The Ballito Pro launches its completely outdoor festival programme for 2021
Holidaymakers to the North Coast can look forward to a fantastic line-up of open-air sports, retail and recreational activities taking place alongside The Ballito Pro. This year’s Festival Programme is being hosted at well-ventilated, outdoor venues from 9 to 19 December, where visitors will be kept is prioritised.
“We’re really happy that this year’s Ballito Pro, which is taking place in December for the first time ever, is able to go ahead with the festival being hosted at a number of venues throughout KwaDukuza,” said Collette Bundy, The Ballito Pro Festival Organiser. “As event organisers, we’re working closely with KwaDukuza Municipality, the Department of Health and many other stakeholders to ensure every Covid-19 regulation is adhered to and our visitors are kept safe this summer.”
The Ballito Pro Skate Jam
On Saturday, 18 December there will be The Ballito Pro Skate Jam presented by Volcom, Fallen Footwear US, Re/Max Dolphin Realtors and KwaDukuza Municipality. Catch the country’s top 10 skaters pull off their best moves at the Ballito Bowl. The contest has Open and U16 divisions for guys and girls, with a R10 000 cash prize up for grabs! Registration opens at 2pm with the contest running from 4pm to 9pm. The Monster Truck will be playing great tunes with a skate clinic for all the local groms. Spectators can pull in with the family and a picnic blanket, enjoy a bite to eat and enjoy the skills on display!
Sports and Recreation
There’s lots of family fun to be had at Willard Beach from 9am to 5pm daily. When not watching the epic surfing contest, visitors can enjoy:
· Free sunrise yoga and pilates;
· Beach volleyball;
· Daily fashion shows, beach mania and dance displays;
· Virgin Active Summer Pop Up;
· All Good Natural Holdings Beach Pop Up; and
· Hollywood Bets Pop Up.
Retail Delight
Those looking to grab a bite to eat, a refreshing drink or indulge in some last-minute Christmas shopping can also get to Willard Beach between 9am and 5pm where retailers will be set up. Some of these include:
· Thefood court and cider garden;
· Arts n crafts and exhibitions;
· Surfboard displays and shaping;
· Oakley and other pop ups; and
· Virtual reality rides including Santa & Surf.
Environmental Awareness Campaign and Programme
Sarah Ferguson, the founder of Breath Conservation, renowned Channel swimmer, world record holder, and silver license swimming coach will run environmental awareness campaigns and activations from 15 to 17 December. This will include a guided marine walk and pop-up snorkel day. Bins will also be strategically located at the event for the Slip Slop campaign.
Covid-19 Vaccination and Testing Site
The Ballito Pro in partnership with IPSS Medical and Thrive Better than Well is running a Covid-19 Safety Awareness Campaign which will include a Vaccination and Testing Site at Willard Beach for event goers. Thrive Ballito Pharmacy based at Balvista Centre Ballito will be offering onsite vaccinations at the Ballito Pro from 9am to 1pm daily. Walk-ins are welcome but priority is given to bookings that can be made on their website www.wethrive.co.za. From 2pm to 5pm daily, vaccinations will be offered at their pharmacy. IPSS Medical will also have a designated Covid-19 Testing Site at the event entrance, together with the Dept of Health, where they will conduct Covid-19 PCR and antigen tests.
Live Broadcast of Ballito Pro
For those who can’t catch the surfing action live, The Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill will broadcast the event in partnership with DSTV Peoples°Weather channel 115 on Openview and channel 180 on DStv / Openview Channel 115, and Ballito TV. In December, from 17 to 19, 24 to 26 and 30 to 2 January, Peoples°Weather will transport audiences to the Ballito shores with a livestream of all the barrelling-surf, backwash and action! The Surf + channel will also feature local and international surf documentaries and films, covering everything from the history of surfing all the way through to the latest surf documentaries to hit the big screen. There’s also a competition running to win a O’Neill Hyperfreak 3/2mm+ FUZE fullsuit valued at R5 500. Enter via www.peoplesweather.com by answering two simple questions!