BALLITO, KwaDukuza, South Africa (Saturday, July 11, 2026) – Today, Winter Vincent (AUS) and Kirra Pinkerton (USA) won the Ballito Open presented by O’Neill, Stop No. 2 on the World Surf League (WSL) Africa Qualifying Series (QS), in solid four-to-six-foot surf and overcoming a deep, international field of Championship Tour (CT) stars and Challenger Series (CS) contenders. It’s been three days of incredible competition with pumping waves, the perfect preparation for the first stop of the 2026 Challenger Series, the Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill starting on Sunday, July 12.

Winter Vincent Third Time Lucky in Ballito

Since his 2024 debut in Ballito, Winter Vincent (AUS) has been taking down big names and earning big results. Vincent was a standout in the thumping conditions this week, and has been using the QS as preparation for the upcoming Challenger Series. Vincent had a good battle with Africa QS rankings leader Adin Masencamp (RSA) and CTer Luke Thompson (RSA) in the Final, but came away with the win with a 14.33 (out of a possible 20) total. The 21-year-old attacked the sections with speed, power and style, letting his fins free while somehow maintaining control to ride it out.

“That felt good, it felt really good to get the win,” said Vincent. “All the boys caught waves before me and I was out there for a long time just getting like ten-foot sets on the head. I’m really happy to be here and just getting in more practice for the Challenger Series, I’m excited for next week.”

Masencamp surfed fast and loose to book his second consecutive QS final. He is leading the Africa QS rankings after a win in Vic Bay, and this runner-up finish, loading up on confidence for the Challenger Series.

“I had second priority when that wave came through and Luke (Thompson) had to give it to me, that’s when I got the 8.17,” said Masencamp. “It felt great to swing on some waves. Things are clicking, the rhythm is there, and I’m feeling great for the Challenger Series.”

Kirra Pinkerton Finds Form Ahead of Challenger Series

San Clemente’s Kirra Pinkerton (USA) has been putting in the work to get herself ready for this year’s Challenger Series, and today she reaped the rewards with a confidence-building win. Pinkerton, who made the Semifinals in the Ballito Open in 2025, stepped up her game on Finals Day to earn the victory over Championship Tour (CT) surfer Bella Kenworthy (USA). The 2018 World Junior Champion has been getting in some warm-up reps on the CT with a wildcard appearance at the El Salvador Pro, and she’s looking ready for more.

“I’m very grateful for this win,” said Pinkerton. “I’ve put in a lot of time in this break, and I got a comp in El Salvador which was really cool, getting some momentum with the CT surfers. Coming here I had a really strong mindset and to start it with a win at the Ballito Open, I’m just building even more confidence for the Challenger Series.”

The judges were rewarding committed surfing today, with one-turn maneuvers in the big, meaty sections getting the bigger scores. Pinkerton started the heat with a huge turn, free-falling and sticking the landing for a 7.00. She waited a long time for a decent back-up, finding a solid wave in the last few minutes to secure the win with a 13.17 total.

Kenworthy was back on the podium after a cool, calm and composed final, making sure she’s getting in all the practice before the Challenger Series starts on Sunday. Former CTer Sophie McCulloch (AUS) is back in Ballito searching for requalification on the CS and will be one to watch next week.

Sarah Baum (RSA) was the lone South African in the women’s Final, dropping some of the highest scores of the event on her way to her second consecutive QS final. Baum is leading the Africa rankings after her win in Vic Bay, and has solidified her spot at the top with this result.

Ballito Open Presented by O’Neill Men’s Final Results:
1- Winter Vincent (AUS) 14.33
2- Adin Masencamp (RSA) 14.00
3- Luke Thompson (RSA) 8.33
4- Finn McGill (HAW) 1.00

Ballito Open Presented by O’Neill Women’s Final Results:
1- Kirra Pinkerton (USA) 13.17
2- Bella Kenworthy (USA) 7.20
3- Sophie McCulloch (AUS) 6.30
4- Sarah Baum (RSA) 4.70