Making Waves: Roxy’s Caroline Marks and Quiksilver’s Kauli Vaast Lead Electrifying Post-Summer Games Surf Circuit
Congratulations are in order for Authentic’s brand athletes who emerged triumphant at the 2024 Summer Games and continue to make waves on the surf circuit.
Roxy athlete Caroline Marks, who competed for the U.S., and Team France surfer Kauli Vaast, a longstanding partner of Quiksilver, won gold in their respective events, while Quiksilver's Griffin Colapinto, Billabong surfer Ethan Ewing and Volcom ambassador and silver medalist Jack Robinson exited the world stage with well-deserved accolades. In the following weeks, our brand ambassadors and athletes hit the road for exclusive interviews with the press and memorable partner visits, including special stopovers at Authentic’s Costa Mesa office. Here's how they fared in and out of the water.
CAROLINE MARKS
It’s an understatement to say this has been a busy summer for Caroline Marks.
The Roxy ambassador secured a gold medal win for the U.S. at the Summer Games, conquering Tahiti’s formidable Teahupo’o waves, and jetted off to Paris for the closing ceremony less than a week later. She then landed in New York City for a whirlwind press tour, followed by another flight to the Fiji Pro—the last stop in the lead up to the recently culminated World Surf League’s finals.
And that’s not all: Marks has already announced plans to compete in the 2028 Summer Games, set in her residential state of California. In her visit to the West Coast, she (and her gold medal) stopped by Authentic’s Costa Mesa office, where she engaged in photo moments with the team, including Authentic EVP, Action and Outdoor Sports, Lifestyle David Brooks.
An athlete for Roxy since 2016, Marks worked closely with the brand on the creative process for its recently launched Pro Surf collection, a line of sleek and sporty pieces made for both catching waves and laying out on the beach. If any of the pieces looked familiar, it’s because Marks herself sported several styles during the competition in Tahiti. Her wetsuit will be available for purchase in spring 2025.
“I know I am a part of the brand, but now it feels like family, which is so awesome, and I think as an athlete having that support is so huge.”
— Caroline Marks on being part of the Roxy family
IN THE PRESS
Entertainment Mag, Caroline Marks Partied With Team USA Basketball After Olympic Wins
Fansided, Roxy rider and Gold medalist Caroline Marks reflects on Olympic experience
Sports Illustrated Swim, Surfer Caroline Marks is Vying for Second WSL Title Following Olympic Gold
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, Caroline Marks Wore These Roxy Pro Surf Collection Suits During the Olympics: Get the Look
Us Weekly, Surfer Caroline Marks Recalls ‘Really Cool Night’ Celebrating with Steph Curry
KAULI VAAST
While Marks took home the gold for women’s surfing, it was Kauli Vaast who emerged victorious for France in the men’s competition.
The win was poetic in nature: Born and raised in Tahiti, Vaast started surfing at 4 years old and first rode the dangerous waves of Teahupo’o at the young age of 8.
After making history, Vaast brought his infectious energy and competitive spirit to the other side of the world, where he went viral for wake surfing on the River Seine.
The series of events also marked a big moment for Quiksilver, with which Vaast has been proudly partnered since he was 13. (Like Marks, he stopped by Authentic Costa Mesa to showcase his Olympic hardware.)
Proving water is his playground, Vaast previously won the WSL Junior European championship title three times. In 2023, he participated in the World Surfing Games, cementing his reputation on the international stage.
“I’m super lucky and I’m grateful they still believe in me and trust me because this is how it works… They trust you to get the good results, and they also want you to do it (for yourself).”
— Kauli Vaast on working with Quiksilver
IN THE PRESS
GRIFFIN COLAPINTO
Fans watched with bated breath as Quiksilver ambassador Griffin Colapinto competed at the 2024 Lexus WSL Finals in his backyard of San Clemente, California. It was a fitting homecoming for the athlete, who was raised in the close-knit surf town, where he placed third after a nail-biting performance against Brazilian surfer Ítalo Ferreira.
The competition came just weeks after Colapinto battled tough conditions in Tahiti. Despite such challenges, he was memorably named the first American surfer to qualify for the Paris Games—a huge feat in the highly competitive world sport.
But Colapinto is no stranger to the surf world: Before the age of 19, he had already racked up titles such as the NSSA Open Junior National Champion, USA Surfing Champion and ISA World Champion. He had also earned a spot on the WSL Championship Tour, ranking No. 3 in the world.
Griffin also has own Quiksilver signature collection that includes boardshorts, tees, surf shirts and more.
A BRIEF INTERMISSION FROM THE WAVES
Marks, Vaast and Colapinto are all smiles at Authentic Costa Mesa.
JACK ROBINSON
The treacherous waves of Teahupo’o did nothing to intimidate Volcom athlete Jack Robinson, who grew up paddling into some of Australia’s deadliest waves. His impressive showing at the Summer Games, including nailing a disappearing act in a behemoth wave, made headlines and earned him the silver medal—a coveted spot on the Olympic podium. His performance also cemented his place in history books as Australia’s highest-ever surfing finish at the world event.
Robinson, who began his surfing career at the age of 11, signed with Volcom in 2019, hailing the action brand for its values that are “core and true" to his dreams. He is no stranger to success: Robinson was previously crowned Surfer of the Year at the Australian Surfing Awards and finished No. 4 at this year's high-stakes Lexus WSL Finals. Early this season, he also won the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach as well as the Western Australia Margaret River Pro.
ETHAN EWING
The son of legendary surfer Helen Lambert, Billabong athlete Ethan Ewing had some large shoes to fill in his road to the Olympics. Not to mention the challenges he faced in the last year alone: The Queensland native broke his back in 2023 while free surfing in Tahiti—the very waves in which the Summer Games surfing competition was to be held.
Despite the setback, he was back in the water and finished the WSL’s season-ending final five event at the Lower Trestles as Australia’s highest ranked surfer. He also returned to the waves of Teahupo’o, a sentimental moment for Ewing, who continues to follow in his late mother’s footsteps.
Out of the water, Ewing has been hailed as the surfer with the best style on the elite circuit. He is also the face of Billabong's iconic pieces, including its new Furnace Natural Upcycler wetsuit.
