[sixcol_five_last]
By Nate San Nicolas
At five years of age, Joeito Santiago followed in the footsteps of his father Eddie, unbeknownst to him that one day, he would become the humble legend and quintessence of Guam surfing.
Throughout his childhood, Santiago didn’t have much to look forward to, as he lived a rough financial life. But despite all those troubles, he could always count on surfing to help him escape from it all.
His father was his most promising inspiration, who introduced his eager mind to a sport that later became a lifestyle. And it was a lifestyle indeed, as surfing mended the bonds of friendships and comrades. Mentors such as Adam Branch, Rob Ross, Dave Jordan, and Edd Lacauta, not only assisted Joeito to advance his skill, but were also fellow companions throughout his journey of success.
The Guam legend enjoys surfing on the island because it’s much different from surfing anywhere else. The shallow reef breaks and straight up surfing make it a challenge, for there is no beginner level, as waves start at intermediate going straight to an experienced level of surf. But this challenge doesn’t faze Guam surfers as they consistently take to the waters day in and day out.
Surfing on Guam has altered in various ways from past to present. There was, “more soul surfing back then,” as Santiago puts it.
The surfers of the past had more dedication and work, as equipment wasn’t always available, forcing them to make boards and parts from scratch. The competition level wasn’t as high, for it was more a way of life.
But as time changed, so did the ways of surfing.
Younger generations enjoyed the benefits of better boards, as technology advanced. The level of competition rose, and according to Santiago, “the younger generations are more inventive than the past.” Joeito is proud of the younger generations, and encourages them to exceed beyond their dreams. “Keep true to yourself, and keep true to your roots, where you came from. Keep Guam local and respect the island, ocean and land.”
On a global scale, surfing deals with a lot of respect, and it doesn’t end on Guam’s terms. Respect must be earned in the waters everywhere you go. Santiago understands that visitors enjoy surfing here on Guam, but respect still must be earned.
“Let the locals dictate the pace of the surf.”
Sessions are made to have fun, and surfing etiquette is key to maximizing that fun. All are invited to surf, says Santiago, as long as everything ends on a good note.
For Joeito, surfing still remains a lifestyle in his days and it doesn’t seem to be fading away any time soon. His visions for the future of Guam surfing is to see the younger generations set goals and dreams and surpass those aspirations. But most importantly, Joeito strongly encourages the youth to make school and getting an education their top priority, for “surfing is a lifestyle, not a job.”
He is satisfied with what he’s accomplished so far, and would like to thank all his family and friends for the support they’ve given throughout his journey. And although he’s climbing at in age, Joeito still continues be an inspiration riding the waves stronger than ever.
[fbshare url=”http://www.gspnlive.com/?p=15276″ type=”button”][fblike url=”http://www.gspnlive.com/?p=15276″ style=”standard” showfaces=”false” width=”450″ verb=”like” font=”arial”]
[/sixcol_five_last][ubm_premium_banner_rotation banners=46, 14, 16 interval=9 width=120 height=600 orderby=rand]


GPS Sports Calendar
February 2023
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for January
1st
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
2nd
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
Events for February
3rd
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
TRITONS BASEBALL INVITATIONAL PLAYOFFS
Events for February
4th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Events for February
6th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
7th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
8th
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
9th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
Events for February
10th
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
TRITONS BASEBALL INVITATIONAL FINALS
Events for February
11th
Events for February
13th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
14th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
15th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
Events for February
16th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
Events for February
17th
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
Events for February
18th
World Athletics Cross Country Championships
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
Events for February
19th
SPRINT TRIATHLON, PACIFIC GAMES QUALIFIER
MONSTER ENERGY MOTOCROSS ROUND 2
Events for February
20th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
21st
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
22nd
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
23rd
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
Events for February
24th
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL QUARTERFINALS
Events for February
24th
Events for February
25th
Events for February
27th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL SEMIFINALS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER SEMIFINALS
Events for February
28th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL FINALS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE SEMIFINALS
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL SEMIFINALS

Basketball
FRIARS TAKE DOWN PANTHERS 74-68

Running/Track
’23 TRACK SEASON OPENS

Basketball
TAKUMI SIMON MAKING THE BEST OF PRO LIFE
