“I suck it up, it’s my passion, and the medals make it worthwhile,” international para-surfer Jean-Paul Veaudry, of East London, said.
His journey is one of resilience, dedication and an unwavering passion for the ocean.
He faced scores of small barriers since losing his left leg in a motorcycle accident on the NEX near Nahoon River in 2009.
Veaudry was nominated this week for a national sportsman of the year with disability award at the 18th annual SA Sport gala dinner.
His dedication at multiple international events has spurred on others to break the barriers and get into a sport.
The awards are hosted by the department of sport, arts & culture, to celebrate sporting excellence and to honour athletes who have excelled.
Veaudry, a photographer, has campaigned abroad at the International Surfing Association (ISA) Para Surfing Championships, representing SA every year since the event’s inception in 2015.
“This nomination means a lot to me. On a personal level, it reflects the years of training and dedication I have put into getting to where I want to be, a world champion. It’s nice to be recognised for that,” he said.
He was a free-flowing surfer before the crash changed his life. He crashed mentally too.
It was tough, but giving up surfing was never an option.
“It was important that I carry on surfing, not just for my mental health, but because sport is my passion. It’s all I’ve ever known and wanted to do.”
His first big win was in California, where he won the WSA West Coast Championships in 2011, and then again in 2012.
“Making a custom prosthetic for surfing was a difficult task. The sea is corrosive, so they don’t last forever, and I’m constantly adapting and changing things.
“Travelling abroad is another challenge. Carrying two or three surfboards and heavy luggage, often alone, is not easy.”
Preparing for major events is a daily ritual.
“I try to start every day with a surf. It keeps me strong mentally and physically.
“Leading up to competitions, I test boards and adapt my prosthetic to make sure it’s the best it can be. Many of the events I compete in are in the US, where the waves are smaller, so I train on smaller boards and adapt my style to be ready for those conditions.”
Surfing is as much about mindset as physical ability. “You’ve got to stay positive and believe in yourself and your talents.
“Being in shape helps mentally too, then you just let the surfing do the talking,” he said.
Reflecting on life after his accident, he believes goal-setting was key to overcoming adversity.
“When you have a disability, it’s daunting. You don’t know how your life will change. Goals are important. They help you recover quicker.
“You can see your disability as a hindrance — or a challenge. I saw it as a challenge — and I definitely do more now than I did before my accident.”
He says para-surfing deserves greater recognition.
“We need more publicity around para-surfing so that more people can join the team and grow the sport.”
His nomination at the SA Sport Awards is proof that he is not only riding the waves but breaking barriers, inspiring a new generation of athletes along the way.
