Justin Mujica

Justin Mujica

Biography:

Justin Mujica was born to Anglo-Venezuelan parents and raised on Margarita Island off the coast of Venezuela. After paddling out for the first time when he was only 8 years old, Justin has felt a close bond with the ocean ever since. Justin moved to Portugal in 1999 and acquired a Portuguese passport soon after. His love and enthusiasm for surfing is evident each and every time he takes to the water, and his unique sense of humor and outstanding surfing ability have undoubtedly become the defining characteristics of this lovable rogue. While he's more than happy to keep everyone entertained by playing the role of class clown, Mujica knows when to knuckle down and get serious. First marking himself out as one of Europe's best surfers in 2004 when he was crowned EPSA Champion, Justin has since spent much of his time competing on the WQS circuit, racking up plenty of impressive results along the way. Along with the likes of Dream Tour surfer Tiago Pires and Marlon Lipke, Justin has played an instrumental role in bringing Portuguese surfing to the attention of the global surfing conscience. Outside of competition, Mujica remains a truly photogenic subject in front of the camera - a fact that has seen him occupying a position at the heart of advertising campaigns devised by his different sponsors over the years. Driven by his hunger to achieve his ultimate ambition of qualifying for the World Tour, Mujica is pumped to paddle out once again this year in an effort to make his dreams comes true. Away from surfing, Justin can always be relied upon to provide the laughs, regardless of whether he's he's hanging out with his two sons, his friends or people he's never met before.

Photos:
Latest on Justin Mujica: related products: Interview

Q: What has been the biggest highlight of the past 12 months for you?
A: For me, the highlights have been the changes in my own life, and just the pleasure I've felt as I've tried to improve my own level of surfing in response to everything that's going on around me. 

Q: What's the best thing about riding for a living?
A: It's the best thing that could have happened to me! After many years of surfing, it's great to be able to make a living through the thing you love most. Surfing has given me so many big moments in life, and opportunities that most people could only dream of. It's the best job in the world! I love it! Thanks to O'Neill for all the support over the years.  

Q: Who do you enjoy riding with the most, and why?
A: Well, I really enjoy surfing with my mates! After spending so much time traveling and surfing together with the O'Neill team, we've become a really tight group of friends. Every time we score perfect waves, it's just a fantastic feeling. For me, Team O'Neill is like a second family. 

Q: Other than home, where is your favorite place to ride, and why?
A: Indonesia. The waves there are perfect and the water is super warm! There's nothing better than that. Why? Because that's what we're always searching for: perfect waves and perfect conditions. 

Q: What are your main goals and plans for the next 12 months?
A: I want to be European Champion again, and of course I'll be trying to qualify for the World Tour in 2011. I also want to go on some good surf trips and score some good magazine coverage. I'll also continue working with my sponsor to develop future plans. 

Q: How do you see your sport evolving in the next few years?
A: I think it will continue to grow in popularity. The world of sports is evolving so much with the standard of performances going through the roof. I think surfing will continue to attract more interest and money, and will keep growing in terms of industry. 

Q: Have you got any plans to film a new video part, and if yes, with which film company?
A: Not really, but I'm always on the look-out for film projects so who knows what might happen in the future, maybe with O'Neill. 

Q: What do you do for fun when you are not riding?
A: Many things. I go to the gym and the cinema quite a bit. I really love spending time at home with my kids and my friends. I seem to spend a lot of time just organizing my life. 

Q: What achievement are you most proud of so far in your career?
A: I was crowned European Champion in 2004 and I've also traveled all over the world through surfing. Those experiences have given me so much and I feel super rich in so many ways. I'm proud of the person I have become through surfing. 

Q: If you didn't ride for a living, what would you have liked to be doing now for an occupation?
A: I think I'd probably be working in the surf industry in some way. I just love surfing and always want to remain part of the sport so that I can keep surfing no matter what. 

Q: What trick do you enjoy the most?
A: All of them. Surfing is about discovering new tricks, and just trying new stuff. I especially love to surf on the rail. I like power surfing with flow!

justin lookin fine Achievements