International Go Skateboarding/Surfing Day Resource Center

ADMIN

• June 19 2009
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Our editors did their homework so you wouldn’t have to, finding out the best ways to prepare for Go Skateboarding Day and Go Surfing Day. Here’s a some quick hits that summarize what they came up with:

1. Whether you’re a retailer, manufacturer, or just an avid fan, it’s in your best interests to plan something for the big day. If you’re a retailer, and you have an event at your shop, shredders will come out of the woodwork to help you celebrate, and chances are, buy a little or a lot. Mike Monteith from Mike’s Surf and Skate in Hamilton, Virginia, says his shop’s sales, and the sales of other shops in the area increased by about 30 percent on Go Skateboarding Day 2006. “The mayor came out to declare the day an official holiday and we skated across town with a police escort,” he recalls.

2. If you’re a manufacturer, it’s probably the most grass roots way to get your brand some exposure. Show up at a park and raffle off product, stoking kids out and creating fans—and customers—for life.

3. There are tons of parks, the industry has millions more floating around, and the bar of progression has been raised, grinded, and raised again. But on the flip side, skateboarding is involved in every extreme snack product, reality show, and pimple-cream commercial. Times have changed.But it’s important to band together and roll around on June 21, to continue to show the world we are a legitimate group, and to continue to grow the ranks by introducing more people to skateboarding, which helps the industry to thrive.

4. Regardless of what kind of event you’re hosting, getting exposure is key to its success. On a local level, getting the KBBL News Van on the scene guarantees you a spot on the 6:00 news, which is great for the exposure of the sport, and even better if the point person has a destination to plug. If you’re the guy in charge, make yourself available for interviews, and for god’s sake, wear your shop tee shirt. As Brendan Behan once said: “There’s no such thing as bad publicity—except your own obituary.”

5. Whether you take a bunch of shredders to the pier, or have a video marathon in your shop, make sure you enjoy the day. And shoot lots of photos, which can later be posted to your Web site, Facebook page - and don’t forget about Twitter! Get the word out about what went down at your event as a way to recruit more people to join in the festivities next year.