Kauli Vaast is a French Polynesian surfer. He won gold for France at the 2024 Summer Olympics in surfing.
He was born on 26 February 2002 in Vairao, Tahiti, French Polynesia. Aged 22, he first became a Junior European Champion in 2017.
Quick Info
Real Name | Kauli Vaast |
Age | 22 [as of 2024] |
Birthplace | Vairao, Tahiti, French Polynesia |
Education | N/A |
Height | 5 feet 10 inches [approx.] |
Weight | 70 kg [approx.] |
Ethnicity
Kauli Vaast is of Tahitian descent. He is the oldest child of his parents Gael and Celine Vaast.
His father Gael is a former windsurfing champion. Per LinkedIn, he has been teaching at Lycee de Taravao since 2004. He has taught French, history, and geography. His mother Céline also works in the educational sector. Currently, she holds the position of Educational Director at IFRES in Alençon, France.
He has two siblings namely Aelan and Naiki Vaast. Both of them are professional surfers. Additionally, his sister Aelan is a model signed with AO Models.
Personal Life
Vaast began surfing with his father at age 4. However, his passion for pursuing the sport sparked when he won a local surfing competition at age 8.
He started surfing in Teahupo’o after his family moved there. While surfing, he also won local judo competitions.
Leaving his father, the former professional surfer Raimana Van Bastolaer helped him in many ways including finding sponsors.
He’s taken care of me since I was young, he’s always been there. Helped me find sponsors, looked after me at Teahupo’o, basically been a second father. I owe him a lot.
Kauli Vaast about Raimana Van Bastolaer
Career
Kauli Vaast began participating in junior-level competitions in the mid-2010s. He became the WSL European Junior Champion in 2017 and earned the same title in 2019 and 2020.
However, in 2018, he won against world no. 1 Kolohe Andino at the WSL Qualifying Series before losing in the round of 16 to Jeremy Flores. In 2020, he was defeated by Billy Kemper in the final of the Sunset Open. Also, he won the 2020 Junior Pro Espinho.
In 2021, he made his WSL Challenger Series debut with the US Open of Surfing Huntington Beach. The next year, he came second at the Outerknown Tahiti Pro and third at the Estrella Galicia Santa Cruz Pro.
In 2023, he defeated Jorgann Couzinet to become a Rip Curl Pro Search Taghazout Bay Champion. However, he was placed fifth at the 2023 Tahiti Pro. He qualified for the 2024 Paris after defeating Gonzalo Gutiérrez at the 2023 ISA World Surfing Games.
Though most competitions were in Europe, the surfing event was held in his home country. He participated in the men’s shortboard event and won gold for his country.
Unknown Facts
- He is a Redbull athlete.
- He has been to many countries including Australia.
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Photo credit: @kaulivaast – Instagram.