Fiji's first pro-surfer rides wave once banned for locals

Cloudbreak, near Tavarua Island in western Fiji, is one of the world’s most renowned waves. For years, its long, barreling left-hand reef break has attracted surfers from all over. Later this year, the World Surf League (WSL) will hold its men’s and women’s championship finals there. Yet, until 2010, access to the wave was restricted for locals due to an agreement with a nearby resort.

That year, Fiji’s government ended the exclusivity, granting open access to all surfing areas. Now, over a decade later, this decision has helped produce the country's first professional surfer.

"I feel fortunate," says James Kusitino, who recently joined the roster of surfwear company Former. "The wave opened in 2010, and I was born in 2009. Cloudbreak is the best in the world."

Kusitino has had a deep connection with the ocean since infancy. His middle name, Wainisomu, translates to "drinking water." As a baby, he would calm down instantly when placed in water. "I have a passion for the ocean," he says.

He started surfing at four and was tackling Cloudbreak—a notoriously difficult wave—before turning ten. He still remembers his first competition there, around age eight or nine.

"It was enormous, massive," he says. "I saw the biggest barrel of my life—I was terrified."

Now, Kusitino spends most of his time in the water and has left school to focus on surfing. His mother explains that evenings are the best time to reach him, as he is usually out surfing.

### "I Want to Beat the Number One"

Kusitino is not Fiji’s first elite surfer—Tevita Gukilau competed in the WSL as a wildcard, and Che Slatter, his mentor, is another standout. However, the 16-year-old’s sponsorship with Former marks him as the future of Fijian surfing, the first local with the backing to pursue it professionally.

"I’m proud to be Fiji’s first professional surfer," he says. "There could have been many before me, but the wave was restricted. If it had been open earlier, Fiji might already have more pros."

Former signed Kusitino after co-founder and surfer Craig Anderson noticed him during visits to Cloudbreak.

"Every time, he’s amazed me," Anderson said. "His natural talent and fearless approach in critical waves are unmatched. In the water, he’s in his own world. To me, James is the most gifted 16-year-old surfer out there."

Backed by sponsors, Kusitino has ambitious goals. "I want to compete more," he says. "I want to surf in The Eddie. I’m going to Teahupo’."