'I just let it flow': Meet 16-year-old James Kusitino, Fiji's first pro surfer

RNZ News

25-07-2025

@kanebrownphoto. James Kusitino riding the wave.
Photo:
Kane Brown
At just 16 years old, Fijian surfer James Kusitino is already making waves in the international surf scene.
With a natural talent and effortless appearance on the water, Kusitino has quickly captivated surfing communities around the world.
Now, the youngster has become Fiji's first sponsored professional surfer, having recently been backed by renowned surf and skate brand FORMER.
Photo by Guy Mac. James Kusitino, pictured, now sponsored by FORMER.
Photo:
Guy Mac, @guy__mac
Kusitino was only five years old when he caught a wave, pushed into the whitewash by his uncle.
"I don't remember much," he laughed. "Just that I was scared but also didn't want to get off the board."
But any initial fears, even at that age, did not last long.
By the time he was eight, Kusitino was already surfing Cloudbreak, one of the world's most iconic and formerly exclusive surf spots.
It is the kind of break most surfers only dream of, once called "the best wave on Earth" by 11-time world champion Kelly Slater.
But Cloudbreak has a complicated history, something that was recently explored by
Stab Magazine
writer Christian Bowcutt.
For years, access to the wave was tightly controlled by the nearby luxury Tavarua Island Resort, which held a private lease over the surrounding reef, effectively barring local surfers.
That all changed in 2010, a year after Kusitino was born, when Fiji's then-Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama ended exclusive surf rights following mounting pressure to open the country's waves to everyone - locals included.
"My first time surfing Cloudbreak was actually part of a competition…I was surfing alongside Jake Maki," Kusitino said.
It is a lucky thing it all changed, because Cloudbreak is Kusitino's main hunting ground, the place he thrives, and where he believes "all the mana is."
"Everyone from all around the world, all the good surfers come out here. I would just watch them, and get better as a surfer by just watching," he said.
"There weren't any other people my age out there," he added.
"...and 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."
His free-flowing, instinctive attitude has drawn praise from surf watchers around the world, setting him apart. There's a lot of eyes on him - but one of Kusitino's keys to success is that he "doesn't overthink it."
"I just go with what feels good, I don't like to force things," he said. "I just do what feels good. Just what feels nice. If you force a style, it looks bad. I just let it flow."
Photo by Guy Mac. James Kusitino, pictured, now sponsored by FORMER.
Photo:
Guy Mac, @guy__mac
Committing to the surf, especially as his talent continues to grow, meant stepping away from school as he began missing too much class.
Both Kusitino's parents have supported the decision, though his mum is "a little more hesitant."
"I'm not at school anymore. It was my parents idea for me to drop out of school, they believe in chasing the dream…and doing what I love. My dad had so much trust - my mum, not as much as my dad," Kusitino laughed.
"Even when I was in school, the teacher would go around, asking, what are you trying to be when you grow up? It was the same…doctor, pilot, doctor. Then they come to me, and I'm like, I want to be a professional surfer."
Kusitino currently splits his time between his family home in Kulukulu and a yacht he works on, which is anchored in Nadi for the moment.
"We just work on the boat…clean it up, keep it clean for the boss when he comes. When he's here, we do jobs, cleaning, things like that.
"But most of the time, I just surf. That's my job…and that is a good job to have."
Kusitino agreed that his reality seems like fantasy for other young surfers.
However, he added that the water is simply his "real home."
"I drop everything on land, I'm very clumsy," Kusitino said.
"But in the water, I'm like a fish. The water is healing for me. When I'm sick, I just go swimming. I get in the water. I feel better straight away."
After perusing a few sponsorship deals, Kusitino signed with iconic surfer Craig Anderson's label, FORMER.
"Craig's the best person on earth. Just being around him is all I need," Kusitino said. "I don't even want to look for more."
Shot by @jakefissendencreative. 16-year-old James Kusitino riding the wave.
Photo:
Jake Fissenden
He's inspired by the likes of Anderson, and other legends like Mason Ho.
Kusitino added that his mentor, local surf legend Che Slatter, has also been a pivotal part of his journey, encouraging his capability since day dot.
Looking forward, Kusitino's biggest dreams are to take on the world's most massive waves.
"I want to surf Waimea, Chopes, and the Eddie. And I want to win Cloudbreak as a wildcard. No wildcard has won it yet - maybe I can be the first."
For now, though, he keeps it simple. He wakes up, checks the waves, and "breathes deep" before paddling out.
"When the first set comes, I let it go. I just see where it breaks and how it looks," he said. "No pressure. I just go with the flow."
Kusitino added that he is thrilled to be representing the Pacific, especially Fiji, and his family.
His advice for other young surfers, especially other youngsters around the Pacific: "Just keep surfing. Do what you love with your heart. The more you surf, the more special things will happen."