Who Invented the Crooked Grind? | Karl Watson, pt. 1| The Braille Drop Podcast Ep 8

This week we dive into the fascinating journey of Karl Watson, a skateboard legend hailing from the streets of Oakland, California. From his early days running with a rough crew of kids to a chance encounter that led to an unexpected friendship and business partnership, Karl's life story is a rollercoaster of grit, grinds, and good times.
He takes us back to the Embarcadero (EMB) era, the golden age of skateboarding, when individuality thrived. Karl reflects on how social media has transformed skateboarding, and we get a glimpse into the humble origins of the crooked grind. Along the way, he shares his passion for introducing beginners and their parents to the world of skateboarding, his journey to going pro, and his knack for spotting talent, including the discovery of the renowned Nyjah Houston. It's a tale of friendship, innovation, and the enduring stoke of skate culture.
A whole bunch more coming next week in part 2!
www.brailleskateboarding.com/...
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[@anthonygreene2249]

Please bring back the full podcast to KZbin. It makes it easier to stay up with bulk of what Braille releases in one location. Love these Braille Drop podcast and Braille content as a whole.

[@braillearmy]

Thank you! We're testing things out and trying to do it all! Keep letting us know what you want. It helps a lot.

[@MrWorsterLike]

​@@braillearmyI agree with the longer episodes up on yt, they should also be on podcast platforms too imp

[@MrWorsterLike]

Imo**

[@braillearmy]

@@MrWorsterLike They're on Apple, Spotify, Google, anywhere you get podcasts!

[@DstrtdMnd]

​@braillearmy I like to watch the episodes, because there's a joy on everyones face when talking about their craft that we just don't get to experience with audio only platforms

[@The_Hooded_Scribe]

I used to skate as a teen. My girlfriend has recently started skating and has gotten me back into it as well, and it is thanks to her I even know about Braille. She is always going on how she loves the skating community and how supportive they are, as Braille serves as the crux of her experience. And I constantly have to tell her that it wasn't always like this. When I was a teen the skating community was very dog eat dog and negative. To the extent that I never felt comfortable learning any tricks other than to manual because I was scared that of a tried and failed some skater would mock me for not being able to. That's just how it was back then. I think Aaron and the Braille team should be very proud of what they have built here. A safe space for all skaters to come together and improve together.

[@donnytucker]

Love this! Karl is an OG and I have loved his skating since the 90s. And he's super nice.

[@ryanrowe1975]

Great podcast series!

[@Misfitzilla]

I can't believe this exists! very excited to follow this podcast, love the braille team, keep up the great work!!!

[@braillearmy]

Thank you!

[@Jacobob.]

You guys are the reason I started skating ❤

[@braillearmy]

So glad to hear it! Keep shredding!

[@kylehennessy333]

Dude I love the podcast!

[@ymangames]

this should be on the main channel ngl

[@miamivinc]

EMB is like the Atlantide in skateboarding. They were 10 years ahead .... Mike Carrol & Henry Sanchez these guys wrote a full chapter in street skateboard history^^ cant' w8 for the next part. Karl you Rip , unique style and tricks. Love from France.

[@simonchelsea9177]

Love this❤

[@braillearmy]

Thank you so much!

[@simonchelsea9177]

@@braillearmy thank you for making my day 😆❤️

[@78consecratedcardsofart78]

Awesome!

[@alexanderestacio415]

My first skateboarding book by Karl Watson

[@braillearmy]

So good!

[@skatedad9794]

Super good

[@braillearmy]

Thanks!

[@CleanCutAudio]

!!!

[@KingLoggFrogg]

Wait what? Why are you making this less accessible? Bad form guys… this is a great format, please don’t ruin it.

[@braillearmy]

We're just testing things out! Keep letting us know what you want. It helps! Audio version is always there in full...

[@KingLoggFrogg]

@@braillearmy I’ve been watching Braille content on KZbin for years now and it just feels weird being directed away from it! Thanks for the interaction!!

[@TheRealPapaChico]

Your volume is extremely loud lol.

[@uroprop]

The best thing about skating in the 90s was jumping into a car visit another town and meet up with locals and let them show off the spots

[@uroprop]

Skating goes up and down like fashion.. Just keep skating if you feel it

[@likeSK8]

super rad interview ! LOVED hearing about your involvement and the origins of TH!NK skateboards that was my VERY FIRST REAL deck and when I got back into skating 2 years ago I was bummed to see they weren’t around anymore… so cool to at least hear a little history about where my first board came from 😃🤙🏼🛹