Month: June 2025

It was another impressive display of South African skating talent showdown at the Ballito Bowl last Saturday (28 June), with Cape Town’s Thalente Biyela taking first place in the O’Neill Ballito Bowl Skate Jam Open category, while Ballito’s own Ezra Vosloo earned the top spot in the Groms. Spectators at this epic Ballito Pro festival event were also treated to Olympic-level skills as Joburg’s Brandon Valjalo took home the prize for the Best Trick category after impressing the judges.

Biyela (31), a Durban Beach Park original, has made a name for himself in the Mother City with his epic story from the streets to professional skateboarder captured in the award-winning documentary, I am Thalente, featuring Tony Hawk and co-produced by Salema Masekela.

Speaking after his win, Biyela enthused, “The event was very well put together, including the promotion of it, which helps a lot. I just really loved the atmosphere of the whole thing; having all the locals showing support was so amazing. I also spent many years here before moving to Cape Town, so it feels like a second home!”

He added, “It was great seeing all the young new talent coming up, and seeing the progression from the past few events is absolutely mind-blowing. Competing alongside some of the younger girls just made it an all-around incredible experience. I’m so stoked to have been a part of it all. Looking forward to next year!”

Skating local, Ezra Vosloo (14) not only took first prize in the Grom’s division – he also landed 3rd spot in the Open’s division as well. This was a fantastic send off for the youngster who is soon heading Down Under.

“I was so stoked to win the Groms U16 Division and make it onto the podium for the Open Division in the O’Neill Ballito Bowl Skate Jam. I’ve worked really hard for this, skating as much as I can. It has been a goal of mine for a while to be placed in the top 3 with all the legendary South African skaters,” said Vosloo.

“I’m really looking forward to the new chapter in my life as I’m moving to Torquay in Victoria, Australia, so these results were a perfect way to end my time in Ballito. I really love skating – it’s by far one of the best feelings in the world!”

Best Trick winner was Red Bull’s Brandan Valjalo (26), a two-time Olympian and four-time South African champion. He has vast experience on the international skating scene, having competed in the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics, the World Skate Championships, the World Cup Series, as well as claiming the African Championship title at Ultimate X in 2017.

“It was super cool to see females competing against males in the Grom’s division, and it came down to Joburg’s Ashley getting on the podium in second,” said an enthusiastic Valjalo. “I ended up coming second in the qualifiers and was feeling good in the bowl contest, but being more of a street skater, I implemented some of the street obstacles into my line, which gave me the diversity and use of course credibility from the judges.”

He says while it went really well, he unfortunately suffered from spasms before the finals, forcing him to pull out at the last minute. However, some on-site treatment saw him making it to the Best Trick category.

“I incorporated one of the street obstacles into the bowl and came through with a kickflip manual, all the way around and dropped down 50 into the bowl for the first trick,” he explained, adding that for his second trick, he impressed judges by popping into the deep end from the top rope.

“It was super cool to be there and bring the community together – such a cool vibe, with a lot of shredding and skating. You could definitely tell the local skaters based on their lines in the bowl – it was great to see.”

This is Valjalo’s second competition since competing at the Olympics in Paris, having taken first place in the Kimberly Diamond Cup earlier this year. His jam-packed schedule will see him skating around the city and catching some of the surfing during the Ballito Pro. He then heads to Europe to compete in the World Cup skating circuits before jetting to Washington, USA, in September for the Olympic qualifiers.

Markus Müseler of OSP Events Co said, “Another great Ballito Pro Skate Jam is in the books, and the OSP Events team is already looking forward to the 2026 edition. Epic skating, an unbeatable vibe, and an incredible crowd!”

O’Neill Ballito Bowl Skate Jam 2025 Results

Open Division

1.       Thalente Biyela (Cape Town)

2.       Kalvyn Mac Millan (Ballito, KZN)

3.       Ezra Vosloo (Ballito, KZN)

4.       Josh Beukes (JHB)

5.       Josh van Zyl (Ballito, KZN)

Grom’s Division

1.       Ezra Vosloo (Ballito, KZN)

2.       Ashley Gindre (Randburg, JHB)

3.       Jamie Charlton Jones (Ballito, KZN)

4.       Adnir Tait

5.       Levi Vosloo

6.       Manqoba Ndwandwe

The 2025 Ballito Pro Festival Lineup

There is still lots more action lined up for the festival at The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill, taking place in KwaDukuza from 22 June to 6 July. The 56th edition of this international surf and lifestyle festival is themed Sea-Sound-Waves to honour the unifying force of sport and music – the two pillars of The Ballito Pro. Don’t miss out on the action!

·         Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona

·         Corona Sunset Sessions

·         Battle of the DJs Competition

·         Red Bull Activations

·         Music & Instrument Programme

·         After Dark Programmes and Parties

·         iLembe Surf Development Fundraiser

·         Beach Recreational Entertainment & Retail

·         Workshops & Training Courses

·         Coastal & Cultural Tourism Experience

·         Ballito Pro Environmental Campaign

Don’t miss any of the action at the 2025 Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival! #seasoundwaves

#ulwandle umsindo amagagasi

Watch LIVE The Challenger Series will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL app, and the WSL’s YouTube channel. Also, check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.

To find out more about The Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill festival programme, visit:

Website: www.theballitopro.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/theballitopro/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheBallitoPro

Instagram: www.instagram.com/TheBallitoPro

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/theballitopro

Snapchat: Username – TheBallitoPro

With thousands of visitors heading to the beautiful beaches of KwaDukuza this winter for the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill, ocean health forms a major focus for all stakeholders. That’s why there will be an ongoing Environmental Campaign running throughout the Ballito Pro, from 22 June to 6 July, ensuring the beaches and ocean remain protected now – and in the future.

“One of the main reasons the Ballito Pro is hosted in KwaDukuza on the KZN North Coast is the incredible beaches found here,” explained Collette Bundy, The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival Organiser. “Without healthy oceans, there simply is no Ballito Pro. We are all responsible for the health and well-being of the beaches and ocean, which is why we’re calling on visitors and participants to support our Environmental Campaign running throughout the festival.”

Ballito Pro Environmental Campaign

Beach Activation: Litter4Tokens Nurdles Competition & Recycling Project

Running throughout the Ballito Pro at Willard Beach, the 2025 campaign includes a wide-ranging environmental programme, driven by Litter4Tokens, in partnership with Dolphin Coast Waste Management (DCWM), Ballito UIP, KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM), and others. This campaign is being sponsored by PETCO, the Presidential Stimulus Fund, and Brownie Points, ensuring impact at every level.

1.       Litter4Tokens Recycling Station

Located at the lifesaving hut at Willard Beach, this dedicated station will be manned by more than 20 trained collectors who will sort, weigh, and log all packaging and recycling data in real-time using the LitterHub app. Visitors are encouraged to support the recycling efforts by discarding in waste bins throughout the venue, all clearly marked for:

• Plastics (Types 1, 2, 4, 5)
• Glass
• Tin & cardboard
• Landfill (Styrofoam P6, LDPE 7, PVC 3, food waste)

The LitterHub app ensures real-time transparency by tracking:

• Waste volumes recycled
• Landfill avoidance
• CO₂ and methane emission reductions
• Community job creation
• Impact per packaging type

The long-term vision is to expand this model across all 20 World Surf League events globally, helping quantify and visualise circular economy results that benefit both people and planet.

2.       Educational Outreach

The on-site Recycling and Education Station will host live demonstrations, tutorials, and display real-time impact stats via the LitterHub platform. This outreach aims to increase awareness about waste separation, marine pollution, and how communities can support Material Recovery Facilities.

3.       Rebates and Sponsorship

Recycling rebates generated through the Ballito Pro will directly fund the collection of 1 000+ bags of ocean-bound waste from across KwaDukuza. Each bag is valued at R39, covering personal protective equipment, training, tools, and wages for waste collectors. Sponsors and partners can use the LitterHub or TrashTalk apps to support specific packaging recovery efforts, tracking transparent environmental, social, and governance outcomes.

4.       Mermaid Tear Catcher Competition

Beachgoers are invited to participate in the Mermaid Tear Catcher Competition, where they use specially designed Mermaid Tear Catcher sieves (which double as a Frisbee!) made from ocean-bound plastic to collect harmful nurdles from the sand. Nurdles are round microplastics used for creating plastic products. However, they closely resemble fish eggs and wreak havoc on marine ecosystems. Every nurdle collected goes into the Nurdle Bin for weighing and safe disposal. The cost is R50 each or R90 for two Mermaid Tear Catchers. All funds raised go directly towards conservation efforts, and collected data contributes to national research on nurdle pollution.

Prizes include:

• Eco-surfboard valued at R8 200
• Dining vouchers from Fiamma Grill, Concha Café, and Coco de Mer
• A two-night stay at The Cavern Resort & Spa in the Drakensberg
• Branded merchandise and more!

Fast Facts About Ballito Pro Conservation

In 2024:

• 694 bags of recycling collected
• 1,629kg of materials repurposed
• 3.56kg of nurdles removed (over 57,000 pieces)
• 2,481kg of CO₂ emissions avoided
• Only 472kg of material sent to landfill

Since 2015:

Litter4Tokens has prevented over 3.67 million bags of ocean-bound waste and empowered nearly 1 million South Africans. With each Ballito Pro, the organisation continues to lead the charge for cleaner oceans and stronger coastal communities.

WESSA’s Coastal Conservation Campaigns

Strengthening the environmental focus, WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) will be promoting its Blue Flag and Green Coast initiatives at the Ballito Pro.

• Blue Flag: Recognises beaches that meet world-class environmental and safety standards. KwaDukuza has two full Blue Flag beaches – Blythedale and Thompson’s Bay – and Salt Rock and Willard Beach are in review for 2025/26.

• Green Coast: Supports eco-tourism at ecologically sensitive beaches, with WESSA running campaigns like Stop the Strangle (ghost fishing and marine debris) and African Black Oystercatcher Monitoring (citizen science project tracking this near-threatened bird).

“Coastal conservation is a shared responsibility across state and civil society,” said Mike Denison, WESSA’s Senior Coastal Manager. “Programmes like Blue Flag and Green Coast bring communities and municipalities together around a shared vision of protecting our marine environment.”

How to Get Involved in the Environmental Campaign

• Properly sort waste in the dedicated bins throughout the Ballito Pro.
• Volunteer at the Litter4Tokens tents.
• Join the Mermaid Tear Catcher competition (R50 or R90 for two) for a chance to win major  prizes.
• Support the 22 Litter4Tokens sites across South Africa that provide income to nearly 1 900  waste collectors.
• Sponsor specific packaging recovery efforts through the Litterhub or TrashTalk apps.
• Visit www.litter4tokens.org | www.litter4tokens.com | www.trash4tokens.org for more information.

The 2025 Ballito Pro Festival Lineup

There is a great festival line-up running alongside the world’s longest professional surfing event, The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill. The 56th edition of this international surf and lifestyle festival is themed Sea-Sound-Waves to honour the unifying force of sport and music – the two pillars of The Ballito Pro. Don’t miss out on the action!

• Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona
• Corona Sunset Sessions
• Battle of the DJs Competition
• Red Bull Activations
• Music & Instrument Programme
• After Dark Programmes and Parties
• iLembe Surf Development Fundraiser
• Beach Recreational Entertainment & Retail
• Workshops & Training Courses
• Coastal & Cultural Tourism Experience

Don’t miss any of the action at the 2025 Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival! #seasoundwaves

#ulwandle umsindo amagagasi

Watch LIVE The Challenger Series will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL app, and the WSL’s YouTube channel. Also, check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.

To find out more about The Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill festival programme, visit:

Website: www.theballitopro.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/theballitopro/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheBallitoPro

Instagram: www.instagram.com/TheBallitoPro

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/theballitopro

Snapchat: Username – TheBallitoPro

Surfing isn’t the only sporting action on the programme for the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill – South Africa’s best skaters will also showcase their skills at the O’Neill Ballito Bowl Skate Jam, which returns to the Ballito Bowl on Saturday, 28 June.

“We’re stoked to return for the 5th annual Skate Jam, hosted in beautiful Ballito!” said an enthusiastic Markus Müseler from the event hosts, OSP Events Co. “With perfect winter weather and R30,000 in cash up for grabs, this year’s contest is set to be next level. Each edition keeps pushing the bar, and 2025 is no different—we’re attracting top skaters from across South Africa ready to throw down. The Bowl Jam has become a staple on the local skate calendar, and with a venue like this, it’s truly unbeatable.”

The event also welcomes Red Bull, who is bringing in two-time Olympian and four-time South African champion, Brandon Valjalo. In addition to competing in the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics, placing 12th in the world in the latter, Valjalo has competed in World Skate Championships, the World Cup Series, as well as claiming the African Championship title at Ultimate X in 2017.

This is sure to fire up the competition as skate veteran, Kalvyn Mac Millan (Umhlanga) – winner of the 2021 and 2023 titles -returns to hunt his third Ballito Skate Jam crown. The competition also welcomes the rising challenger, Ballito home-grown super grom, Ezra Vosloo, who – at just 14 years old – has long had his sights set on winning the open division.

Running from 2pm to 6pm, the event slots perfectly into a day that starts with a sun-soaked beach morning and ends with an epic afternoon around the bowl. Spectators are in for a real treat this year as the event includes great food stalls and top-notch DJs on the decks to really bring the vibe.

Registration takes place from 12pm and skaters will compete for the ultimate glory in the Groms and Open categories, with Best Trick also up for grabs. Judging will be done by the experienced team from event hosts, OSP Events Co.

The 2025 Ballito Pro Festival Lineup

There is a great festival line-up running alongside the world’s longest professional surfing event, The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill, taking place in KwaDukuza from 22 June to 6 July. The 56th edition of this international surf and lifestyle festival is themed Sea-Sound-Waves to honour the unifying force of sport and music – the two pillars of The Ballito Pro. Don’t miss out on the action!

·         Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona

·         Corona Sunset Sessions

·         Battle of the DJs Competition

·         Red Bull Activations

·         Music & Instrument Programme

·         After Dark Programmes and Parties

·         iLembe Surf Development Fundraiser

·         Beach Recreational Entertainment & Retail

·         Workshops & Training Courses

·         Coastal & Cultural Tourism Experience

·         Ballito Pro Environmental Campaign

Don’t miss any of the action at the 2025 Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival! #seasoundwaves

#ulwandle umsindo amagagasi

Watch LIVE The Challenger Series will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL app, and the WSL’s YouTube channel. Also, check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.

To find out more about The Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill festival programme, visit:

Website: www.theballitopro.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/theballitopro/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheBallitoPro

Instagram: www.instagram.com/TheBallitoPro

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/theballitopro

Snapchat: Username – TheBallitoPro

The annual Ballito Pro in KwaDukuza has always been a celebration of surfing and music, with this year’s theme, Sea-Sound-Waves, taking its inspiration from these two key pillars. This will be further acknowledged at the highly anticipated, free-to-attend Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona, with one more day of retro music added to the calendar in the form of The Ballito Pro Infinite Playlist. Visitors to this year’s Ballito Pro can catch the best in South African music from Wednesday, 2 to Friday, 4 July at Salt Rock Main Beach.

“The Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona has come to be a programme highlight for attendees, and we’re excited to extend this musical offering further with the addition of The Ballito Pro Infinite Playlist on the Wednesday night to get things started,” said Collette Bundy, The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival Organiser. “This is an audio-visual journey that will take the audience through the history of South African surf and music culture.

The Ballito Pro Infinite Playlist

Date: Wednesday, 2 July

Time: 5.30pm to 9.30pm

Conceived by Sector Apparel managing director Gary Green, the Infinite Playlist series has already played to

sold-out crowds in Durban and Cape Town. For the Ballito Pro line-up, audiences will enjoy performances from members of iconic bands such as:

·         Squeal

·         Perez

·         Arapaho

·         Just Jinger

·         Ella Mental

·         Tree63

·         The Kickstands

·         The Black Lapels

·         Springbok Nude Girls

World champion longboarder Steven Sawyer and local surfer-musicians Ryan Logie, Kevin Colby, and Warren Dixon will also feature.

The Thursday Concert

Date: 3 July

Time: 5.30pm to 10.30pm

The following night is Ballito Pro’s legendary Thursday night concert, with top DJs set to energise the crowd.  Fans can look forward to the music of DJs Mörda, Merlon and Sox, who will be joined by Blanco Nero and the winner of the Battle of the DJs competition.

·         DJ Mörda, AKA Murdah Bongz, has become one of the biggest DJs in South Africa and is developing an increasingly worldwide fanbase. Known for big songs like Uxolo, Takala, Mohigan Sun and Summer Love, he’s sure to get the crowd going.

·         DJ Merlon, a Ballito resident, is a staple of the Ballito Pro concert series, returning year after year to entertain his home crowd. His influence extends far beyond the North Coast, with hits like Koza Kuse, Thembalami, and Bro Code played countrywide.

·         DJ Sox is another heavyweight in the South African Afro-tech and gqom music scene, known for his hit single Umsindo. He recently returned from a performance at the international Afro Soul Jam in Amsterdam. Durban-based DJ Blanco Nero will also perform. He’s the winner of the annual Battle of the DJs competition, a platform that offers one of KwaDukuza’s rising stars a coveted performance slot.

The Friday Concert

Date: 4 July

Time: 5.30pm to 11.30pm

This epic live show welcomes Matthew Mole as the headline act. This chart-topping singer-songwriter is known for his unique blend of upbeat folk and pop, boasting hits like Take Yours, I’ll Take Mine and Running After You. He’s joined by Cape Town’s The Saxby Twins, known for their infectious energy and catchy tunes.

Booshle G, the former youth pastor from the Eastern Cape, joins the line-up, bringing his call-and-response crowd interactions and good vibes. Pietermaritzburg’s Matthew Gardiner, who found fame on South African Idols, is a multi-talented singer-songwriter combining strong vocals, guitar with a looping pedal and kick drum for an upbeat performance.

Rounding off the evening is one of the country’s best-loved DJs, Kyle Cassim, whose high-voltage set promises to be the perfect finale to a night of non-stop energy.

The 2025 Ballito Pro Festival Lineup

Outside of the Free Music Concerts Presented by Corona, there is a great festival line-up running alongside the world’s longest professional surfing event, The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill, from 22 June to 6 July.

·         Corona Sunset Sessions

·         Battle of the DJs Competition

·         Red Bull Activations

·         Music & Instrument Programme

·         After Dark Programmes and Parties

·         iLembe Surf Development Fundraiser

·         Beach Recreational Entertainment & Retail

·         Workshops & Training Courses

·         Coastal & Cultural Tourism Experience

·         Ballito Pro Environmental Campaign

·

Don’t miss any of the action at the 2025 Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival! #seasoundwaves

#ulwandle umsindo amagagasi

Watch LIVE The Challenger Series will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL app, and the WSL’s YouTube channel. Also, check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.

To find out more about The Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill festival programme, visit:

Website: www.theballitopro.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/theballitopro/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheBallitoPro

Instagram: www.instagram.com/TheBallitoPro

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/theballitopro

Snapchat: Username – TheBallitoPro

The countdown is on for the 56th edition of The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill, and this year’s festival programme promises the ultimate winter escape filled with thrilling sport, dynamic entertainment, and vibrant lifestyle events. Taking place from 22 June to 6 July in the beautiful coastal town of KwaDukuza, this international surf and lifestyle festival will once again transform Ballito into the hottest holiday destination on the KZN North Coast.

“We’re bringing back the festival favourites and adding even more to the line-up this year,” said Collette Bundy, Festival Organiser for The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill. “This year’s theme, ‘Sea-Sound-Waves’, reflects our celebration of surf culture, music, and sustainability. Visitors can expect an unforgettable experience, day and night.”

1.       Daily Beach Fun, Retail & Family Entertainment

Each day of the festival, Willard Beach will host a vibrant mix of Beach Recreational Entertainment offering something for every member of the family. Expect lively beach activities, a stylish fashion show, and engaging children’s activities, including Jive with Jen, and Kiko Lifefeaturing obstacle courses, tug-of-war, and interactive competitions.

Get active with the Starfit Fitness Festival, which includes various fitness and dance sessions at La Montagne Hotel & Resort. Festivalgoers can also enjoy Drumming Workshops, interactive Beach Pop-Up sessions, and even strongman competitions, ensuring there’s always something exciting happening by the shore.

In the Retail Delight section, visitors can indulge in delicious food and drinks, explore arts and crafts, browse an assortment of quality goods, and enjoy live music performances, all in a relaxed, beachside setting.

2.       Music, Parties & After-Dark Vibes

The celebration ramps up with the Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona, a free, three-day music festival spotlighting some of South Africa’s most popular artists. This year, the crowd can look forward to another rocking line-up which includes, among many others: David Birch (Squeal), Matt Wilkinson (Perez), John Ellis (Tree 63), Heather Mac (Ella Mental), Gavin Meiring (Arapaho), Rob Warren (The Black Lapels), Gary Nixon (Kickstands), DJ Merlon, DJ Sox, Matthew Mole, Saxby Twins, and Kyle Cassim.

The energy continues to build with the Corona Sunset Sessions at Willard Beach, Battle of the DJs, and unforgettable after-parties as part of the After Dark Programme.

3.       Extreme Sports Action

Outside of professional surfing, there’s lots of sports action to keep the crowds entertained at this year’s Ballito Pro festival. This year’s thrilling new addition of event partner, Red Bull, is set to take the Ballito Pro to new heights!

Visitors can look forward to the O’Neill Ballito Bowl Skate Jam, where South Africa’s top skateboarders will show their best tricks. The Red Bull Activations will include Brian Capper Biking Displays, and an Airshow, with South African legends set to feature. Not to be missed is the Red Bull Jordy +27 Watch Party on 3 July at Mozambik Ballito from 6pm – entrance is free.

4.       Social, Environmental & Cultural Impact

The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill remains committed to making a meaningful difference through a strong focus on social upliftment, environmental responsibility, and cultural celebration. This year’s Environmental Campaign includes an expanded recycling and education campaign with features collaborations with Litter4Tokens, Dolphin Coast Waste Management (DCWM), Ballito UIP, KwaDukuza Municipality, and more – all to reduce waste and promote sustainability. This will also include the Litter4Tokens Nurdles Competition & Recycling Project, as well as further eco-partnerships with Wild Oceans Trust and WESSA Blue Flag and Green Coast.

Meanwhile, the Coastal & Cultural Tourism Experience will spotlight the rich tourism offerings of KwaDukuza, connecting visitors with the area’s history, heritage, and hidden gems. This aligns with the #LoveNorthCoast movement, supported by Ballito Urban Improvement Precinct (UIP) and KwaDukuza Municipality, which aims to promote, showcase, and grow the region to benefit all who live, work and invest here.

Finally, the iLembe Surf Development Fundraiser will help secure ongoing support for this vital community programme, which brings the joy and discipline of sport to underserved youth.

CHECK OUT THE FULL FESTIVAL PROGRAMME AT www.theballitopro.com.

Don’t miss any of the action at the 2025 Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival! #seasoundwaves

#ulwandle umsindo amagagasi

Watch LIVE The Challenger Series will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL app, and the WSL’s YouTube channel. Also, check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.

To find out more about The Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill festival programme, visit:

Website: www.theballitopro.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/theballitopro/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheBallitoPro

Instagram: www.instagram.com/TheBallitoPro

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/theballitopro

Snapchat: Username – TheBallitoPro

The scene is set for the highly anticipated Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill, which is set to run from 22 June to 6 July on the shores of KwaDukuza on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. The 56th edition of this international surf and lifestyle festival is themed Sea-Sound-Waves to honour the unifying force of sport and music – the two pillars of The Ballito Pro.

“We’re excited to bring the world’s longest-running professional surfing event and most epic lifestyle festival back to KwaDukuza – the Jewel of the Zulu Kingdom,” commented Collette Bundy, The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival Organiser.

“This year’s theme, Sea-Sound-Waves, takes its inspiration from the positive energy produced by the ocean and sound waves, two key elements of The Ballito Pro that create an interconnectedness between everyone who attends. From the incredible surfers catching waves to our talented musicians creating epic sound waves, The Ballito Pro is about fostering connections that transcend boundaries and remain with us forever.”

·Sea Waves: The 56th Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill features the Challenger Series, considered the ultimate battleground for surfers vying to qualify for the elite Championship Tour in 2025. Returning faces and fresh threats will prepare to battle it out at The Ballito Pro – one of six stops across the world that form part of the Challenger Series.

·Sound Waves: Outside of the surfing arena, The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill hosts an epic lifestyle festival suited to all ages and interests. The festival includes live musical entertainment, recreational entertainment, environmental campaigns, and great retail offerings.

Support for Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neil

“The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill is not only a cornerstone of South African surfing history, but also a world-class proving ground for the next generation of global surfing talent,” said Tasha Mentasti, RegionalDirector of WSL Africa. 

“As the longest-running professional surfing event on the African continent, the Ballito Pro continues to elevate the profile of African surfing on the global stage. This year’s theme, Sea-Sound-Waves, perfectly captures the spirit of the event, where high-performance surfing meets cultural celebration. We are proud to return to KwaDukuza for the 56th edition and to continue building a legacy that unites sport, music, and community.”

O’Neill, the original surf brand, is excited to continue its valued partnership with The Ballito Pro and the esteemed KwaDukuza Municipality as the presenting sponsor for the 2025 edition of the event.

O’Neill Brand Director Paul Canning, commented: “This enduring collaboration highlights our shared commitment to community and the vibrant spirit of South African surf culture. We are particularly stoked about this year’s compelling event theme, integrated into the Ballito Pro festivities, which communicates a powerful narrative about the inherent connectedness of surf and music culture.

“A true celebration of their common energy, shared rhythms, and intertwined stories promises an electrifying atmosphere throughout the event. This synergy of surf and sound deeply resonates with O’Neill’s core spirit of passion, freedom, and raw energy.

“O’Neill anticipates that The Ballito Pro 2025, with its rich tapestry of world-class surfing, vibrant cultural celebration, and this inspired event theme, will be a massive success, delivering an unforgettable experience for all who come and experience it.”

KwaDukuza Municipality Mayor, Cllr Muzi Ali Ngidi, said he is immensely proud to welcome everyone to the 2025 Ballito Pro presented by O’Neil: “This event has become more than just a sporting spectacle. Rather, it is a celebration of our vibrant coastal spirit, a platform for community engagement, and a catalyst for local economic growth.

“Each year, Ballito transforms into a hub of energy, culture, music, and world-class competition, drawing visitors from across the globe to our golden beaches and warm waters. The 56th edition Ballito Pro promises to be even more exciting, with a programme that showcases not only elite surfing talent but also our rich heritage, creativity, and hospitality. We invite you to experience all that Ballito and KwaDukuza have to offer, from thrilling surf to unforgettable local flavour.”

The 2025 Ballito Pro Festival Lineup

·         Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona

·         Corona Sunset Sessions

·         Battle of the DJs Competition

·         Music & Instrument Programme

·         After Dark Programmes and Parties

·         iLembe Surf Development Fundraiser

·         Beach Recreational Entertainment & Retail

·         Environmental Campaign

·         Workshops & Training Courses

·         Coastal & Cultural Tourism Experience

·

Don’t miss any of the action at the 2025 Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival! #seasoundwaves

#ulwandle umsindo amagagasi

Watch LIVE The Challenger Series will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL app, and the WSL’s YouTube channel. Also, check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.

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