Keri Herman turning to crowd funding to prop up her career.

[~~~~~~~~]

"Keri Herman is one of the best female freestyle skiers in the world. She is ranked No. 1 in slopestyle and fifth over all in the Association of Freeskiing Professionals. At 32, she believes that she is still in the prime of her career.

Despite her strong results, she has found it difficult to retain her corporate sponsors, which she says are more interested in courting “cute little 15-year-olds” than in funding the top-ranked skiers. Faced with not knowing how she would pay her rent, let alone compete around the world, she started a crowdfunding campaign to try to keep her skiing career alive."

New York Times article
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/24/s...sors-us-skiers-lead-a-crowdfunding-trend.html

Keri Hermans campaign page
https://ussa.rallyme.com/rallies/1006

What are your thoughts on this NS? Personally I don't have much sympathy for Keri. Ski careers are normally short lived and she's had a long one. It's my opinion that she should of found a real job by now, as many pros do, often in the ski industry, toward the end of their careers.

So NS, are you going to support Keri Herman this competition season? Or should she move on like her sponsors have?

 

[a_burger]

"the cute little 15 year olds" comment is stupid. yeah why should they sponsor kids who are pushing the future of womens skiing fuck that

 

[S.J.W]

Why should Keri "get a real job". If she feels as if she can continue to perform to the best of her ability and win medals then good on her. Both Margets and McRae crowd funded to try to get to Sochi. I don't have her a problem with her doing it.

 

[Lafam]

She Skis everyday and cares about it, doesn't spend more time in the gym than actually skiing (like a lot of female skiers), and is a bad ass bitch.

She gets fucked by all of her sponsors because she is older than all these "cute little 15 year olds", who can't ski half as well. By that I mean actually SKI. She has no paying sponsors, and just won dew tour beating all these gals. This spells out a fair example of how sponsors of women skiing are just looking for that young girl to publicize through their looks to sell products.

So you saying she should get a real job is counterproductive to producing a future of better women skiers that can actually shred.

Why so harsh on it man?

 

[a_burger]

She Skis everyday and cares about it, doesn't spend more time in the gym than actually skiing (like a lot of female skiers), and is a bad ass bitch.

She gets fucked by all of her sponsors because she is older than all these "cute little 15 year olds", who can't ski half as well. By that I mean actually SKI. She has no paying sponsors, and just won dew tour beating all these gals. This spells out a fair example of how sponsors of women skiing are just looking for that young girl to publicize through their looks to sell products.

So you saying she should get a real job is counterproductive to producing a future of better women skiers that can actually shred.

Why so harsh on it man?

yeah maybe my comment was poorly thought out, last time I watched a womens comp was a couple seasons ago, I jumped to conclusions and immediately assumed she was one of those girls just doing pencil spins.

her style is actually pretty good. I still think its a pretty loaded comment but I guess if I was getting dumped by sponsors while still doing good I would be pretty pissed too.

 

[theabortionator]

She Skis everyday and cares about it, doesn't spend more time in the gym than actually skiing (like a lot of female skiers), and is a bad ass bitch.

She gets fucked by all of her sponsors because she is older than all these "cute little 15 year olds", who can't ski half as well. By that I mean actually SKI. She has no paying sponsors, and just won dew tour beating all these gals. This spells out a fair example of how sponsors of women skiing are just looking for that young girl to publicize through their looks to sell products.

So you saying she should get a real job is counterproductive to producing a future of better women skiers that can actually shred.

Why so harsh on it man?

If that's what went down that's pretty shitty. There's definitely something to getting the next big thing sponsored but if she's still winning comps it kind of blows that she's getting passed over.

I'd rather see her get funded than that stupid entitled bitch get her 50k cello that somebody posted on here, or all kinds of other stuff on those sites.

If you're still winning and loving skiing everyday why stop? Stop when you're ready or when you're dead, don't stop because your sponsors threw you under the bus.

YOLO and stuff

 

[Queen_Selassie]

It's kids like you that have no idea what skiing is about. Keri is the definition of an inspiration, I see her skiing everyday and trying new tricks to progress her skiing. At her age still doing what she loves and trying to be the best? More power to her. She is one of the nicest people ever too on top of being an amazing skier. Do some research before making stupid threads.

 

[CrotchKiller]

Hey, get a fucking job if you can't pay your rent. I really have no sympathy for this shit.

 

[VANULAR]

Hey, get a fucking job if you can't pay your rent. I really have no sympathy for this shit.[/QUOTE

if we all went and "got a fucking job" you would have a whole lot less cool shit to watch every night.

 

[GrahamGould]

She seems like she deserves the money. I hope she can get what she needs, and hopefully some respect from her sponsors as well

 

[CrotchKiller]

Hey, get a fucking job if you can't pay your rent. I really have no sympathy for this shit.[/QUOTE

if we all went and "got a fucking job" you would have a whole lot less cool shit to watch every night.

How? People who I enjoy watching are either good enough to scrape by on sponsorship money or actually work real jobs and make time to ski.. I realize it's difficult to make it in the ski industry but asking for handouts has always irked me i guess.

If she was attempting to fund a movie or a project then maybe I'd be more open to it. If the superproof boys did a similar campaign to raise money for another movie I'd be down. Just don't see any reason to be paying someone else's rent when they're perfectly capable of doing it on their own.

I realize this is an unpopular opinion, but I don't care.

 

[adrian.bee]

Yup, one of the nicest people out there, you gotta support her. I think with her attitude and recent success, things will end up working out for her.

 

[CrotchKiller]

Hoodcrew for example. All them boys kill it and are some of my favorite to watch. I know for a fact that most of their sponsors give product and not much else. They all bust ass to put out content while busting ass to keep a roof over their heads as well.

 

[Breaking_Rad]

Did she just call out Maggie Voisin? Kidding, but who are the 15 year old girl skiers swimming in sponsorship money? Lisa Zimmerman? Can't call out Kelly Sildaru. More curious than anything.

In all seriousness, Keri rips and is super-positive and clearly others think the same. Her crowdfunding seems to be going pretty well so good for her. I think if you put it out there and people support you that's all the proof you need.

Although it is interesting some girls of similar age still seem to be holding on pretty well out of the park - Jen Hudak, Lynsey Dyer, Elyse Saugstaud. None of those three are spring chickens, but still seem to have decent sponsor support? Sure, a few are younger, but also not the 15-year olds she calls out.

 

[theabortionator]

Are 15 year olds the new 12 year olds?

 

[N.L.]

keri kills it. no one gets paid, hustle hustle!

whats up your butt crutchitty?

 

[myllhouse]

she should of found a real job by now

.

 

[VANULAR]

How? People who I enjoy watching are either good enough to scrape by on sponsorship money or actually work real jobs and make time to ski.. I realize it's difficult to make it in the ski industry but asking for handouts has always irked me i guess.

If she was attempting to fund a movie or a project then maybe I'd be more open to it. If the superproof boys did a similar campaign to raise money for another movie I'd be down. Just don't see any reason to be paying someone else's rent when they're perfectly capable of doing it on their own.

I realize this is an unpopular opinion, but I don't care.

no i understand where your coming from, i fucking hate hand outs too, i just bet in her situation her sponsors waited right till the last second to drop her (December) which gives her no time to find new sponsors because most companies do their budgets in spring, giving her no choice but to ask for help if she wants to do the circuit.

As for film skiers, your correct a lot of us have no contracts or budgets from sponsors, myself included. the struggle is real.

 

[PUFFY]

Did she just call out Maggie Voisin? Kidding, but who are the 15 year old girl skiers swimming in sponsorship money? Lisa Zimmerman? Can't call out Kelly Sildaru. More curious than anything.

In all seriousness, Keri rips and is super-positive and clearly others think the same. Her crowdfunding seems to be going pretty well so good for her. I think if you put it out there and people support you that's all the proof you need.

Although it is interesting some girls of similar age still seem to be holding on pretty well out of the park - Jen Hudak, Lynsey Dyer, Elyse Saugstaud. None of those three are spring chickens, but still seem to have decent sponsor support? Sure, a few are younger, but also not the 15-year olds she calls out.

One of the last powder issues had an article about Elyse Saugstaud having to look for new sponsors, so I imagine with the exception of a really really small group that a lot of women skiers deal with this. Just think how few women actually even get to film in comparison to men.

 

[De-Clan]

I love Keri and she kills it but crotch has it on point.

Think of how many amazing skiers there are out there who would love to live the dream she is living. Reality check for her though. Why can't she baetend or coach in her free time to make a little extra cash here or there.

I really have no sympathy for her, and it has nothing to do with her attitude or skiing ability it comes down to being an adult and getting shit done

 

[Breaking_Rad]

I love Keri and she kills it but crotch has it on point.

Think of how many amazing skiers there are out there who would love to live the dream she is living. Reality check for her though. Why can't she baetend or coach in her free time to make a little extra cash here or there.

I really have no sympathy for her, and it has nothing to do with her attitude or skiing ability it comes down to being an adult and getting shit done

Well, in reality she does work.

" As noted on her NBC athlete profile page, she works two jobs at a sporting goods store and fondue restaurant to support her athletic career." See link:
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/olymp...roken-boots-and-borrowed-pants-024529023.html

Certainly the touring life isn't conducive to holding down a steady 9 to 5, but you are right she is lucky to live the life she leads. She ain't driving a Bentley or living in a mansion, but I'm sure the last 10 or so years have been pretty enjoyable 'surviving'.

But really, she's lucky at 32. Simon Dumont is 28 and most look at it like he's sort of done in the competitive world. Keri is at least still in the game - Dew Tour win, has progressed a few tricks...Dumont still kills it though and should consider something like "The Wallisch Project". He's got enough people that respect what he's done and what he can still do. If he was smart he'd do a lot of new filming, but mix in some commentary over some of his more mind-blowing old stuff.

 

[CrotchKiller]

I think the bigger problem here is really a lack of willingness of some sponsors to invest in their athletes, especially in women's skiing.

Seriously, how many people on here see ads with women freestyle skiers in them? little to none. If Keri Herman is winning dew tours and went to the olympics, and not even getting minimal pay, then that's just sad.

It seems like a never ending circle fuck of sponsors not wanting to put money into womens skiing because it's relatively boring and women having no motivation to progress the sport because there isn't enough sponsor support.

I think it's all bullshit.

 

[pat_in_the_hat]

It seems like a never ending circle fuck of sponsors not wanting to put money into womens skiing because it's relatively boring and women having no motivation to progress the sport because there isn't enough sponsor support.

I think it's all bullshit.

they wont put money into womens freestyle because there is no money to get from womens freestyle. Its pretty simple

 

[onenerdykid]

they wont put money into womens freestyle because there is no money to get from womens freestyle. Its pretty simple

No matter what the product, sponsorship money won't be rolling in if the sponsored person doesn't help increase sales for the product. The unfortunate fact about women's freeskiing is that the market is incredibly incredibly small. So that a sponsor would see a profitable return on their investment is sadly unlikely. I really wish it wasn't like this but it's the reality and most likely why Keri had to resort to crowd funding in order to make it through the season.

 

[VANULAR]

they wont put money into womens freestyle because there is no money to get from womens freestyle. Its pretty simple

I'm seeing more and more companies pulling out of freestyle/park/street in general and moving towards backcountry. It's not just woman's park that is being affected it's pretty much everything not backcountry.

 

[John18_6]

Keri Herman is from Minnesota and comes back pretty often. She's putting on a ski clinic at a hill in MN that just opened near Fargo, ND. There probably won't even be any skiers close to her skill level there. If that isn't down to earth, I don't know what it.

 

[TheClap.]

Them 15 year old doing dubs and bigger spins then a 7.

She had redbull build her a special jump/airbag so she can lean a rodeo...

 

[Chaka]

She is doing whatever she can to keep skiing everyday and any skier can respect that. It is a business though and I am sure she knows as well as anyone that it won't last forever. I admire the dedication.

 

[TheClap.]

She is doing whatever she can to keep skiing everyday and any skier can respect that. It is a business though and I am sure she knows as well as anyone that it won't last forever. I admire the dedication.

That's 8/10 pro males, equal fucking rights. You don't see dudes on here begging for money. It's easy to pull that female card be do the same as everyone else does. She wins comes because of her name, her runs are shit compared to the young up and comers. She's chill asab but begging for money if as lame as it gets, mit ad well be the theabortionator

 

[hoodcrew]

I'm seeing more and more companies pulling out of freestyle/park/street in general and moving towards backcountry. It's not just woman's park that is being affected it's pretty much everything not backcountry.

this is kinda crazy considering that a company can probably support 5 street skiers for the same amount of money they dish out too backcountry skiers

 

[hoodcrew]

Hoodcrew for example. All them boys kill it and are some of my favorite to watch. I know for a fact that most of their sponsors give product and not much else. They all bust ass to put out content while busting ass to keep a roof over their heads as well.

skiing 7 days a week while working 40 hours aint hard, just gotta work the night shift and sacrifice a lot of sleep if you wanna get some partying and handrail missions in too

 

[theabortionator]

mit ad well be the theabortionator

Merry christmas to you too

 

[PeppermillReno]

I'm seeing more and more companies pulling out of freestyle/park/street in general and moving towards backcountry. It's not just woman's park that is being affected it's pretty much everything not backcountry.

Its a huge new market. Gaper dads are buying a pair of skins they won't use more than once a year probably on some shitty hill kids sled on so they don't have to fork out 100 bucks for a lift ticket.

I think the industry is happy to collectively push its consumer base to feel the need to have a touring set up in addition to their usual in bounds gear.

Im not sure I want to hate on or criticize the new fad however I just feel bad for whomever has to rescue some of these idiots. Personally I am a big fan of fast chairlifts, gravity, patrol looking out for my safety, and being able to park my automobile close to the lodge and lifts.

Anyways good luck to the skiier the thread is about. If she is winning comps she deserves her sponsors support.

 

[TheClap.]

Mite as well make a sign and sit in front of my local walmart

 

[jeR.]

no sympathy from me. lots of people wish they could make a career out of pro skiing. not everyone can. 32 is pretty old for slopestyle as well... methinks its time to move on.

 

[danbrown]

She had redbull build her a special jump/airbag so she can lean a rodeo...

that was kaya turski

 

[S.J.W]

That's 8/10 pro males, equal fucking rights. You don't see dudes on here begging for money. It's easy to pull that female card be do the same as everyone else does. She wins comes because of her name, her runs are shit compared to the young up and comers. She's chill asab but begging for money if as lame as it gets, mit ad well be the theabortionator

Both McRae and Margetts asked for money past winter to get to sochi

 

[dbchili]

No matter what the product, sponsorship money won't be rolling in if the sponsored person doesn't help increase sales for the product. The unfortunate fact about women's freeskiing is that the market is incredibly incredibly small. So that a sponsor would see a profitable return on their investment is sadly unlikely. I really wish it wasn't like this but it's the reality and most likely why Keri had to resort to crowd funding in order to make it through the season.

this hits the nail on the head

it's not about whether you're old or young, winning or losing, it's about do you have something to offer your sponsors?

nobody sponsors douglas or plake anymore for their skiing ability. They have charisma, and people know and respect who they are, and their sponsors benefit from that association.

At some point as a pro whether you're still winning or not you need to work on building a reputation that's worth more than your comp results.

I don't even know what keri looks like in real life. I couldn't pick her out of a picture, or tell you what movies she's been in, what contests she's won or what her last 3 ski sponsors were... and i've been using this site daily for 10 years

it's a sad reality, but athletes are paid for their marketability. Keri has had 10-12 years to build it up. If she hasn't established enough of a reputation by now then it's natural selection

 

[.Rybak.]

Hey, get a fucking job if you can't pay your rent. I really have no sympathy for this shit.

Someone's a bit salty that they can't ski for a living..

 

[CrotchKiller]

Someone's a bit salty that they can't ski for a living..

Naa, I'd probably spend all my sponsorship money on weed, and then start a crowd funding campaign to support my habit.

 

[gotti]

this hits the nail on the head

it's not about whether you're old or young, winning or losing, it's about do you have something to offer your sponsors?

nobody sponsors douglas or plake anymore for their skiing ability. They have charisma, and people know and respect who they are, and their sponsors benefit from that association.

At some point as a pro whether you're still winning or not you need to work on building a reputation that's worth more than your comp results.

I don't even know what keri looks like in real life. I couldn't pick her out of a picture, or tell you what movies she's been in, what contests she's won or what her last 3 ski sponsors were... and i've been using this site daily for 10 years

it's a sad reality, but athletes are paid for their marketability. Keri has had 10-12 years to build it up. If she hasn't established enough of a reputation by now then it's natural selection

she did a kfed in eye trip

 

[GraemeMeiklejohn]

By no means should this be read as "Keri Herman" should get a real job, but maybe she should get a job on the off season in order to help pay for her season? Other than the top 10% of "pro" skiers in the male category have to do this. That being said, it is ridiculous that she just won Dew Tour and doesn't have enough sponsorship dollars to keep her skiing at least for the ski season.

 

[ANDR01D]

I offered to marry her and support her ski career but she never answered my proposal.

 

[Sky.]

Naa, I'd probably spend all my sponsorship money on weed, and then start a crowd funding campaign to support my habit.

Best post I've read in weeks lmao.

 

[louie.mirags]

I see it as if you do not support crowd funding so she can ski then don't donate. Simple as that. She is doing fine without ya! She already has 63% of her goal.

 

[RudyGarmisch]

That being said, it is ridiculous that she just won Dew Tour and doesn't have enough sponsorship dollars to keep her skiing at least for the ski season.

To me, this might also indicate that there isn't a large enough following (aka market) for sponsors to tap into or out value on.

Is the state of women's freeskiing in part the result of a lacking a large fan base compared to men's skiing?

 

[Breaking_Rad]

To me, this might also indicate that there isn't a large enough following (aka market) for sponsors to tap into or out value on.

Is the state of women's freeskiing in part the result of a lacking a large fan base compared to men's skiing?

I don't know. Float around the lift lines and there are plenty of girls and women skiing on twin-tip skis, fairly slick outerwear, boots and bindings. No matter the "state of women's freeskiing" women still seem to know how to use their own or Mom/Dad's credit card to look good out there. K2 Ski Alliance seems to have a team of the better lady rippers - Maggie, Kelly, Anna Segal, etc. Does that inspire other ladies into buying the same equipment?

 

[brewernovascotia]

I'm seeing more and more companies pulling out of freestyle/park/street in general and moving towards backcountry. It's not just woman's park that is being affected it's pretty much everything not backcountry.

this is kinda crazy considering that a company can probably support 5 street skiers for the same amount of money they dish out too backcountry skiers

Its a huge new market. Gaper dads are buying a pair of skins they won't use more than once a year probably on some shitty hill kids sled on so they don't have to fork out 100 bucks for a lift ticket.

yup also seeing this trend. Saw a guy snow plowing down a green in whistler today in brand new solomon touring boots, k2 touring skis, gaurdian bindings, osprey pack with a shovel on the pack. New wave of people who are going to create alot of work for ski patrol/backcountry rescue.

 

[50Kal]

Pro or no pro. Why should anyone pay for someone else's skiing addiction?

A random ski bum said once "skiing is a passion not competition".

No one pays for other people's heroine addiction so why should random people pay for someone's ski addiction, pro or not.

If you really love something you will find a way to contiue doing what you love.

 

[SpookyCat]

Hoodcrew for example. All them boys kill it and are some of my favorite to watch. I know for a fact that most of their sponsors give product and not much else. They all bust ass to put out content while busting ass to keep a roof over their heads as well.

Hahaha, yeah a small fraction of them do. The rest are living off their parent's dime or student loan/grant money.

 

[S.J.W]

Hahaha, yeah a small fraction of them do. The rest are living off their parent's dime or student loan/grant money.

Shit, looks like this kid on the internet has everything about hoodcrew figured out! Fuck, how'd you find out about their financial situations there?

You were probably one of those kids that thought David Lesh was a trust fund baby as well.