Author: AdminBallitoPro

This year’s Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill concluded on Saturday, 18 July, after two unforgettable weeks (4 to 18 July) of world-class surfing, music, football, skateboarding, conservation, and family entertainment in KwaDukuza. Concluding on Mandela Day, the Waves of Unity theme was fittingly represented at the Ballito Pro finals and the 67 Minutes for the Ocean Mandela Day beach clean-up.

“We’d like to extend a massive thanks to all the sponsors, competitors, and visitors who made this Ballito Pro another incredible success,” said Collette Bundy, Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival Organiser. “It always helps that the setting of KwaDukuza offers a world-class backdrop, with the warm winter weather some of the best anywhere. The Waves of Unity theme was carried through the football element, celebrating Bafana’s return to the FIFA World Cup, the surfing, and the community and conservation initiatives. It was fitting that we concluded this celebration of unity on Mandela Day.”

Looking Back at the World-Class Ballito Pro Surfing and Festival

Surfing:

The Ballito Pro hosted Stop No. 1 of the 2026 World Surf League Challenger Series in some of the best surf conditions seen in recent years. Portugal’s Teresa Bonvalot claimed the women’s title, becoming the first Portuguese woman to do so, defeating Francisca Veselko in an historic all-Portuguese final. American powerhouse Cole Houshmand secured victory over Brazil’s Weslley Dantas to reclaim the Ballito Pro title he first won in 2023.

Fusion of Sports:

A standout addition was the Surf & Turf Challenge, inspired by the FIFA World Cup. The unique relay-format paired football legends with professional surfers representing six nations in a fun event. Brazil took the first position, followed by South Africa and Morocco. The popular Behind Bafana Bafana Fan Zone also brought communities together, while Extreme Sports thrilled spectators with Red Bull BMX demonstrations, bike displays and high-energy activations.

Soccer Development:

The festival also celebrated the culmination of the KwaDukuza Behind Bafana Bafana U15 Soccer Development Programme, hosted with KwaDukuza Municipality. Following qualifying tournaments in June, the top youth teams competed in the finals, with Shakashead FC beating Shayamoya FC, and Etete FC taking third spot. Individual awards were presented to Sanele Xulu (Goalkeeper of the Tournament), Andile Mngadi (Player of the Tournament), Lindelani Madikizela (Top Goal Scorer), and Riccardo Moonsamy (Administrator Award).

Skateboarding:

Although wet weather forced a last-minute move from the Ballito Bowl to The Lot Skate Park at Ballito Junction Regional Mall, the O’Neill Ballito Pro Skate Jam delivered another spectacular afternoon of action. Durban’s Tylor Houston claimed the Open Division title, while Australia’s Jake Turnbull won the U16 Groms division. Special award winners included Brandon Valjalo (Best Trick), Jake Turnbull (Grom Best Trick), and Jordan Gardner (Best Up-and-Coming Skater).

Music:

One festival’s biggest attractions was music, with fans flocking to the free Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona at Salt Rock Main Beach. Thursday night delivered an unforgettable Afro-house celebration featuring Mörda, DJ Merlon, Blanco Nero, Asvnte and Jay Sbu. Friday shifted gears with an energetic rock and pop showcase starring Booshle G, The Saxby Twins, Veranda Panda, Zebra, Phil Taylor Band, Matt Gardiner and Bloodbrother. The entertainment continued throughout the fortnight with Corona Sunset Sessions and vibrant After Dark events hosted at Conchilla, La Montagne and Fiamma Grill.

Shopping and Entertainment:

The bustling Retail Village featured food vendors, local artisans, exhibitions, lifestyle brands and beach bars, while visitors also enjoyed Beach Activations such as beach volleyball, beach rugby, beach soccer, Tatami Beach Judo, yoga and Pilates, Jive with Jen children’s entertainment, the Ballito Arts Showcase, and Tourism Experiences showcasing the KwaDukuza and iLembe region.

Community Initiatives:

Community highlights included the iLembe Surf Development Fundraiser, Small Steps beach activations supporting surf transformation, Youth Month programmes hosted alongside KwaDukuza Municipality, and the new SeaHer Women’s Surf Activation, empowering women through surfing, wellness and mentorship.

Conservation Initiatives:

Ocean conservation once again played a defining role throughout the festival. Daily Litter4Tokens recycling activations encouraged responsible waste disposal while educating visitors about marine pollution. WESSA’s Blue Flag and Green Coast campaigns introduced the new Stop the Strangle initiative, highlighting the devastating impact of discarded fishing gear on marine life. The conservation programme concluded with the special 67 Minutes for the Ocean Mandela Day beach clean-up.

​Through its longstanding partnership between KwaDukuza Municipality, the World Surf League, Surfing South Africa, O’Neill and numerous public and private partners, the Ballito Pro continues to strengthen its reputation as one of South Africa’s premier sporting and lifestyle festivals while delivering lasting economic, environmental and social benefits for the region.

Today, Teresa Bonvalot (POR) and Cole Houshmand (USA) won the 2026 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series (CS) Stop No. 1, the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill. It was a dreamy start to the season, with Ballito delivering some of the best conditions in years for incredible high-performance surfing that set the standard for the next four events to come. After a week of non-stop action featuring an incredibly deep field of international talent, Bonvalot and Houshmand were victorious, with Francisca Veselko (POR) and Weslley Dantas (BRA) finishing runner-up.

Teresa Bonvalot Makes History In All-Portuguese Final In Ballito

In a historic all-Portuguese final, Teresa Bonvalot (POR) won her second Challenger Series title and became the first-ever Portuguese women’s winner in the 57 years of the Ballito Pro. Bonvalot came up against good friend and compatriot Francisca Veselko (POR), a brilliant start to the season for both competitors. It’s been a tough road to the top for Bonvalot, coming back from surgery after complications from urchin spines in her foot. The Cascais surfing star was overcome with emotion after her win.

“I don’t have any words right now,” said Bonvalot. “It means so much, I’m super emotional right now. I don’t think I would’ve believed you if you told me I would win it, I would’ve told you you’re dreaming. To win my first event back after so long, I just tried to stay positive and present everyday. It’s unreal.”

It was a slow heat, but when the waves arrived they were glassy and super rippable. Bonvalot surfed a smart heat to find waves under priority, moving further north up the bank to get away from Veselko. Her strong and vertical backhand hits put the pressure on Veselko who stayed patient to wait for the set waves, but unfortunately they never arrived in time, and Bonvalot secured the win, taking an early lead on the Challenger Series rankings.

“To be in an all-Portuguese final with Kika, shows how Portugal and women’s surfing is growing. It’s such an honour. It’s all just sinking in now. My first event after surgery, everyday has been special. We always have a good time here, the water is nice, so I’m really happy.”

It’s a massive result for CT rookie Veselko, who’s had a difficult start to the season. Her second Challenger Series final in her career, it will be a confidence-boosting result to give her a bit of breathing room as she holds onto her goal of staying on tour to continue to grow and add more experience to her name.

“It’s bittersweet, of course I wanted the win,” said Veselko. “I’ll take it, it’s a good start to the Challenger Series season. The start on the tour has been tough. Before coming here I probably haven’t made a heat in three months, so to get some results in the rashie and find that rhythm and momentum again, I’m stoked. It was a big moment for Portugal to share the Final with Teresa, I’m happy to be part of it.”

Cole Houshmand Back At The Top, Wins Second Ballito Pro Title

After a rough start to his CT season, Cole Houshmand (USA) travelled to Ballito looking to get back his rhythm and flow in the jersey, and found just that. The 2023 Ballito Pro winner was on a tear this week, stamping down his authority with his power and size. The San Clemente powersurfer had a tough challenge in an all-goofy-foot Final against the high-flying Weslley Dantas (BRA), but no one expected the fireworks that ensued.

“It feels amazing, this might be one of my best wins yet after the year I’ve had,” said Houshmand. “I came here to get some rhythm, and I just wanted to get back into that flow. It feels amazing. There’s something special about Ballito, I love this place.”

In the Final, Dantas opened with two big frontside air reverses to put Houshmand in the hot seat, but the Californian responded with a massive, high straight air for an excellent 8.90 (out of a possible 10) that sealed the win.

“I thought I would be able to stick to my power surfing, but when he busted that first air I knew I would have to play his game. I wanted to battle with Weslley and go toe-to-toe so I’m stoked. I told Myers earlier this week that if I get the ramp I wanted to do a straight air. It was the perfect ramp and I was scared I was going to break my board on the landing, but it felt so good when that score came through.”

Dantas earned his career-best result today on the Challenger Series. The 28-year-old from Ubatuba, Brazil left everyone awestruck with his aerial antics on the left ramps in Ballito this week. He scored multiple excellent rides for his lofty frontside reverses on the way to the Finals.

“It’s an incredible feeling to get this big result,” said Dantas. “I came here and thought I would maybe get at least a 5th place, I wasn’t sure what was going to happen, so I’m stoked. I’ll just keep working, trying to do my best, and hopefully by the end of the year I will reach my goal of qualifying.”

Houshmand and Bonvalot take an early lead on the Challenger Series rankings heading to the next stop, the Lexus US Open of Surfing at Huntington Beach, California, which runs from July 25 – August 2, 2026.

 
Relive The Action

Catch up on the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Challenger Series 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.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill Women’s Final Result:
1- Teresa Bonvalot (POR) 10.33
2- Francisca Veselko (POR) 9.10

Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill Men’s Final Result:
1- Cole Houshmand (USA) 13.23
2- Weslley Dantas (BRA) 12.53

Thursday delivered one of the biggest days of the 57th Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill, with crowds enjoying everything from world-class surfing, fun soccer action, and the opening night of the free Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona.

As the sun set, music fans made their way to Salt Rock Main Beach, where Mörda (Murdah Bongz), DJ Merlon, Blanco Nero, Asvnte, Jay Sbu, and the Battle of the DJs winner kept the beachfront buzzing with an electric evening of Afro-house and electronic music.

But the festival is far from over!

Tonight (Friday), the free Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona continue with an incredible rock and pop line-up. Festivalgoers can look forward to Booshle G, The Saxby Twins, Veranda Panda, Zebra, Phil Taylor Band, Matt Gardiner, and Bloodbrother, promising another spectacular evening under the stars from 4pm to 11.30pm at Salt Rock Main Beach.

Visitors can also enjoy the Corona Sunset Sessions, After Dark Party at Conchilla, the vibrant Retail Village, great food vendors, Red Bull Brian Capper Bike Displays, beach volleyball and soccer, yoga and Pilates, the Ballito Arts Showcase, children’s entertainment with Jive With Jen, beach rugby, and the festival’s ongoing conservation initiatives including Litter4Tokens and Stop the Strangle.

The excitement continues through the weekend, culminating in the WSL Challenger SeriesFinals on Saturday, where the world’s best surfers will battle it out for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles. Festivalgoers are also encouraged to take part in the Mandela Day 67 Minutes for the Ocean beach clean-up, helping remove litter, ghost fishing gear and nurdles from Ballito’s beaches while honouring Madiba’s legacy of service.

Don’t miss out! Visit www.theballitopro.com for the full festival programme or follow on Facebookand Instagram!

Brazil emerged victorious in the inaugural Surf & Turf Challenge at the 57th Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill, with the unique crossover event a massive crowd-pleaser. Hosted at Willard Beach on Thursday (16 July), the competition brought together football legends and professional surfers in an entertaining relay-format contest celebrating this year’s Waves of Unitytheme.

“The inaugural Surf & Turf Challenge exceeded every expectation,” said O’Neill Brand Director Paul Canning. “The atmosphere on the beach was great as spectators watched football icons and professional surfers work together in a unique format. With the timing coinciding with South Africa’s return to the FIFA World Cup, it truly reflected our Waves of Unity theme, demonstrating how sport has the power to bring people together.”

A Unique Sporting Contest

Each team consisted of one football legend paired with two professional surfers, representing their respective countries. The competition opened with the football player attempting to score past former KwaDukuza Super Strikers goalkeeper Nkosi Zulu. Once a goal was scored, the first surfer paddled into the line-up to ride two scoring waves before returning to shore to tag their teammate, who completed another two rides. Surf judges combined the wave scores with the football challenge to determine the winning nation.

The competing teams were:

Brazilian surfers: Douglas Silva and Rafael Barbosa

Footballer: Kyle Deutschmann (South African National Beach Soccer Team, former Manning Rangers and African Wanderers)

South African surfers: Luke Thompson and Sarah Baum

Footballer: Simon Makubela (Former Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Manning Rangers and Bafana Bafana striker)

Moroccon surfers: Teva Bouchgua and Lillia Tebbai

Footballer: Ajibha Mtamela (Former AmaZulu FC, African Wanderers and Stanger United)

American surfers: Lucas Owston and Luke Guinaldo

Footballer: Vusi Nsele (Former Stanger United)

Australian surfers: Winter Vincent and Joel Vaughan

Footballer: Muzi SiMoroccangudu (AmaZulu coach working closely with Orlando Pirates and football agent Mike Makaab)

Portuguese surfers: Gui Ribeiro and Maria Salgado

Footballer: Wiseman Cele (Kwadukuza Youth Sports Manager)

Final results from the Surf & Turf Challenge:

1.       Brazil

2.       South Africa

3.       Morocco

4.       United States of America

5.       Portugal

6.       Australia

Celebrating the Next Generation of Football Talent

The day’s football celebrations also showcased the culmination of the KwaDukuza Behind Bafana Bafana U15 Soccer Development Programme, hosted in partnership with KwaDukuza Municipality. The programme began in June with qualifying five-a-side tournaments involving eight U15 teams identified through SAFA development structures, with the top teams advancing to the finals played at Willard Beach before enthusiastic Ballito Pro crowds.

Individual awards:

1.       Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Sanele Xulu

2.       Best Player: Andile Mngadi

3.       Top Goal Scorer: Lindelani Madikizela

4.       Administrator: Riccardo Moonsamy

Overall results:

• Shakashead FC
• Shayamoya FC
• Etete FC

Festival visitors have also enjoyed the Behind Bafana Bafana Fan Zone, where FIFA World Cup matches have been screened throughout the festival, bringing supporters together to celebrate football while enjoying the Ballito Pro atmosphere.

The Ballito Pro Festival Continues

While the Surf & Turf Challenge has become an instant festival favourite, there is still plenty to experience at the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill before it concludes. Festivalgoers can still enjoy:

• World-class WSL Challenger Series surfing as competitors battle for Sunday’s finals.
• The Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona.
• Corona Sunset Sessions and After Dark entertainment.
• Retail village, food vendors, beach activities and family entertainment.
• Red Bull BMX displays and extreme sports.
• Litter4Tokens recycling initiatives and the WESSA Stop the Strangle ocean conservation campaign.
• The Mandela Day 67 Minutes for the Ocean beach clean-up on Saturday, encouraging the public to help protect South Africa’s coastline.

The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill is hosted in partnership with KwaDukuza Municipality, the World Surf League, Surfing South Africa, and public and private sector partners committed to youth development, tourism growth and sustainable coastal activation.

Ballito Pro FAQs

1.       When and where is the Ballito Pro?

The 57th Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill takes place from 4 to 18 July 2026 at Willard Beach, Ballito on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. The event combines world-class surfing with a vibrant lifestyle festival featuring music, sport, family entertainment, conservation initiatives, and beach activities.

2.       Is the Ballito Pro only for surfing fans?

Not at all. While the surfing is the headline attraction, the Ballito Pro is a festival designed for everyone. Visitors can enjoy free live music concerts, family entertainment, beach sports, skateboarding and BMX displays, environmental and ocean conservation activities, local food and retail stalls, cultural experiences, and community events, making it one of South Africa’s biggest winter beach festivals.

3.       What is the Surf & Turf Challenge?

The Surf & Turf Challenge is a brand-new Ballito Pro event that combines football and surfing in one exciting team competition. Former Bafana Bafana stars will join professional surfers in a relay-style contest where football goals and surfing performances combine to determine the winning team.

The countdown is on! The 57th Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill has entered its thrilling final week, with world-class surfing action building towards Sunday’s Championship Finals at Willard Beach, KwaDukuza. As the world’s best battle it out for Challenger Series glory, the festival programme shifts into top gear! Coming up this week is the Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona at Salt Rock Main Beach. Thursday, 16 July (4.30pm to 10.30pm) celebrates Afro-house and electronic beats with Mörda (Murdah Bongz), DJ Merlon, Blanco Nero, Asvnte, Jay Sbu, and the winner of the Battle of the DJs Competition. Friday, 17 July (4pm to 11.30pm) switches to rock and pop with Booshle G, The Saxby Twins, Veranda Panda, Zebra, Phil Taylor Band, Matt Gardiner, and Bloodbrother, promising an unforgettable beachfront finale.

Thursday also brings the first-ever Surf & Turf Challenge, where professional surfers team up with former Bafana Bafana stars in a one-of-a-kind relay event celebrating the FIFA World Cup spirit. Visitors can also enjoy the Corona Sunset Sessions, bustling Retail Village, delicious food vendors, beach volleyball and soccer, yoga and Pilates sessions, the SeaHer women’s surf activation, Red Bull Brian Capper Bike Displays, beach rugby and judo, the Ballito Arts Showcase, children’s entertainment with Jive With Jen, and tourism experiences.

The festival concludes on Saturday, 18 July, with a special 67 Minutes for the Ocean. This is a collaborative Mandela Day beach clean-up where festivalgoers dedicate 67 minutes to cleaning Ballito’s beaches. Participants can help collect litter, ghost fishing gear and microplastics (including nurdles using Mermaid Tear Catchers), enjoy fun prize activations throughout the clean-up, contribute to the live Litter4Tokens impact tally, and stand a chance to win fantastic prizes while making a meaningful difference for the ocean.

Don’t miss out! Visit www.theballitopro.com for the full festival programme or follow on Facebookand Instagram!