22 years old French Polynesian professional surfer gained attention for his achievements in surfing, including qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games.
Vaast started his professional career as the World Surf League (WSL) European Junior Champion in 2017 and earned the title three times: in 2017, 2019, and 2020.
Highlights
- Kauli Vaast is of French Polynesian ethnicity and is the 2024 Paris Olympic champion in shortboard.
- His father, Gael Vaast, shortboards, and his mother, Natou Vaast, longboards.
- The surfing champion belongs to Tahitian culture and is of Polynesian ancestry.
Furthermore, in 2023, Kauli made his first World Qualifying Series (WQS) win in Morocco at the Rip Curl Pro Search Taghazout Bay.
Recently, the phenomenal surfer won the gold medal in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics men’s shortboard event.
Surfing Prodigy Kauli Vaast’s Family Is Of Tahitian Heritage
The wave rider was born on 26 February 2002 in Vairao, Tahiti, France, an overseas collectivity of France and sole overseas country.
Kauli’s father, Gael Vaast, is a Tahiti native and is of French Polynesian ethnicity who has long been involved in surfing.
On the coast of their hometown of Vairao, the surfer’s father, Mr. Vaast, introduced Kauli to the sport when he was just four. With the fuzzy memory of his childhood, Vaast says,
I don’t remember it clearly, but I’ve seen the photo of me and dad surfing in the water of Vairao.
Kauli Vaast
Similarly, Kauli Vaast’s mother, Natou Vaast, is also a Surfer. Like his father, who shortboards, she usually longboards.
Huge thanks to Kauli Vaast & his beautiful girlfriend for coming over 🤗 Good luck for your surfing competition 🏄🏼♂️ & have fun 🤙🏻 #thanksforvisiting #Rangiroa #alwaysapleasure #couple
Posted by Tehana Village on Sunday, February 28, 2021
Mrs. Vaast is also of Tahitian origins; she grew up in French Polynesia, roaming and living within water sources and being involved in water games.
Natou has mentioned that she usually does not watch her son compete because of the associated stress. When asked by local media, Kauli Vaast’s mother says,
When he’s competing in Tahiti, I just go gardening in the backyard, and then I know when I hear the neighbors cheers.
Natou Vaast
Tracing the historical lineage of Vaast patronymic, they were originally settled in Polynesia between 300 and 800 AD.
They have their ancient origins in western Europe and Gallo-Europe predominantly.
However, Kauli Vaast’s grandparents and parents are natives of Tahiti, also known as Māʼohi.
The Vaast family proudly follows Polynesian ancestry and Tahitian cultural essence.
Additional Information
- Kauli Vaast’s estimated net worth is about $2 million; his earnings typically come from sponsorships and competition winnings.
- Professional Surfer Kauli has a gorgeous girlfriend. Although her name is not disclosed, the couple often shares the same frames on social media.
- Vaast has two younger siblings, sister Aelan and brother Naiki Vaast. Both of them are professional surfers at the national and local levels.
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