Kauli Vaast

Kauli Vaast (born 26 February 2002)

Early life Vaast was born in the town of Vairao on the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia. He has two younger siblings, a sister and a brother. His sister, Aelan, is also a professional surfer. Vaast first rode on a surfboard with his father when he was four years old, and began surfing on his own when he was six. When he was eight, Vaast surfed Teahupo'o for the first time, and won a local surfing competition, motivating him to train competitively as a surfer in France.

Career Vaast is a three-time WSL European Junior Champion (2017, 2019, and 2020). There, he advanced to the Round of 16, where he was defeated by Jérémy Florès.

Vaast placed second in the Outerknown Tahiti Pro 2022, behind Miguel Pupo.

Vaast qualified for the 2024 Olympics at the 2023 ISA World Surfing Games, defeating Spanish surfer Gonzalo Gutiérrez to claim the European slot.

As a replacement for Ítalo Ferreira, who withdrew due to injury, Vaast placed fifth in the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro 2023, behind Leonardo Fioravanti.

Vaast won the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics men's shortboard event.

In the 2025 Challenger Series, Vaast achieved his first-ever qualification to compete in the Championship Tour of 2026 World Surf League, finishing in first place overall in this event.

Sponsorships In 2024, Vaast was appointed as a brand ambassador for the French fashion brand Dior.

Results

Victories

Awards and honours Orders Knight of the Legion of Honour: 2024