Juliette Lacome, affectionately known as Juju, is making waves in the world of surfing—not just in her hometown of Biarritz, France, but on a global scale. Growing up in the surf capital of the French Basque region, Juliette has been surrounded by the rich surf culture that nurtured her talent from a young age. Now, at just twenty-one, she has become a household name in southwestern France, carving her own path alongside some of the sport's biggest names.
Juliette’s passion for surfing began when she was just seven years old, and, today, she’s renowned for her fearless approach to the sport. Whether she’s navigating the powerful breaks of Hawaii or tackling the unpredictable waves of Biarritz, her skill, style, and fearless energy have become recognised markers in the world of modern surfing. As one of the sport's most promising athletes, Juliette has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of women’s surfing, and her impact is only just beginning.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Juliette is committed to empowering the next generation of surfers. She’s a passionate advocate for women in the sport, and her involvement in events such as the Queens Classic Surf Festival reflects her dedication to promoting inclusivity and diversity in the surfing world.
| Zachari Gotmy | Big wave surfing is a daunting pursuit. What originally drew you to it, and how do you mentally prepare before competitions? |
| Juliette Lacome | I haven’t got a wave big enough to consider myself as a big wave surfer. Last year was the first time I tried at Jaws in Hawaii. I had a really frustrating year where I wasn’t satisfied with myself, and I felt like I needed to push myself a little bit more. I was definitely looking for some adrenaline. Everything lined up, and I got a decent wave that day. It’s such an intimidating place and you can feel the power of the wave the moment you get in the channel. I’m really attracted to this sport though and I hope I will get more chances to catch bigger waves. I started competitive surfing when I was twelve; it’s way different than big wave surfing or free surfing, which I’m more into nowadays. You follow a tour and travel around the world to try to qualify for the professional tour. I still want to win contests because I’m a really competitive person, but I find more freedom when I’m free surfing than anything else. |
| ZG | You’ve surfed in some of the world’s most iconic spots, from Hawaii to Nazaré. How has the surf culture in Biarritz shaped your perspective when riding waves on the global stage? |
| JL | I have been lucky enough to travel around the world and surf some really nice waves since I was little. The surf scene at home is pretty mellow. We don’t have the best waves, but we get to surf fun beach breaks which is cool. When I started travelling, I figured out that there are plenty of different types of waves and I had to learn and adapt. That’s what makes surfing so interesting. You won’t ever surf the same wave; they are all special in their own way. |
| ZG | Surfing demands a lot, both physically and mentally. What does a typical day of training look like for you, and how do you balance it with relaxation and fun? |
| JL | When I’m home it’s easier for me to have a good routine as opposed to when I’m traveling. A training day at home would be waking up early, doing some stretching, and either surfing depending on the waves/tides or going to the gym. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I try to do things that make me happy or hang with my friends. I think it’s good to have a balance between work and having fun. |
| ZG | With competitive surfing taking you to so many diverse locations around the world, how do different waves and environments influence your style and technique? |
| JL | Travelling and surfing different waves will definitely have an impact on your surfing. I grew up surfing decent beach breaks; when I started doing the qualifying series, we would usually surf decent beach breaks and sometimes have good waves. It’s all about adapting, having the right quiver of boards, and being well-trained so as to be capable of surfing any kind of wave. My goal has always been to have a good style and be able to surf any type of wave—which I’m still working on. |
| ZG | Having spent time with trailblazers like Coco Ho and Stephanie Gilmore, what are some of the most valuable pieces of advice they've given you and how has this shaped your approach to surfing? |
| JL | I think it’s really important to have friends who push and inspire you. The girls have been huge inspirations, both when I was little and now. We hang out and travel together a bunch. They definitely have more experience than me so it’s always good to get advice from them. I don’t think I would be here talking to you without them. They have definitely had a big impact on my surfing journey, and I hope we will get to go on girls' trips for the rest of our lives. |
| ZG | As someone who started competing young, what advice would you give to other young surfers about navigating the balance between passion and pressure? |
| JL | We surely live the dream life but there are also a lot of pressures and moments when you feel overwhelmed that people don’t really see. First of all, competitive surfing is really stressful. We travel a lot and don’t get to see our family much. You are mainly depending on how you perform but also on the ocean, which can be frustrating sometimes. On top of that, you have to deal with the industry. I used to try to please everyone but at the end of the day you have to do things that make you happy and feel right for you. If you are really passionate about what you do, I think that working hard to reach your goals, believing in yourself, and having some self-confidence can take you where you want to be. |
| ZG | What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your surfing career so far, and how did you overcome it? |
| JL | I have faced a few challenges that made me doubt a lot. For any athlete, I think that injuries are the biggest challenge to overcome. You often ask yourself why is this happening to me and wonder if you will ever come back to one hundred percent. When I was younger it was hard for me to accept it but the more I have experienced injuries the more I have learned about taking care of my body, being patient, and understanding that everything happens for a reason. |
| ZG | Lastly, if you could design the ultimate surf trip—combining your favourite people and destinations—what would it look like? |
| JL | I’m lucky enough to have a rad group of friends. Everywhere we go, we always have the best time. The ultimate surf trip would be somewhere warm with the girls and the most perfect forecast/waves. |
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