MEET THE ROOKIE: Kauli Vaast – The World Title is on the mind, Winning the Challenger Series and Qualifying for the CT, Working with Jeremy Flores and Joan Duru, The most ‘CT-ready Rookie,’ Winning the Olympic Gold medal & Rookie of the Year Goals

Olympic gold medalist and Challenger Series champion Kauli Vaast joins Joe Turpel for an in-depth conversation ahead of his highly anticipated Championship Tour rookie season. Kauli opens up about growing up in Tahiti, learning to surf near Teahupo’o, and traveling solo to Europe at just nine years old to sharpen his competitive edge. He reflects on balancing school and surfing, choosing to go all-in on a pro career, and the mindset that helped him qualify for the CT. He also dives into the powerful coaching team guiding his rookie campaign, including mentorship from Jeremy Flores, strategic support from Joan Duru, and collaboration with Tomas Mallem. Kauli explains how rotating between coaches, building trust, and focusing on mental performance helped him handle pressure and perform at the highest level. The Tahitian standout also shares stories about his family’s influence, surfing heavy waves with his siblings, and living a deliberately “off-grid” lifestyle while traveling the world. From the pressure of qualification to his goals of Rookie of the Year and ultimately a world title, Kauli breaks down what drives him as he prepares for his debut season. Plus, Kauli talks equipment, his coaching team, the upcoming CT stops, and why winning at home in Tahiti remains his ultimate dream. Learn more about Kauli and follow him here. Follow Joe Turpel here. Stay tuned to the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy, Apr 1 - 11. Join the The Lineup Podcast Mega League Fantasy and the Lineup Podcast Brackets for your chance to win Prizes! Terms and conditions apply. Stay up to date with the rankings. Get the latest merch at the WSL Store! Use code LINEUP at checkout for FREE shipping. Join the conversation, follow the league, follow The Lineup, and stay updated on all things WSL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can listen to MEET THE ROOKIE: Kauli Vaast – The World Title is on the mind, Winning the Challenger Series and Qualifying for the CT, Working with Jeremy Flores and Joan Duru, The most ‘CT-ready Rookie,’ Winning the Olympic Gold medal & Rookie of the Year Goals online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

MEET THE ROOKIE: Kauli Vaast – The World Title is on the mind, Winning the Challenger Series and Qualifying for the CT, Working with Jeremy Flores and Joan Duru, The most ‘CT-ready Rookie,’ Winning the Olympic Gold medal & Rookie of the Year Goals is an episode from The Lineup with Dave Prodan - A Surfing Podcast by WSL Studios.

This episode is 48:03 long.

This episode was published on Apr 8, 2026.

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