A Powys surfer is seeking backing from a sponsor after enjoying two podium finishes in major events.

Oliver Vaughan Jones, originally from Llandyssil, is looking for sponsorship after landing a second podium in his second appearance at the AASP World tour in California which was the final stage in the tour where surfers with physical disabilities compete.

This comes after getting a podium on his debut in alligator lined waters in Costa Rica.

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“I am very happy with it, it was a bit of luck one of the guys managed to lose his final wave score but I’ll take it all day long,” said Oliver. “There were two Welsh guys in the final again with me and Sponge (World Champion Llewlyn ‘Sponge’ Williams).”

“It was slightly less hectic than Costa Rica, my wheelchair broke down so I flew out on my hospital wheelchair so I was pushing myself around before I took part.”

It was a double Welsh podium with Oliver Vaughan Jones and Llewelyn 'Sponge' WilliamsIt was a double Welsh podium with Oliver Vaughan Jones and Llewelyn 'Sponge' Williams (Image: Oliver Vaughan Jones)

This second outing was the first time Oliver had represented Wales at the opening ceremony-  “you bring sand from your country and it is mixed in a pot to symbolise the joining of nations, I felt very honoured.”

In this tournament Oliver was more competitive but had to overcome adversity when there was a technical error.

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“I had a good first heat I felt I was at my best, my second heat was fantastic,” said Oliver. “I scored a fantastic wave straight off the bat within 20 seconds which put me in a great position which allowed me to relax and look for a bonus wave. I came out with second and going through to the final.

“Then 10 minutes later it was readjusted and I was dropped out.

“That evening was a detective situation as to what had gone wrong. Turns out the judges had scored the first wave live but the electronic system hadn’t recorded it so I had to spend two hours with the judges. What saved me was the screenshots friends and family took.”

Oliver is looking for more funding to build on his early successAt the end of this year will be the overall adaptive world championship which acts as a ‘world cup’ style event however Oliver can’t compete due to funding not being registered with Wales – despite his early performances.

As a result, is looking for sponsors to help boost his chances by funding proper equipment and travel.

“I am looking to do the entire world tour next year with the aim of competing for next year,” said Oliver.

“Everyone else is sponsored at this point. I am knocking on that door without it. I’m not even riding a custom board which everyone else is.”