James Kusitino has become Fiji’s first professional surfer after signing a team rider deal with surfwear brand Former. The 16-year-old, who grew up surfing the powerful left-hand reef break at Cloudbreak near Tavarua, said the 2010 government decision to liberalise access to surf spots — ending an exclusivity agreement with a nearby resort — was pivotal to his journey. “Cloudbreak is the best wave in the world,” he said.
Born in 2009 and introduced to the ocean as an infant, Kusitino started surfing at four and was tackling Cloudbreak before he was ten. He remembers his first local competition at Cloudbreak as both thrilling and terrifying: “It was huge, it was massive… I remember seeing the biggest barrel in my life – I was so scared.” Now largely out of school to focus on surfing full time, he spends most evenings in the water; his mother jokes evenings are the best time to reach him because he’s usually surfing.
Kusitino is not the first Fijian to appear on the world stage — Tevita Gukilau has competed at Cloudbreak as a wildcard and local veterans such as Che Slatter helped nurture the scene — but his sponsorship marks a step-change: he is the first local with enough backing to pursue professional surfing full time. Former’s co-founder, South African-Australian free surfer Craig Anderson, who spotted Kusitino on trips to Cloudbreak, praised him as extraordinary: “His raw talent and unique approach in waves of consequence are like nothing I’ve seen before. In the water, he’s completely in his own world. To me, James is the most gifted 16-year-old surfer on the planet.”
With Former’s support, Kusitino plans to enter competitions and test himself on some of the world’s heaviest waves — he has his sights set on contests like the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational and trips to Teahupo’o in Tahiti. He also hopes to compete against the world’s best at Cloudbreak in WSL events, aiming high: “I want to beat the number one seed… maybe be the first local to win the whole thing.”
Cloudbreak’s return to broader local access and its reinstatement on the World Surf League calendar — the Corona Fiji Pro returned in 2024 and the island has hosted World Tour competition in recent seasons — have helped open a pathway for local surfers. The upcoming world-title-deciding event at Cloudbreak later this year will be the last under the WSL’s “final five” format; changes to the tour mean the Fiji Pro will again feature local trials and a main-draw wildcard from next year, offering further opportunities for Fijian riders.
Why this matters
– The 2010 cabinet decision to liberalise surf access removed a major barrier that previously blocked local surfers from iconic breaks like Cloudbreak. That policy shift has tangible effects: a local teenager can now become a sponsored pro.
– Kusitino’s signing demonstrates that when world-class waves are accessible to local communities, talent development and international representation can follow.
Additional context and editorial suggestions
– Suggested headline: “From Local Lineups to Pro Contract: 16-Year-Old James Kusitino Becomes Fiji’s First Sponsored Surfer”
– Subhead idea: “A decade after Cloudbreak was opened to locals, a new generation is riding its legacy into the global spotlight”
– Suggested tags/keywords: Fiji surfing, Cloudbreak, James Kusitino, World Surf League, Former surf brand, Surf sponsorship, Teahupo’o, Eddie Aikau
– Photo suggestions: action shot of Kusitino riding Cloudbreak (barrel or big-wave frame); portrait on the beach with surfboard; archival image of Cloudbreak waves to set context.
– Pull quotes for layout: “I’m so proud to be the first professional surfer in Fiji.” — James Kusitino; “His raw talent… is like nothing I’ve seen before.” — Craig Anderson, Former co-founder.
– Social post ideas: Short video of Kusitino in barrels with caption: “Fiji’s first pro surfer: James Kusitino signs with Former. From local lineups at Cloudbreak to global ambitions.”
– Note for editors: Verify permissions for any event or athlete photos; consider follow-up coverage of Kusitino’s first international contests and community programs enabling youth access to surf coaching and safety education.
Summary
James Kusitino, 16, has become Fiji’s first professional surfer after signing with Former. His rise is tied to the 2010 decision that opened Cloudbreak to locals, creating opportunities for homegrown talent. Spotted by Craig Anderson, Kusitino aims to compete internationally at big-wave venues and at WSL events held at Cloudbreak, while inspiring a new generation of Fijian surfers.
Hopeful angle
Kusitino’s story highlights how policy changes and open access to natural resources can unlock local potential. His sponsorship and ambitions offer a positive model for small nations building sports pathways: when barriers fall and talent is supported, global opportunities can follow.
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