I know. I know.

When you approach something like a corporate-sponsored Web series you do so knowing, chances are, branding will come before quality content.

The thing is, I couldn’t resist watching, and writing about, the Gatorade Free Flow Web series. It is an older series (the episodes were uploaded in late 2009) and, yes, “Gatorade” is mentioned several times during each episode, but I have a weakness for skateboarders and extreme sports videos.

The episodes tell the stories of young Gatorade Free Flow Tour hopefuls. The kids are young and their passion for skateboarding is infectious. It’s a little scary to see these kids, some of whom aren’t even teens yet, have so much business savvy and be contemplating future clothing sponsorships and becoming skateboarding DVD stars.  Watching go out to the skate parks and fearlessly repeat the same moves kind of makes me think their hard work deserves reward.

My favorite parts are the commentary the older, more experienced skaters/BMX bikers give when speaking about the potential of the athletes being featured. The feedback they give leaves you feeling good that the scene these kids spend so much time in isn’t cut throat or ego driven. Everyone seems quite supportive (in front of the camera, anyway).

Here’s the first episode. I would love to see the footage Zane is shooting once he has a few more years of experience:

Check out the rest of the series here.