Steve Olson, now 63, was born and raised in Long Beach, California. He started skateboarding in the 1970s, turned pro at 16, and became the first champion of vertical skateboarding. He was also a pioneer in blending skateboarding and punk rock, a mix that still influences skaters today. The Babylon skate team, featured in this issue, continues that legacy in a modern way. Olson has always been ahead of the curve, and his approach to life naturally connects with the spirit of G-SHOCK.
Reflecting on how skateboarding has shaped his perspective on growth and responsibility, Olson shared, “There’s nothing that is permanent. When we started skateboarding, we were skateboar ding because we just loved it, and that was it. Then all of a sudden, you become a little bit better and a little bit better, and then at the age of 16, I was thrown into this whole world of professional skateboarding. So, I had to become kind of an adult at a younger age. And then we did well with it. I think being an adult means you take on more responsibility as you get older. You go from being a kid into a teenager, into a young adult, into an adult and then an older adult. Throughout the time you carry responsibilities, and become more and more and more. So to be an adult is super fun”.

Being an adult means taking responsibility. Everyone can proba bly relate to the weight of those words. However, thinking positi vely about how to enjoy that responsibility is what makes life richer. “I cruise with my son (Alex Olson, the professional skateboarder) and my grandson. We cruise around these hills over by where they live because my grandson is a year and a half. And it's the best part of my whole skateboarding so far, in one sense, for sure. To see three generations, but to see his face when his grandpa comes—here we are floating on, above the street on these skateboards, and then all of a sudden, out of nowhere comes Boom Boom. That's what he calls me. Just flying by and carving in front of us. And they carve in front of you and change it up. So, that's what is really cool.” For Olson, who has spent his life on a skateboard, being able to share that with his son and grandson brings a different kind of joy. It’s something that wouldn’t have been possible without the life he has built and the responsibility that comes with it.

Back in 2015, Olson took part in the G-SHOCK Profiles Zine Vol. 4 event organized by G-SHOCK, contributing photos of G-SHOCK in his everyday surroundings. He often wears a GSHOCK while skating or riding his motorcycle. “I think [G-SHOCK is] a really futuristic watch brand. The idea of toughness is unique and stands the test of time." On what makes a G-SHOCK cool, Olson’s response was simple: “To be able to look and see what time it is. Right? I mean, G-SHOCK is for counting time, you know? Use it to its best abilities. You know what time it is? Yep, you've got to check your G-SHOCK, right? G-SHOCK time."

His studio is lined with trophies from skateboarding competitions he won as a teenager.
However, what stands out the most are the photographs of his beloved son and grandson.Dedicating time and passion to his family is an essential part of Olson’s way of life.