Brandon Westgate has taken the skate world by storm over the last two years. Transworld named him Rookie of the Year in 2010 while Thrasher referred to his section in Emerica's Stay Gold as ‘Video Part of the Year'.

No objections here. It takes watching just a few seconds of his skating to see that all the attention is completely warranted. Brandon is a natural. He looks just as comfortable shredding the gritty streets of New York City as he does bombing hills in San Fran. or skating marble ledges in China. That makes him an outright anomaly.

Despite all the attention Brandon has received lately, he remains appreciative, sincere, and humble. Again, not typical of someone that's been propelled so quickly into the limelight. Compile Brandon's extremely likable character along with his abilities on a board and it becomes even clearer what all the excitement is about.

With all that said, Brandon won't be slowing down any in 2011. He's got his first pro model shoe and a brand new video part dropping in January. I got a chance to sit down briefly with the man right before he hopped on a plane to S.F. to continue filming. Check out what he had to say about the topics below.

Skating
I've been skating this [indoor] skatepark close to my house called Skater's Edge a lot because it's been getting cold and the weather's kind of crappy. I have been skating with Anthony Shetler. I've been really motivated, too, mainly because I'm working on a little video for when my shoe drops.

Tricks
I've been working on some manuals lately, because I suck at manuals. Working mostly on switch flip nose wheelies. The newest trick I learned is big spin backtail. I've been stoked on frontside big spins too; they have been feeling really good. Switch heels are always coming and going.

Filming
I have been working on a video for when my shoe drops in January. Filming is going OK, I just wish I had a little bit more time. I'm pretty stoked on what I got so far. I started filming maybe a few months ago. There's gonna be some tricks in NYC, San Fran, and some in LA.

Videos
I've been watching Austyn Gillette's part in the Habitat video [Origin]. The Habitat video is pretty cool.

Killing It
I was just skating with Zered Bassett and he's been killing it. Anthony Shetler, he's always killing. Donny Barley skated The Edge the other night with us and was shredding. Jamie Tancowny, he's my favourite Canadian skater without a doubt. Leo [Romero] always gets me hyped, he's always killing and he just got Skater of the Year!

Product
I've been skating the Zoo York Sean Cronan series, they're sick, I've been stoked on them. I have some samples of my shoes that are coming out for Emerica, so I've been skating those. I'm so stoked on the shoes; they feel amazing. There's this new insole I love. It's really soft and kind on your feet.

Massachusetts
I still live in Wareham, MA, the town I grew up in. I'm not sure what keeps me here other than family. Right now it's cold and windy a lot so I've been skating the Edge. It's a good park though, so I don't mind. I just got a house not that long ago, so I'm always doing projects in the house. I really like my house and there's a really good skatepark not that far away.

House Renovations
Actually, I just tiled my bathroom, refinished the vanity, painted and got a new light and counter top. I've done a lot of painting inside and out, almost did the whole house. I've built a garden, moved a shed...a bunch of stuff.

Travel
The last trip I was on was out to San Fran just filming for the shoe video. I'm going back out there in a few days. I like filming in S.F. a lot. It's fun because it's always a challenge; the spots are hard to skate and quick.

Music
I've been into reggae. Nothing in particular, it all sounds good.

Food
My favorite things are burritos and pizza.

Books
I just got this book on juices and how to boost your immune system. Also, on how to do all these juice fasts. I'm gonna try it out I think.

Gadgets
I'm using the iPhone. I like the phone, but hate the service. Usually it sits by my bed and I'm never on it. I hate being on the phone. I never use it. I have been using my phone instead of my iPod for music. I'm on my laptop right now. It's an Apple and works great.

Wise Words
Stay true to yourself.

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Related:
Brandon Westgate: West 49 Take The Cake Pre-Event Interview
Zoo York Canada Tour 2008 (video)