On July 3rd, 1983 in Jamaica Queens, New York David Santiago was brought into the world. By ’85, just 2 years old, David would already be on a plane to his families native land of Puerto Rico. This is where he would be raised and spend his teenage years. At the age of 10, eager for an outlet, David would admire the surfers that were on the island and those that came through. Hungry for a taste, young Santiago pulled a wooden water ski from a rubbage pile at a nearby residents and attempted to paddled out. Jolly laughs and

Puerto Rico - Photo: Rachael Tanner

chuckles came from a big bellied man beach side later to be revealed as “Ralphy” would give David his first real surf board. A damaged, nearly broken board that attracted water like a sponge would become his new outlet to a whole new world. A year later David’s mother and inspiration would give him on his 11th birthday a new “rocket” to ride. With a new board and a year practice Santiago was ready to compete. He entered his first local surf competition and won first place. Following that he joined the Federation of Surfing Puerto Rico (FSPR).

At the close of ’99 David’s mother passed away. Broken but driven, by 16 David dubbed by family and locals “Vampiro” qualified to represent his island in the Quicksilver Grommet Championship in Bali, Indonesia. On a plane and leaving home for the first time since arriving there this would be where David fell in love with the competition aspect of surfing. Returning home with more energy than ever, Vampiro was determined to travel. A quick trip to New Jersey then off to Virginia Beach where he would live for 5 years. Doing oddball jobs and finally getting his hands a board from a family friend, David found his route to the water and began to cut it up. Santiago had a different look than most of the regulars in the water. So he was easy to spot and met friends quickly.

In 2006 David would get word from his sister that his father was getting ill and he returned to the island immediately. Within months of returning home David, now in his 20′s, would lay his father to rest in his hometown of Luquillo. Hungry to compete and get back on the road Vampiro began entering competitions such as the Corona Extra Pro Surf Circuit. 2009 was a big year for David as he began to spark the interest of different sponsors (Wave Riding Vehicles, Glas, Vec, Hyperflex Wetsuits and more). He would also appear in the Ripple Effect, a surf DVD release by Glas including many different pros. Late 2009 he would sign his first official contract with My Adrenaline Lifestyle. Providing him with a small budget for contest and travel, he set out on a journey. Currently David Santiago is traveling the world surfing hot spots in numerous locations and as of late is hooked up with the LIE team and has become a big part of the show. Look forward to seeing Vampiro competing in your area or on T.V. in competitions around the world.