Joel Vaughan's Rookie Debut on the WCT

Joel Vaughan is one of Australia’s most exciting young surfers, making his debut on the Championship Tour this season. Known for his explosive style, aerial prowess, and adaptability in a variety of conditions, Joel is set to make waves on the world stage.

With strong mentorship, a competitive upbringing, and a fresh partnership with O’Neill, he’s embracing his rookie year with a grounded mindset and big aspirations—including a long-term goal of chasing a world title.

We had a quick chat with him a day or two before the first event of the season - Pipe - kicked off.

Thanks to Brent Bielmann c/o WSL for the below imagery. 

How are you preparing for your debut at Pipeline, and what are your goals for the rookie season?

To be honest, I’m just trying to enjoy it all. I’m surfing Pipe as much as I can for the first event and getting used to the lineup, but everything’s constantly changing. Conditions are weird, and the swell direction is unusual, so I’m just surfing as much as I can and having fun. My goals are to surf the way I surf, approach heats the way I want to, and surf big and explosively. This has been my dream my whole life, so I’m super excited to have as much fun as I can, take it all in, and have a great year.

Any pinch-me moments yet?

I went to the WSL awards and had my name called out to get my jersey for the year—that was a pretty surreal experience. Sitting up on stage, looking down, and seeing a bunch of people I’ve always looked up to was incredible.

You recently transitioned from Quiksilver to O’Neill after an eight-year partnership. What influenced your decision to make the change at this point in your career? 

You’ve been riding DHDs for a couple of years now. What have you and Darren been working on for the upcoming season? And what do you look for in a board when preparing for different stops?

Each stop has its own unique challenges. There are a few boards that will work at multiple spots, but I always like a board with a bit of spice and pop. When coming to Hawaii, I prefer low rails and bigger boards that can hold in solid conditions.

 

Darren’s a freak in the shaping bay—he comes up with all these innovative ideas, and we get to test them out, which is super cool. He teaches me so much about what works best for specific conditions. Things like tucking the rails a bit more or adding extra concave for certain spots are super important.

 

How has working with him in the shaping bay helped you? 

Yeah, I’ve been spending a lot of time with him in the shaping bay, watching him work on my boards. It’s been a great learning experience. I can give him detailed feedback on what I liked or didn’t like about each board, and we refine them together. It’s such a unique experience—most people don’t get to see that process up close. It’s taught me a lot about boards, conditions, and what works where.

In previous interviews, you've mentioned the pivotal role your family, mentors, and local legends have played in your surfing journey. How have they shaped your approach to competitive surfing?

My family has been a huge influence. My dad is super competitive, as are my brothers, so I grew up in a loving but competitive household where we all pushed each other to do our best.

 

I’ve also had some amazing role models, like Russ Molony, Shane Holmes, and the crew at North Shelley Boardriders. It’s a really supportive community, and I’m so grateful to have grown up in that environment.

 

You’re known for your impressive aerial maneuvers. How do you plan to integrate your aerial skills into your competitive strategy, especially at point breaks that demand power surfing?

I like to surf waves however they come to me. That’s what I love about the ocean—no two waves are the same. It’s all about being creative, drawing different lines, and making the most of what the wave offers.

 

If there’s a big ramp on a section at a point break, I’ll hit it. If it’s a solid section, I’ll try to do something powerful and exciting on it.

Competing at the highest level brings both excitement and pressure. How are you mentally preparing for the CT, and do you have any routines to stay focused?

When the comp isn’t on, I try to switch off completely.

While preparing, I focus on the water—surfing, locking in my lineups, and finalizing my boards. Once that’s sorted, I like to relax and spend time with my family. They’re all here in Hawaii with me, so it’s been really nice to hang out and enjoy downtime with them.

 

When you’re relaxing, do you ever think about surfing, or is your mind on something else?

Sometimes I think about surfing, and other times I don’t—it depends on the conversation or what’s happening around me. It’s nice to have a balance and not obsess over it 24/7.

 

What are your long-term aspirations, and how do you see your career evolving in the coming years?

I see myself staying on tour for many years and, hopefully, competing for a world title. That’s the dream, and that’s where I want to be. I’ll do everything I can to make it happen

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Joel rides the DHD Juliette PU - 6'0 x 18 3/4 x 2 3/8 with FCS.