Fiji’s James Kusitino Rides Wave of Success, Becomes Nation’s First Sponsored Pro Surfer
16-year-old phenom signs with FORMER, eyes world’s biggest swells
At just 16, Fijian surfer James Kusitino is making significant international waves, now officially Fiji’s first sponsored professional surfer. His natural talent and fluid style have captured global attention, leading to a backing from the renowned surf and skate brand FORMER.
A Lifelong Connection to the Ocean
Kusitino’s journey began at age five, pushed into his first wave by an uncle. Though initially a little scared, the allure of the board quickly took hold. By eight, he was already navigating Cloudbreak, a legendary and challenging surf break.
Cloudbreak, once an exclusive spot, has a storied past. Access was historically controlled by a luxury resort, but Fiji’s government opened it to all surfers in 2010. This change allowed Kusitino to hone his skills in what he calls his “main hunting ground.”
He recalls watching skilled surfers at Cloudbreak, absorbing their techniques. “There weren’t any other people my age out there,” he stated. “It just felt right. I started getting good waves, and I was like, wow. I should just keep doing this and see where it takes me.”
Intuition Over Overthinking
Kusitino’s approach to surfing is instinctive. He avoids overthinking maneuvers, preferring to follow what feels natural. “I just go with what feels good, I don’t like to force things,” he explained. “I just do what feels good. Just what feels nice. If you force a style, it looks bad. I just let it flow.”
A Dream Fueled by Family Support
To pursue his passion, Kusitino has stepped away from formal schooling, a decision supported by his parents. “It was my parents’ idea for me to drop out of school, they believe in chasing the dream… and doing what I love,” he shared. While his father’s trust was unwavering, his mother initially showed more hesitation.
Kusitino currently divides his time between his family home and working on a yacht, but surfing remains his primary focus. “Most of the time, I just surf. That’s my job… and that is a good job to have.” He feels most at home in the water, describing himself as being “like a fish” and finding healing in the ocean.
Aiming for the Big Leagues
His decision to join FORMER, founded by surfing icon Craig Anderson, was immediate. Kusitino expressed deep admiration for Anderson, stating, “Craig’s the best person on earth. Just being around him is all I need.” He also credits local surf legend Che Slatter as a significant mentor.
Looking ahead, Kusitino harbors ambitions to conquer the world’s most formidable waves, including Waimea, Teahupo’o, and the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational. He also aims to win the Cloudbreak competition as a wildcard, a feat no local has achieved.
Kusitino is proud to represent Fiji and the Pacific region. His advice to aspiring young surfers, particularly those in the Pacific, is simple yet profound: “Just keep surfing. Do what you love with your heart. The more you surf, the more special things will happen.”
Surfing continues to grow in popularity globally, with professional surfing contributing significantly to the sports economy. The World Surf League alone generates millions in revenue annually, showcasing the potential career path for talents like Kusitino (Forbes, 2023).
