TEAM | Isabel Blanco Wins The United Skim Tour Championship for 2026!
Isabel Blanco has won the United Skim Tour Championship and we are stoked for her! It was a long, hard road for her the past year coming back from knee surgery and to see her climb her way back to the top of the podium is just awesome! Congrats, Chabe! We’re stoked to see how far you take it next year!
HAMMER: Congratulations on claiming the UST title for 2026! How does it feel?
Isabel: Thanks so much! I’m really really happy and proud of myself. Especially my knee for holding up!
HAMMER: What was going through your mind during Oktoberfest knowing it could happen?
Isabel: Honestly, I was trying to survive every heat, because my knee was feeling pretty unstable so I was trying to do my best in every heat and wave by wave got closer. I was already happy with my achievements of the year, keeping in mind thatI just had my one year anniversary post knee operation. So, I was trying to enjoy and get to the finals without it hurting me too much.
HAMMER: Were there any real standout moments during the event that you can tell us Isabel: The waves were not so great in this contest, so it was hard conditions. But that’s part of it! The first day, I found a little pocket and I think I will keep that wave as one of my favorite contest waves for sure.
HAMMER: After the struggles you’ve had with your knee, how does it feel to be at the top of the UST?
Isabel: I feel really good, especially knowing that this is a result of consistency and resilience. It was not my goal at all, but every contest I was exceeding my own expectations…and life decided to give me a prize for it! That’s how it felt.
HAMMER: We’re so stoked for you! Congrats again. Is there anything else you'd like to say or anyone you’d like to thank?
Isabel: I would like to thank all the people and sponsors that stuck around this past year. It was the hardest of my life and I would always appreciate the ones that didn’t stop believing in my courage to get back to the top. The process to be 100% healthy is still on, but I want everybody to know how strong I’m coming back!