Surfing titans are set to clash in KwaDukuza as the 55th Ballito Pro kicks off in about a month’s time.
From June 25 to July 8, KwaDukuza will welcome the world’s top surfers for the 55th edition of the Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill. This year’s event, themed “This is the Battlefield – Lena Inkundla Yempi,” promises fierce competition and vibrant festivities, blending local heritage with the excitement of the World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series.
The Challenger Series is a critical platform for surfers aiming to qualify for the elite Championship Tour (CT) in 2025. The series features six global stops, with Ballito being the third. Competitors will count their four best results from the six events, and by October, the top 10 men and top five women will secure their spots on the 2025 Championship Tour.
WSL Africa regional director, Tasha Mentasti, highlighted the significance of the event and its legacy.
“As we gear up for the landmark 55th edition of the Ballito Pro, an event with a longstanding legacy on the World Surf League calendar, WSL Africa is deeply honoured to be a part of the local surfing heritage within this naturally beautiful and wave-rich region.
“To all the Challenger Series surfers, may the waves be in your favour, and may your performances inspire us all,” said Mentasti.
O’Neill brand director, Paul Canning, expressed his excitement about this year’s event.
“We are extremely honoured to continue our partnership as presenting sponsor of the Ballito Pro in 2024. This year’s campaign highlights the rich history of the battlefields in the KwaDukuza region, as well as the great rivalries and battles we will see in the water by all the athletes competing. This year’s Ballito Pro is really showcasing every level of the sport, and we are proud to be part of this iconic event,” he said.
KwaDukuza municipality mayor O’Lindi Nhaca, emphasised the cultural and economic impact of the event.
“KwaDukuza municipality as the event licensee, host, and major funder, we express our gratitude for our partnership with WSL and O’Neill as we commemorate the 15th anniversary as official host of this exciting event. This year’s theme remains a true reflection of the municipality’s diverse heritage, which aptly encapsulates the fighting spirit of our great warriors and liberation heroes. The 55th edition of the Ballito Pro is to capture the imagination of the world by positioning KwaDukuza as a strategic tourism centre and as a recognised surfing destination,” Nhaca.
Beyond the surfing competition, the Ballito Pro Festival offers a rich programme of activities and entertainment for visitors.
“Surfing culture is strongly linked to the region’s local heritage, with the Ballito Pro running for 55 years in 2024, and celebrating 15 years of being hosted in KwaDukuza,” said Ballito Pro Festival organiser Collette Bundy.
“The Ballito Pro Challenger Series is the only WSL International Challenger Series Contest on the African continent, making it a calendar highlight for South African surfers. Visitors get the chance to watch international-level surfing in the stunning KwaDukuza area, while also enjoying the many Ballito Pro Festival activities, events, and entertainment. This is one not to miss,” said Bundy.
