can you tell the difference between a gimmick vs. a lifestyle? well Karl Watson is the perfect example of someone who's living a gimmick-free lifestyle. his board company and even his clothing (LRG) and shoe (I PATH) sponsors reflect his attitude, lifestyle, and aesthetic. a truly positive individual, Karl is a pro skateboarding vet that's always been skating for all the right reasons.

SGV: why does it seem like everytime I see you whether it's in a magazine or video you're always smiling and laughing?
KARL WATSON: Oh man, I'm happy about life. I can't help it. I've been like this ever since I was a little kid. I'm smiling all the time. I don't know why... it's like a natural reaction for me. sometimes I wish I didn't smile so much so that people might start taking me more seriously.

SGV: your latest part was in the KAYO: IT'S OFFICIAL video. your part was original and fun to watch. how was it putting that video part together.
WATSON: lot's of skating. trying stuff, not making it, getting hurt... then finally getting the footage. to tell you the truth I'm more excited about my next part in the LRG vid. when I was filming for the KAYO vid I got hurt and pulled 2 ligaments in my right knee. that forced me to slow it down.

SGV: ORGANICA is your board company. how would you describe the image and the vibe of the company?
WATSON: easy flowing and peaceful. all good vibes. we respect all life.

SGV: ever since I've followed your career you've had your dreads. is that a spiritual kind of thing?
WATSON: it's more of a complacent sort of thing. I've just gotten so used to them that I don't know what else to do. I just started pulling them back and tying them up recently. but yes, it's a spiritual practice by nature. but my spirit is in my heart, not my hair.

SGV: do you mind expanding on your religion?
WATSON: I guess you could say that I was brought up and practice buddhism. it's more a way of life rather than a religion. I don't know what to say. I like to pray. I try to think right and eat right.

SGV: you said you used to live down here in LA for a minute but you're mostly known as being a skater from SF. what are the different skate vibes like in the 2 cities?
WATSON: it's so different. when I'm out here I don't even want to skate. when I lived down here I just skated by myself at Griffith Park. I don't know why, but I felt it hard to hang out with a lot of the skaters down here. don't get me wrong, there's plenty of bad attitudes up north too, but its more a natural thing. out here it seems like everyone is caught up trying to prove something or drop some names. I don't know why. but yes, I notice a difference for sure. maybe it's all the driving you have to do out here... puts you in a bad mood.