Juliette Lacome

Photo: Brodie Doyle

Photo: Brodie Doyle

While she might be a household name in the south-west of France, Juliette Lacome has been making her mark on a global scale and we are taking notice. 

In regular company of the world’s best in surfing, Juliette affectionately known as Juju feels just as comfortable in pumping Hawai’i as she does at fickle Biarritz. She is known to charge in the surf as much as she does on land and is always down for a good time. With a poster girl smile, undeniable talent, Juju lives the life most people’s best version of a dream would be. 

Who are you?

My name is Juliette but everyone calls me Juju. 

What do you do?

I’m a surfer. 

How long have you been doing that?

Almost fourteen years now. 

Where is home for you?

I was born and raised in Biarritz which is a small surf town in the south west of France. I’m really grateful to call this place home. 

Photos: Whitney Gilmore, Théo, Marcus Rodrigues

If you weren’t surfing, what would you be doing?

Ah man I don’t know. I would have probably finished school and have a pretty simple job. I have always thought about being a pro skater or making music. I’m not good at either skating or music though so I’ll keep dreaming haha. 

What do you think about the current state of surfing?

I think that it’s pretty cool seeing everyone trying to push the sport. Women's surfing has been improving a LOT which is dope. Surfers are putting together really sick and creative edits. Our sport is definitely evolving and it’s pretty inspiring. 

What do you do outside of surfing and how does that thing influence or affect your craft?

I don’t do much. I have been working out a bunch. I used to hate it but now it makes me feel good with my body and surfing. I’m also learning how to play guitar. I skate a bit too. I feel like it helps with my surfing although most of the time I end up getting injured so even though I enjoy it I’m trying to play it a little safer now.  

The best/worst thing about the surf industry? 

Best thing is definitely how women's surfing has evolved over the past few years. I feel like we finally get more respect and better opportunities to showcase what we can do. 

There’s not a lot that bothers me. I used to hate a couple things but nowadays I’m really trying to go with the flow and do my own thing. Not saying the industry is perfect, there are definitely lots of things that can be improved.

Something you’re most proud of? 

I’m proud of myself for not giving up on surfing when I had the biggest burnout ever. And maybe towing in for the first time at Jaws. It wasn’t massive but still pretty hectic for the first time I think haha. 

“Best thing is definitely how women’s surfing has evolved over the past few years. I feel like we finally get more respect and better opportunities to showcase what we can do. ”

Biggest lesson you’ve learnt in life so far?

Always have fun and stay true to yourself. 

I felt like I used to put so much pressure on myself to the point where I wasn’t enjoying the things I loved the most. It’s important to have a good balance between pressure and having fun. Also, I used to always try to be someone else just to fit in. Nowadays I’m happy just being myself. If you like it, that’s cool. If you don’t like it I’m cool with that too.  

Something anyone can do today to make the world a better place? 

Be kind and respectful. You don’t know what others are going through. Also global warming is not a joke we should all take care of our planet!! If everyone can make a little effort overall it’s gonna make some changes. 

What is something people might not know about you? 

I’m gonna pretend that I don’t care but I’m pretty competitive haha. 

Who do you think is doing it the best/coolest in your industry right now?

One of my closest friends Coco has been killing it recently. She teamed up with Matt Parker and started her own Surfboard brand named XO COCO. I think it’s the sickest collab ever and I’m stoked to be surfing these boards now. They feel so good and look like candies. 

What do you think the biggest issue young people are facing today?

I think social media is ruining us. Sometimes, I wish I didn’t have to do social media because I feel like there is a lot of oversharing and comparisons that can often lead to social anxiety and insecurity. But it is also a big part of our industry these days and if you want to be in with a chance to make a living out of surfing you gotta be good with social media. It’s sad but true. 

What is style to you?

I highly recommend watching Mikey Feb or Steph Gilmore surfing. That’s style to me.

What is your favourite thing about France?

When I’m home, waking up and having my morning coffee with a croissant really makes me appreciate life more. France is where I feel more comfortable with myself. I have my routines, my family and really fun beach breaks. 

What kind of surfing are you drawn to the most?

Smooth operators!!!

Who do you look up to the most?

I have a pretty inspiring group of friends that I look up to. Coco is one of my best friends and is also the person I look up to the most. She is great at telling me when I’m either doing the right things or when I’m screwing up haha. But also anyone who is willing to make their life better and push themselves is pretty inspiring too.