African Surf Adventure Awaits at Ballito Pro pres. by O’Neill
The Ballito Pro pres. by O’Neill will be an African surf adventure for surfers and spectators alike. The 51st edition of the world’s longest running professional surfing event will take place from 27 June to 7 July in Ballito, KwaDukuza on the east coast of South Africa.
“KwaDukuza Municipality is excited to welcome visitors to our region to enjoy the internationally renowned Ballito Pro,” said the Event Coordinator, Collette Bundy. “This year we welcome Sal Masekela, the son of legendary South African jazz musician Hugh Masekela, as the event’s official ambassador for a true African Surf Adventure.”
Sal Masekela is a renowned television host, sports’ commentator, athlete, musician, actor and philanthropist and will showcase the KwaDukuza region as a top tourist destination and as the home of world-class surfing contests.
“This event is a chance for people to experience an outdoor African adventure that surpasses surfing and entertainment. The dedication to environmental sustainability and immersion of the sport into rural communities is proving to be a catalyst for nation building – both for South African people and this beautiful country,” said Bundy.
O’Neill will be the new presenting sponsor for this year’s competition.
“The event has such an amazing history in South African surfing and has been an instrumental platform in getting our local professional surfers onto the world surfing stage for over five decades,” said Paul Canning, O’Neill South Africa Brand Manager. “We look forward to building a long relationship with the KwaDukuza Municipality and presenting another world class surfing festival.”
Local and international surfers who did not qualify for entry into the 112-man main event, will have one last chance to fight for a wildcard slot. This will be determined by the Ballito Trials pres. by O’Neill featuring 16 international and 12 local competitors, set to take place on Sunday 30 June.
Alongside the surfing, visitors will be spoiled for choice with non-stop activities providing even more entertainment throughout the Ballito festival site. South Africa’s hottest musical acts appealing to all tastes – rock, pop, hip hop, kwaito, electro and dance – will be performing live on Salt Rock Beach over the last weekend. Beach and extreme sports, culinary contests as well as quality retail and food stalls will captivate visitors to this coastal holiday highlight.