I do strings.
I don't begrudge CWB, it probably doesn't make economic sense for them...I'm sure they get a million requests for sponsorship and boards.
The AZ contest was sponsored principally by Strat the Liquid Force rep in that area and of course Century Marine and others.
I try and keep the exposure equal, so my sponsors like Shred Stixx, Calibrated, Inland Surfer, Centurion boats, the Walker Project, etc all give me boards or boat use, PLUS time, like: 4 hours of rules development time, 8 hours of judging time, at least 1 rider per event, and probably 100 hours generating rider interest (flyers posted, calling folks and asking them to enter, etc).
I'll give the same amount of exposure to anyone that devotes the same sponsorship effort.
I just can't understand why I don't have folks lining up for that commitment!
My sponsors are all in it for the love of the sport, to provide an opportunity for kids (and us old foggies too) to compete in a fair and safe environment and to have fun. Personally I have met some of the most dynamic personalities through these contests. Let's be honest, it's not cost effective for any of my sponsors, they could get far greater exposure just about anywhere else.
Like you say Ed, the sponsors that we have are in it for the love of the sport. I also think their products reflect this love of the sport.