Willy Santos is a pioneering figure in skateboarding, celebrated as one of the first Filipino-American professionals in the sport. Born on October 1, 1975, in Subic Bay, Philippines, Santos moved to California at a young age and began skateboarding at 12. His Filipino heritage has always been a core part of his identity, influencing his journey and inspiring his path. At 16, Tony Hawk recognized his talent and selected him for the Birdhouse Skateboards team, marking the beginning of his impactful career.
Throughout the ’90s, Santos achieved significant milestones that solidified his legacy in the skateboarding world. He earned accolades such as the TransWorld Skateboarding ‘Readers Choice’ Award, a Bronze Medal in Street at the first X-Games, and first-place victories at the Munster World Cup Championship and Vans Triple Crown Street Contest. His influence extended further as he became one of the few skateboarders to have signature shoes with Duffs and Vans, underscoring his impact on the sport.
In recognition of his contributions, Santos was inducted into the San Diego Hall of Champions in 2009 and featured in the HBO documentary “East of Main Street” in 2011.
As of 2024, Santos remains active as a professional skateboarder, co-founder of Couch Curbs and Willy’s Workshop, and an Olympic Skateboarding Coach. He continues to create content on YouTube and inspires and mentors the next generation of skateboarders worldwide.
Santos takes immense pride in his Filipino roots and strives to inspire others to embrace their Filipino heritage, using his platform to celebrate and uplift his cultural background.
