I've been following the whole ISAF, US Sailing, NAMSA, F12, youth sailing posts and keep asking. What are we missing?

Some thoughts
Why is skate boarding, BMX , and snow boarding so popular? Why have they been asked to participate in X games or olympics?

Is it because the skate board, bike or snow board are so much cooler now? I don't think so.

It seems to be the star power of people like Tony Hawk, Matt Hoffman and Shaun White.

So maybe we have everything needed except the sales and marketing to make anyone from 6- 20 something want to be like THAT guy or girl.
The elite level sailors are already in place.
How do we make people want to "Be Like Mike" as one ad campaign said.

Thoughts????
Am I losing it?