When i was younger 16-25ish i was a sponsored skateboarder and would travel NZ most summers doing skate demos/comps. i had a deck, clothing and shop sponsor that provided everything and had 2x pro model skateboards that had my name on them, i got paid $7 per deck sold and i received a couple of checks. i wasnt really a pro but i could and still can hold my own and im 40 now. its just one of those things where people talk about it alot but i can still skate and show whoever how its done. just let the actions speak for itself. skateboarding is an art and a form of expression and freedom. i will skate with my grandkids and will never stop.