Jessica Holland
The concrete haven where skateboarding is just the start
When two friends made plans to restore a derelict skate park by hand, they also set out to reignite a community. The result is a brand new chapter for Hackney Bumps, a DIY sanctuary in the heart of East London.
Written by: Jessica Holland
Roller skating’s revival signals a fresh fight for public space
Spin city — In the past year, roller skating has exploded. But with its new wave of popularity comes a fresh set of challenges for custodians of the scene – particularly those flying the flag for underrepresented groups.
Written by: Jessica Holland
Rae Smith is pushing the boundaries of who skate is for
Beyond Binary — Rae Smith grew up not realising she was born intersex, leading to years of emotional upheaval where she kept her true self secret. Then she found skateboarding.
Written by: Jessica Holland
How outdoor adventures help teens overcome anxiety
Huck x The North Face — Young Brits are facing an epidemic of anxiety, but the Outward Bound Trust is turning things around for teenage girls by getting them out in the wilderness.
Written by: Jessica Holland
The DJ who took a u-turn to follow her dream in life
Huck x The North Face — Carly Wilford had it all – from the perfect house to the successful business. But something was missing. Now, as a DJ bridging the gender divide, she’s found her calling.
Written by: Jessica Holland
The adventure-seeker who found her purpose in the wild
Huck x The North Face — Megan Hine is a survival expert who consults on adventure TV shows like The Island, helping to keep celebrities alive in the wilderness. She may be the only woman in a field of macho men, says longtime friend Bear Grylls, but she’s stronger than 99% of the guys.
Written by: Jessica Holland
At just 17, Ashima Shiraishi is climbing's fastest-rising star
Huck x The North Face — She began bouldering aged six, started smashing records at 11 and can outclimb her peers regardless of age or gender. Is Ashima Shiraishi the revolution that rock climbing needs?
Written by: Jessica Holland
The ultra-runner conquering the world's highest mountains
Huck x The North Face — Fernanda Maciel set a world record when she summited Argentina’s Aconcagua mountain, because she was the first female to ever run the entire way. But for a woman who grew up in a family of fighters, running up mountains is all in a day’s work — and the stuff of dreams.
Written by: Jessica Holland
The encryption activists fighting mass surveillance
Feel like you're being watched? — Big Brother is no longer science fiction. In the age of Trump and heavy-handed states, our every move is being monitored and watched. But there's a way to protect your data and survive the coming storm... if you know who to call.
Written by: Jessica Holland
The fierce pioneers of Lebanon's first female roller derby team
Shiny Tiny — Roller derby has made its way to Beirut and slammed down with an intentional thud. These women aren’t just pioneers: they’re the architects of a new future.
Written by: Jessica Holland
The young women activists leading Standing Rock to victory
Major Win for #NODAPL — The indigenous activists of Standing Rock, North Dakota, won a major victory on Sunday in their battle to halt the Dakota Access Pipeline. In an unprecedented move, the Department of the Army - under Obama's watch - said it would block construction below the Missouri River at Lake Oahe and force stakeholders to look for alternative routes. It's an enormous breakthrough. But it wasn't easy - and the decision could still be overturned under Trump. So, what does it take to push a movement to this point? Huck met the activists holding fort at Standing Rock as they buckled down for winter and the hope of victory was still a distant dream. This is their story.
Written by: Jessica Holland