Quiksilver used to have a slogan that said:

“If you can’t rock and roll, don’t fucking come.”

It was fun, punk and had some damn moxie. I’d wear that! But then Quiksilver became cautious and scared and you didn’t hear much from them unless you looked at the back of your dad’s t-shirt. This is the nature of being an “industry” that comes and goes with trends and a fads and team riders. And since we get a front row seat inside some of these brands and get to see what they have coming out, we think it’s time you know just what’s good. In short: who’s making sick shit worthy of your cash.

We recently attended, like, 12 trade shows on both coasts of the U.S., which is exhausting because you must drink and walk around and talk and schmooze and don’t sleep and also have to find time to check out the rad shit coming out. Here are the things we learned about some of all of our favorite brands and some rad new ones doing things we think you’ll like.

Volcom

Volcom still likes to have fun (believe it or not this is not normal anymore). They’ve always been known for not giving a fuck and they seem to still not give one. They have the most fun, they make great products and they are in production on a massive surf flick, which is about as exciting as anything we heard from anyone during trade show season. Just think, Dusty, Mitch, Zeke and Droid, surfing with Yago Dora, Nate Tyler, Ozzie Wright, Gavin Beschen, Balaram Stack and Parker Coffin. We’re way overdue for a new surf offering from Volcom, and it sounds like it’s coming sooner than we think.

Vissla

Vissla has energy. And no legacy. Which is becoming quite a blessing. They’re new and coming in hot. And recently signed underground, all-around talent and good dude Eric Geiselman.

And while lot of people in the industry may chuckle at including them on this list, they are fresh, have a vibe and aren’t lazy and their stuff shows that. They’ve got a new film coming out in February called Palmera Express (and you’ll be able to screen it first at What Youth at the end of this month).

Eric Geiselman. 

Electric: Craig Anderson’s new Electric shades are here. 

Craig Anderson’s new TXOKO shades are out and they’re really sick. Electric shows a slightly classier vibe with Craig’s shade. Thin but strong arms, subtle details and endless style are a nice surprise. Electric is known for solid, useful, well-built products but Craig’s new shade is a bit more elegant (albeit a bit pricier), but they had Craig behind the scenes, drawing from very unique references and inspiration and the result is really good. Craig’s new shade is out now, and rounds out Electric’s really sexy new line. Check ’em out and more from Electric here. 

Stance

Can they be stopped? Seriously. Every day it’s like we get to slide a rad new pair of Stance socks on, with a new story, and a new vibe and a new collab with a new, unique personality from all walks of life. They keep their game tight, and somehow transcend surf and skate and have made it work all the way up to the fucking NBA. We’re big fans and you can still buy our collab sock with them here: Stance x What Youth.

Brixton

Brixton is still the go-to for gear that we all love. If you want to transition from surf, to skate, to a show, to travel, Brixton is the ultimate modern noise makers uniform. With ties to music, surf, skate, motorcycles and all around rebellion, you’d be hard pressed to a find any of us not dialed in with a Brixton item on any given day. For the rebellious chameleon.

Huf

Craig Anderson has caused quite a stir by signing with Huf. And since it’s happened, we’ve thrown this massive fucking Cluster premiere that was presented by them and hosted by Austyn Gillette, filled in all our footwear gaps with Huf. We’re having a hard time wearing anything else. And we’re especially loving these: 

The World Premiere of Cluster presented by Huf at The Ace Theatre in downtown LA.  

Quiksilver

And here it is, our biggest tradeshow surprise: Quiksilver. This new sticker kit above says it all. Much more attitude and products to match. Hopefully a bit more influence from Dane and Craig moving forward, but after years of stalemate and sleepy eyes, it’s rad that it takes a detail as subtle as a fucking sticker packet to get us interested again. We’re staying tuned. What’s next boys?