Minding the Gap — As a kid who grew up on the move, often left at home alone, Bing Liu only found a sense of belonging when he picked up a skateboard. His acclaimed new documentary Minding the Gap captures a decade-long bond between three friends escaping volatile backgrounds.
Written by: Daniel Dylan Wray
Board culture — Gender equality, ’80s France, and the endless search for the perfect wave: this weekend’s Milan festival celebrates the bond between surf, skate & film. We pick out our must-see selection.
Written by: Cristiana Bedei
Street shredder — After her parents lost the family home and her friends went off to college, Nora Vasconcellos headed west in chase of a dream: turning pro on her own terms. But now that she’s become the first female rider on Adidas Skateboarding, the 25-year-old believes it’s time the industry caught up with reality.
Written by: Anthony Pappalardo
Guerrilla independence — After his career as a pro-skater fell apart, Maximón Monihan had to reinvent himself as a DIY director who thinks outside the box. Now, having taken a road-trip across the US with his best friend, he’s realised that true success is doing what you love, regardless of reward.
Written by: Alex King
A London sub’s fantasy — ‘The ideal situation involving a skateboarder would go a little something like this: he’d finish skating, all hot, sweaty, and worn down... then, while he’s kicking back watching TV and eating, I’d get down on all fours and lick his shoes clean.’
Written by: Anon, interview by Henry Calvert
Wanderlust meets activism — Years after her father and friends travelled across Latin America with just surfboards and a van, Antonia Wallig is reliving that journey with her own gang of four. Only this time, instead of riding waves just for the thrill of it, these surfers are determined to make a positive social impact along the way.
Written by: Niall Flynn
Take back the city — There’s been a resurgence of DIY skate spots opening across the globe, with young skaters taking back the wastelands that the public has left behind. We visit one space hidden under the M32, in Bristol, to find out why.
Written by: Robbie Warin
Huck x Vans — Since turning pro back in 1999, AVE has been one of skating’s most influential names. Here, the 39-year-old talks longevity, letting go and why he doesn’t read skate magazines anymore.
Written by: Niall Flynn
The concrete chameleon — Pro skater and model Stefani Nurding is using her unique set of skills to shake up a male-dominated industry.
Written by: Marianne Eloise
Huck x Vans — As Europe’s top skateshop teams go to battle in Holland’s Pier 15 skatepark, determined to be crowned Shop Riot champions of 2017, we soak up the riders' stories and learn why skateshop culture really matters more than ever.
Written by: Grey Hutton