TEAM | Currently with Nicole Phillips
Team rider Nicole Phillips took the plunge last year and started competing professionally. That decision definitely paid off for her and we’re stoked to see what she will do in 2026. We caught up with her to see how she’s feeling about this year and what she has planned. Check it out below.
HAMMER: Nicole, what’s going on? How has 2026 been for you so far?
Nicole: 2026 just started but it has already been jam packed for me! I’m in nursing school so I’ve got lots and lots of school that I’m working on, I’ve been skimming so much more than I used to since I live on the east coast now in Boca Raton, and I’ve been running a lot too, I did a half marathon a few weeks ago and I’ve got another race coming up soon that I’ve been training for as well!
HAMMER: What were some of your highlights from 2025?
Nicole: 2025 was a pretty big year for me, I graduated high school and started college, but the most exciting thing about 2025 was that it was the year I went pro which was an enormous accomplishment in itself, and just being able to compete with the best females in the world was a highlight for sure! I was even able to take home the win in a few contests like PCB, Jackalope fest, and Vilano!
HAMMER: 2025 was your first year competing professionally, right? What did you learn from that experience and how’s your mindset going into 2026?
Nicole: Competing professionally is an enormous adjustment compared to skimming in the amateur divisions for a bunch of reasons. The competition is insane which I see as a huge motivator to work hard to be able to see improvement and good results, especially since I’m on the same stage as girls who have won world championships and have been in the game for a while longer than me. Being surrounded by so many incredibly skilled competitors drives me to want to be better and better each day, and also teaches me valuable lessons about what I can do better next time when I don’t skim the way I’d like in a heat.
HAMMER: Speaking of, which tours do you plan on doing?
Nicole: I’ve got a bunch of stuff going on this summer and going into the fall, but I’m going to do my best to make it to as many contests that I can! I already have plans to go to most of the Skim USA tour, and I’d love to make it to some of the UST stops too, maybe a California one!
HAMMER: What about trips? Do you have anything sick planned for 2026?
Nicole: I don’t have anything too big set out right now but I can’t wait to get up to Outer Banks this summer, that’s probably one of my favorite places I’ve been to skim and explore. I’m trying to get a California trip planned too but nothing is set in stone yet.
HAMMER: Who are some skimmers out there who you look up to or draw inspiration from?
Nicole: One of the most influential people in my skimming who I still have so much to learn from is Gerardo Valencia! He won a world championship in 2021 and has gained so much experience for skimming all over the world in all kinds of conditions and has always been so willing to share with me. He motivates me to get out and do everything I can to achieve my goals, and is an awesome demonstration that hard work pays off, which is super inspiring!
HAMMER: Thanks for catching up with us, Nicole! Is there anything else you’d like to touch on before we go?
Nicole: No not really! I’ve been so busy lately and I plan on staying that way, working hard and getting everything done! I can’t wait to travel to skim this season and hang out with the whole skim family again!