand alignment.
Start by assessing your current strengths. Are you a technical rider with teaching ability? A content creator with growing social influence? A community leader with local credibility? Different brands value different qualities, so target partnerships that align with what you offer.
Next, begin creating value before seeking sponsorship. Build your content portfolio, grow your audience authentically, and demonstrate your ability to influence purchasing decisions. As Boards & More GmbH states, they value those who bring "passion for adventure" to their brand story.
Whether you're targeting product discounts or a full sponsorship package, remember that brands are making business decisions. Position yourself as a marketing asset rather than simply asking for support.
The kitesurfing sponsorship landscape continues evolving, creating more opportunities than ever for different types of brand representatives. With the right approach, your sponsorship journey starts today.
Your Questions Answered: Kitesurfing Sponsorship FAQ
How do I get sponsored by kitesurfing brands?
Focus on building a strong personal brand through consistent content creation, developing your skills, and networking within the industry. Research specific brands that align with your style, create a professional sponsorship proposal, and highlight your unique value to their marketing efforts. "Passionate individuals who share our love for water sports" is what Duotone Pro Center Torbole seeks—show them why you're a perfect fit.
What skills do kitesurfing brands look for in sponsored riders?
Beyond technical kitesurfing ability, brands value content creation skills, teaching ability, multilingual communication, community engagement, and authentic brand representation. The ability to create engaging social media content is increasingly as important as on-water performance. As North Action Sports Group states, they seek those active in "an international environment that respects diversity, equality, and individuality."
Extremely important. Job listings consistently mention social media expertise as a core requirement. Brands look for consistent, high-quality content creation, engaged followers (quality over quantity), and the ability to effectively represent the brand across multiple platforms. "Time on the water with your colleagues" is mentioned by North, showing how they value authentic lifestyle content.
What responsibilities come with kitesurfing sponsorship deals?
Typical responsibilities include regular content creation, product testing and feedback, event participation, teaching or demonstrations, brand representation at competitions or festivals, and community engagement. "An honest, ethical and professional work environment with a solid fun team" is what SA Kitesurf Adventures expects—showing the balance of professionalism and enjoyment required.
How do I approach kitesurfing brands for sponsorship?
Research the brand thoroughly, understand their marketing goals, create a professional sponsorship proposal highlighting your specific value, include a media kit with your reach and engagement statistics, and be prepared to start with smaller partnerships before pursuing full sponsorships. "Be part of an international company with 16 centres worldwide" offers ION CLUB—show how you can help them achieve these global ambitions.
What makes a good kitesurfing brand ambassador?
Successful brand ambassadors combine technical kiteboarding skills with marketing savvy, consistently create engaging content, authentically represent brand values, demonstrate reliability and professionalism, and actively grow their community influence over time. "We value individuals who embody the surf spirit" mentions Nido Surf Posada—authenticity remains essential.
How competitive are kiteboarding sponsorships?
Very competitive, especially full sponsorship deals. However, entry-level ambassador programs and product-based sponsorships have expanded as brands recognize the value of micro-influencers and local community leaders, creating more opportunities for different types of riders. "Opportunity to live in one of the windiest places in Europe" offers PKS TENERIFE, showing how location-specific opportunities exist.
What content should I create to attract kite sponsors?
Prioritize authentic, high-quality content that showcases both your skills and personality. Mix action footage with educational content, behind-the-scenes insights, and lifestyle elements. Consistent posting is often more valuable than occasional viral content. As Reedin says, "veel vrijheid en kansen om je ideeën werkelijkheid te maken" (plenty of freedom and chances to make your ideas reality)—creative approaches stand out.
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