For East London’s Jean-Paul Veaudry, surfing is far more than competition — it is therapy, meditation, movement and meaning all rolled into one powerful glide across the ocean.
As the gold medallist from the 2024 ISA World Para Surfing Championships in Huntington Beach, Veaudry, 49, is setting his sights firmly on 2026, driven by resilience, community support and the long-term dream of the Paralympics.
After more than a decade of podium finishes, bronzes, silvers and near-misses — Veaudry’s breakthrough gold in 2024 was not just a victory over the field, but over circumstance.
As he prepares for the 2026 competitive season, Veaudry’s focus is on health, fitness and equipment refinement, particularly for smaller wave conditions, a recurring reality in para surfing events worldwide.
“These events tend to be held in smaller surf, but I prefer bigger waves,” Veaudry said. “At 96kg, tall and heavy, smaller waves are more challenging for me compared to lighter surfers, so I’m constantly looking at board designs that work better in those conditions.”
Rather than radical changes, his approach is about consistency, adaptation and longevity keeping his body strong and his surfing sharp.
Veaudry often describes surfing as “incredible therapy”, not only for himself but for his family too. It’s a mind-set that underpins everything he does in and out of the water.
“Surfing sets me up for the rest of the day,” he said. “If I can surf in the morning, the blood gets flowing, my thinking improves, I feel and work better. Surfing doesn’t feel like hard work/exercise, because it’s fun.”
Beyond fitness, the ocean offers something deeper. “The power of the ocean is therapeutic. It’s like meditation in my happy place. Surfing played a massive role in my recovery and my positive mindset.”
Veaudry once opened a para surfing training in East London, hoping to grow the sport locally. While interest has been limited, his passion for development remains strong.
“There are only two active para surfing organisations in SA, the Roxy Davis Foundation in Cape Town and Made For More in Durban,” he said. “Hopefully with the help of GO! and people reading this, they can reach out and we can grow para surfing here.”
Behind the gold medal is a harsh reality: self-funded international competition. Each overseas trip can cost between R80,000 and R100,000, covering flights, accommodation, transport, food and entry fees.
“I panic because there’s no way I can afford that every time. I never really have a plan; I rely on kind individuals, small grants from sporting NGOs and the generosity of sponsors.
“But thanks to my sponsors Quiksilver, Hurricane, Ossur and Miko coffee. They all keep me going.”
While some support comes in the form of equipment and products, funding remains the biggest hurdle to sustained international competition.
Despite being based in a smaller city with limited corporate funding, Veaudry continues to rally support through social media and storytelling.
“East London has been incredible,” he said. “My 2024 gold medal was largely thanks to the financial and mental support from friends, family and local businesses.”
Still, he often has to look beyond SA’s borders for backing.
“It’s an ongoing battle. If anyone is reading this and can help or advise, I’m always willing to listen.”
While para surfing has not yet been officially confirmed for the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games, Veaudry and his international peers are already working towards that goal.
“The ISA World Championships and other international events are the most competitive and important for qualification,” he said.
“The problem is, they’re all over the world, and it’s hard enough to get to the US once a year.”
Even so, the dream remains firmly alive. “That’s what we’re all striving towards.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Veaudry’s ambition is bold but grounded.
“My goal is to get my gold medal back and be on top of my game again,” he said. “I truly believe I can do it.”
Age, he insists, is no barrier.
“As long as you’re physically fit and mentally sharp, there’s no limit.”
Away from competition, Veaudry is also a professional photographer of 29 years, a career that he says complements his surfing perfectly.
“Photography is creative, and so is surfing,. They feed into each other. One never gets in the way of the other.”
As 2026 approaches, his life will continue to balance waves and lenses, both driven by passion, creativity and purpose.
“I owe surfing a lot,” he said. “And I welcome anyone going through a tough time to come join us in the waves and see what the fuss is about.”
The power of the ocean is therapeutic. It’s like meditation in my happy place. Surfing played a massive role in my recovery and my positive mindset
