Who can boast of having surfed on the Seine at the foot of the Eiffel Tower? The answer is simple: Kauli Vaast. The 22-year-old Tahitian surfer, fresh off his Olympic gold medal win, celebrated his achievement in a spectacular fashion by surfing the Seine in Paris. This unique event took place at the iconic location, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for both Vaast and the gathered crowd of Parisians and tourists.
Vaast, who triumphed at the legendary Teahupo'o wave in Tahiti, made his way to the Seine after crossing the globe to commemorate his Olympic title. On a Friday morning, following the open water swimming event, he took to the water with his gold medal proudly displayed. With a boat creating waves for him to ride, he showcased his skills in front of an enthusiastic audience who had not witnessed his surfing prowess in Tahiti.
Reflecting on his extraordinary experience, Vaast expressed his joy, stating, “To think that I surfed on the Seine… It’s not the same waves surfing behind a boat, but it's still a wave, gliding. I'm happy to have been able to do this once in my life.” He emphasized the significance of surfing at such a historic site, particularly during the Olympic period, calling it a unique moment filled with excitement and pride.
The event not only highlighted Vaast's remarkable talent but also marked a significant moment in Olympic history as he became France's 13th gold medalist. Having achieved this milestone at the young age of 22, he succeeded the Brazilian Italo Ferreira, who was the Olympic surfing champion in Tokyo 2021. Vaast’s achievement, alongside Johanne Defray's bronze medal in the same event, showcases the rising prominence of surfing in the Olympic arena.
