ABOUT

Joel Vaughan grew up in North Shelly on the New South Wales Central Coast and built his name through the junior ranks as one of Australia's most explosive young talents. He won the 2022 CARVE Great Lakes Pro on home turf at Boomerang Beach, backing up a runner-up finish at Phillip Island earlier that year, and climbed to the top of the regional Qualifying Series rankings. He made his first World Junior Championships appearance in Oceanside not long after, chasing the one title that had eluded him through the junior grades.

He qualified for his rookie Championship Tour season in 2025, debuting at Pipeline alongside the sport's best. Known for his explosive style and aerial game, he's built a reputation as a surfer who treats every heat like a free surf, throwing alley oops and stalefish airs with the same commitment he brings to a Qualifying Series final. From Central Coast grom to Championship Tour rookie, Joel's climb has been built on range, and he's still just getting started.

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