Applying for sponsorships

Good evening TW family,
My name is Ryan. I am a professional surfer and currently working my way through graduate school studying Biological Oceanography. I got my 2019 DCLB OR about six months ago. I spent about 3 of those months building the back out to be the ultimate OCD Surfing rig, equipped with a hot shower, (soon to be powered) fridge, Kitchen, bed, desk, and above all else, a perfectly situated Surfboard rack that holds 6-7 boards easily. As a result, I have added a few hundred lbs to the back and have begun to sag. I wanted this truck to be the ultimate surf rig and also get me to and from rural areas where I may be conducting fieldwork. Long story not so short, I am pretty broke (like most grad students) but need to get new suspension. I have a pretty good idea of what I need but can't reasonably afford it. Does anyone know anything about applying for some sort of help from companies where they assist in building out the truck, and I agree to do something in return? I've already featured the truck in a RinseKit ad and think there is a large market for surfers building out tacos that have no idea because every build is based around Overlanding and not the things you can do to keep it a DD.

If you read this, I appreciate it

 

Updated Photos in my media!

 

Are you a 'gram or an influencer? If not, good luck. Try not to spend what you don't have.

 

you know, I have IG and have to use it for surf related contracts, but am I an influen

 

put it on the plastic

 

I’ve got about 37k followers and nada. So I’m sorry man, but it’s hard to get any companies to help you out nowadays.

 

Why not get a job and you can get anything you want?

 

I've got 14 followers. Sad face.

 

Uh. Welcome to TW.




Stay in school.

 

Ive got 2...my dogs.

Good luck to you OP. Sounds interesting, but probably pretty tough.

 

Oh this is gonna be good

 

As someone in who's been in the automotive aftermarket for 20 years....I usually hang up when people like you call. I've had my own business for the last 2 years...and "influencer" is a term that makes me cringe. While some businesses seem to enjoy giving free shit to people who don't know what they're talking about and think "unboxing" videos are a cool way to make a living, I think it's bullshit.

The first thing you DIDN'T learn in college is that you'll probably have to work to make money, which is what you need to buy the stuff you want. How does a broke grad student afford a $40K truck?

In my day, broke grad students shared a 20yo corolla with their room mates

 

Sponsoring trucks doesn't really make sense outside of racing.

If people want to sell skid plates, you give away a few sets and ask them to write reviews on pages like this. That way it's semi credible.

Influencers sell make up and clothing, not truck parts. My 2c.

 

In for the Friday laughs.

But seriously op..... Get a job like everyone else. A better buy would have been a used 2nd gen.

But

Since you're here, an aal is a pretty inexpensive mod for your overloaded rear.

 

Lol

 

Start a side business? Offer surfing lessons, pool cleaning, yard maintenance or car detailing? When you get a big enough customer base hire an employee or two and collect the revenue while you're in school or working another job. You have to be creative these days to get ahead.

 

Professional surfers get paid correct? Win some money! How much is this suspension

 

Where did he say he doesnt have a job?
Isnt professional surfer his profession?