The adventure begins

It’s hard to turn on the television without seeing some adventurous expedition mushing to some pole or wending its way down the Amazon River. At least on the stations I watch.

They have the best and very cool equipment, as evidenced by the sponsor decals. And, they’re having a blast, subject to the moments of peril they seem to be required to insert for the drama value. Don’t you wish you could be one of them?

Well, why not? I don’t answer that rhetorical question without first asking myself how it could be done.

Obviously, they know things I don’t. It’s better to learn on a smaller scale where the errors and omissions aren’t likely to be fatal. Crawl before you walk. So, I started noodling some adventures of lesser scale that would still have the cache to pique the interest of potential sponsors. I don’t think you can just say, “I’m going to paddle across Lake Winnebago and would like some sponsor bucks.” Sounds like fun. Have a good time and let us know how it goes.

I brainstormed some ideas and bounced them off active friends, watching for the visceral reaction. One of them widened the eyes more than others. Okay, that’s it.

Then, I compiled a list of potential backers and made the initial contact. You sell the idea of discussing it with you in that first effort, not the final decision. It’s easier to get the foot in the door.

That went well. No commitments yet, but enough interest to proceed with the planning.

That’s about 90% done. Now, I have to make some arrangements and nail down the sponsorships.

Stay tuned. The adventure begins.