There had been Brandon Westgate talk in the skate industry for some time, but it wasn't until the release of the Emerica video, Stay Gold, that the talking turned into a scream. The unique, big and fast way that he skates has been no secret for years to anyone in the know.

He made his first major video appearance in the 2004 Volcom video, Chichagof. Then, skateboarding saw a fully mature Westgate in the 2008 release of the Zoo York video, State of Mind.

The Westgate chatter had begun. Then it happened, the Stay Gold intro ended, the curtain opened, and there he was throwing down one of the meanest sections in years. The part where he's cruising down that hill in San Francisco and just olling peoples front yards at top speed is just unreal.

Well, CCS sat down a few industry heavyweights to talk Westgate. Praise from The Chief (Jamie Thomas) and The Boss (Andrew Reynolds); it doesn't get much better than that. And in between Ryan Sheckler, Zarred Basset and Eli Reed all give props. Check it out below:

Torey Pudwill has had a good few weeks. He won best trick at the Maloof Money Cup NYC, he finished an overall third in the same contest, he finished second at CPH and had the best video part of the year so far in Hallelujah. CCS has taken notice and put him on the program. Here's a little welcome video for one of the valley's finest:

Some places might be snowing over right now but in Southern California the most we got were a couple drops out of the sky. I'm going to let you in on some style secrets for the skater in LA or NY. Let's go!

When it comes to shoes, slim and simple is the way to go. Vans Authentics in black for $45.



In LA, we like winter because we can finally be fashionable in our jeans since summer is too hot, and in NY you're hoping to get away with a good pair of jeans in the winter if it's warm enough. Altamont Wilshire Basics for $60



To start off the first layer, we will go from thin to thick. Rogue Status Gunshow Script tee in whatever color for $30



If it's a colder LA night or a warmer NY night you can rock the Emerica Kirchart Light Weight Flannel for $50



Now, getting into the thicker second layer. Start with a KR3W Original Pullover Fleece in heather grey for $55



For a more complex jacket with pockets and zip, try the Element Modesto Fleece Jacket in black for $80



If it's really cold and you want the thick, fur jacket, CCS Reversible Headphone Jacket in black/white for $100



You always need a few accessories. In skateboarding, you have to have a form of headwear and eyewear. Only exceptions are if you have amazing hair or no ears... KR3W Chad Muska Shades in white for $30



For your dome piece... a DGK Eyes New Era cap will turn some head. Maybe not in a good way... $37



And last but NEVER least, your handy dandy... BELT (Mr. Lacy Flatties in white) for a whopping $3