The skateboarding world has seen its share of influential female skaters, such as Vanessa Torres, Alexis Sablone, Marisa Dal Santo, and Beatrice Domond. Yet, beyond those who reach mainstream popularity, many talented female skateboarders work diligently without widespread recognition, especially among male-dominated skate media outlets. This article delves into the experiences and insights of Nicole Hause, a prominent female skateboarder, and explores the evolving landscape of women’s skateboarding.
Nicole Hause, like her roommate Nora Vasconcellos, is a skilled bowl skater sponsored by well-known brands like Anti Hero and Nike. She also appeared in the “Please Don’t Grab My Boob” video, but remains relatively unknown among many male skateboarders. We were eager to gain her perspective on the skate industry’s evolution and how it can further support women in skateboarding.
The Rise of Women in Skateboarding & Brand Dynamics
With legacy companies like Enjoi and Anti Hero adding more women to their teams, is this impacting female-centered brands like Hoopla?
Nicole doesn’t believe that legacy brands are putting female-focused brands out of business. She explains that brands like Hoopla had their moment and served their purpose. She also points out that focusing solely on an all-girl brand can narrow the market, which may not be financially viable. However, she acknowledges that women in skateboarding might need another Hoopla-type brand in the future, as there are many opportunities for girls right now.
How do you feel about Hoopla closing down and you joining Anti Hero?
Hoopla played a crucial role in helping women like Nicole advance in skateboarding, serving as a necessary stepping stone at a time when there were few other options. The founders, Mimi Knoop and CB, decided it was time to move on, encouraging the skaters to pursue other opportunities. Shortly after, Jeff Grosso offered Nicole a spot on Anti Hero, making her the first girl to ride for the brand, highlighting the fact that she’s good enough to ride for them.
The Skatepark Experience and Female Solidarity
When you’re at skateparks, do younger girls recognize you?
Nicole shares that while she occasionally gets comments online, in-person recognition is less common. She observes a fascinating dynamic where young girls often seem more intimidated by older female skaters than by pro male skaters. She recognizes the need to engage more with these younger girls, as boys often approach older female skaters with lots of questions.
Nicole notes the growing presence of girl skate crews. Just a year ago, girls might have represented one out of fifty skaters at a park, but now there are groups of five or six. She emphasizes the positive impact of having other girls to skate with, particularly for younger girls.
Would you prefer integrated men’s and women’s contests?
Nicole doesn’t believe integrating men and women in contests would be beneficial for women. She argues that men and women skate differently, and that separate contests allow both groups to showcase their skills better. While women practice with men, having their own events is essential for visibility. Nicole suggests that a separate women’s contest at Tampa would be ideal.
What are the distinct advantages men and women have in skating?
Nicole highlights the physical differences between men and women. Men tend to achieve higher jumps and faster speeds, but women bring a unique style to skateboarding. She prefers women’s contests to be first because of this difference. She also notes that women’s skateboarding has progressed in style. Tricks don’t always need to be complex; they just need to look good and be relatable.
Nicole’s Unexpected Path and the Power of Humor
How did you end up in a Subway commercial?
Nicole explains that before skateboarding, she was into acting and had an agent in LA. She got the Subway commercial audition through her agent and secured the role at the age of 16. Although she enjoyed acting, she never pursued it full-time. She still occasionally auditions for roles.
Did you ever meet Jared Fogle, the old Subway mascot?
Nicole thankfully didn’t meet Jared. However, his scandal ended up affecting her residuals after her commercial was pulled.
What about the “Please Don’t Grab My Boob!” video title?
Nicole reveals that Nora Vasconcellos came up with the controversial title, considering it humorous. The video shoot was a great experience where the group enjoyed a very high-end trip with healthy food and even manicures and pedicures.
Future of Women’s Skateboarding and Media Coverage
With the rise of female skate crews, will we ever see a female version of Piss Drunx?
Nicole believes it’s likely. She points out that skateboarding culture allows for all kinds of expression, and if women want to rage on tours and go wild, that’s totally fine. She believes different kinds of female skaters will emerge, just as diverse groups of male skaters have.
Do you feel less pressure shooting with a female photographer or filmer?
Nicole feels that the level of pressure she experiences depends on the photographer’s experience, not their gender. She feels more comfortable working with Zorah Olivia because they have a close relationship, which allows for more collaboration. She explains that suggesting a shooting angle to Zorah is okay, but not to a very experienced photographer like Burnett.
How can skate media improve coverage of women and what are we doing wrong?
Nicole believes the media is on the right track, but that there’s room for improvement. She emphasizes the importance of showcasing skaters who are truly dedicated to progressing skateboarding. She observes that sometimes, media outlets prioritize marketable skaters who may not be as passionate about the sport as others. She also points out that those that are more marketable tend to get more media attention, even if they’re not as dedicated to the sport. This, she recognizes, is often a business decision.
Do New York girl skaters get more coverage due to their image?
Nicole admits that New York’s trendiness influences media coverage. Those with a trendy fashion presence tend to get more media attention regardless of how much they’ve skated or how much effort they’ve put in, which is unfortunate for those who work hard.
Conclusion
Nicole Hause’s insights highlight the challenges and triumphs of women in skateboarding. From the evolution of female-centered brands to the growing camaraderie among female skaters, the landscape is rapidly changing. While the industry has made progress, there is still work to be done to ensure that all dedicated female skaters receive the recognition they deserve. Nicole’s journey and perspectives serve as a reminder of the unique contributions women bring to skateboarding and the importance of fair and inclusive media representation.
Interview: Larry Lanza
Photos: Zorah Olivia & Olga Aguilar
