Author: AdminBallitoPro

BALLITO, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (Friday, 3 June 2022) – The Ballito Pro pres. by O’Neill, the world’s longest running professional surfing event, in its 53rd edition will celebrate the return of international surfing to South African shores, this time as a World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series (CS) for men and women.

The Challenger Series is the ultimate battleground for surfers fighting to qualify for a spot on the 2023 Championship Tour (CT). Across the eight international events, the fields of 96 men and 64 women battle for one of the 10 men’s and 5 women’s coveted spots at the top level of the sport.

The Ballito Pro pres. by O’Neill will be the third stop on the Challenger Series and will see more than 15 countries represented across the board.

The men’s field is stacked with former Ballito Pro champions and local favourites Adin Masencamp (Cape Town) and Jordy Smith (Durban), Alejo Muniz (ARG) and Deivid Silva (BRA). It also features Championship Tour surfers such as Conner Coffin (USA) and Ezekiel Lau (HAW), and up-and-coming rookies like Rio Waida (IDN) who won the previous CS event, the Sydney Surf Pro.

In the women’s draw, former Ballito Pro champions Zoe Steyn (East London) and Sarah Baum (Durban) will come up against some fierce international competition. The winner of the second CS at the Sydney Surf Pro, Teresa Bonvalot (PRT) will hope to ride the momentum into Ballito – but don’t underestimate CT surfers Johanne Defay (FRA), Molly Picklum (AUS), Bronte Macaulay (AUS); the exciting Hawaiian crew of Luana Silva (HAW), Bettylou Sakura-Johnson (HAW) and the queen of pipeline, Moana Jones-Wong (HAW).

With such an impressive field of competitors in Ballito, it’s an opportunity unlike any other for South Africa’s best junior surfers to watch and learn what it takes to compete at the elite level. These junior men and women will get their chance to prove themselves in the O’Neill SMTH Shapes Pro Junior WSL Junior Qualifying Series (JQS) 1,000 event taking place 2-3 July 2022 before the start of the Challenger Series.

The top local men and women surfers, who did not qualify for the Challenger Series, will get another chance to earn a spot in the main competition with the Ballito Pro pres. by O’Neill Trials. The winners will claim the WSL wildcard entry into the Ballito Pro pres. by O’Neill Challenger Series.

“WSL Africa is excited to be hosting one of the blue-ribbon events on the Challenger Series. The opportunity to see the best women surfers alongside the men makes this such a unique event for Africa. Our sincere thanks to the KwaDukuza Municipality, O’Neill South Africa, event management and the many sponsors for making this the premier event for Africa. I am positive, like always, that many of these surfers will go on to become household names in the world of surfing over the next few years,” said WSL Africa Operations Manager Colin Fitch.

Robin de Kock, General Manager, Surfing South Africa, commented: “Surfing South Africa is pleased that our U12 to U18 boys and girls will get an opportunity to compete in the O’Neill SMTH Shapes Pro Junior in Ballito once again. Rated as a Prime Event on the SA Junior Surf Tour, the O’Neill SMTH Shapes Pro Junior gives the up-and-coming South African surfers to be part of the Ballito Pro. Not only do they get to compete for rating points and a share of the generous prize purse on offer, but they will also be able to watch some of the world’s best surfers in action in the Ballito Pro itself. Our thanks to the KwaDukuza Municipality, O’Neill and SMTH Shapes for including our juniors in the event.”

Paul Canning, Brand Manager of Sector Group (O’Neill), said: “On behalf of O’Neill, we are extremely honoured and proud to be involved in the Ballito Pro again this year and would like to thank the KwaDukuza Municipality for all their support in surfing and raising the event to the elite Challenger Series status.”

Commenting on the upcoming event, mayor of KwaDukuza Municipality, Cllr Lindi Nhaca, said: “We emerge from one of the most testing global challenges of our times where we have been plagued by a pandemic, social unrests, flooding and subsequent devastations. KwaDukuza Municipality is renewing its economic and tourism strategies toward economic recovery, particularly in tourism. We are looking forward to, once again, welcoming all the international athletes and their families and teams to our shores.

“We are especially excited to host the first Men’s & Woman’s Challenger Series for the region and Africa. It is in this sense that we thank the World Surf League, Surfing South Africa, our presenting sponsors and all stakeholders who have partnered with us as we look forward to an exciting, action-packed sporting and lifestyle event.”

The Ballito Pro pres. by O’Neill 2022 will continue to host developmental surf contests and the KZN High Schools contests. The surfing competitions will be supported by an exciting festival programme featuring music, arts, recreational beach activities, and extreme sports – all the while showcasing the best tourism and hospitality experiences the region has to offer.

All applicable COVID-19 related government guidelines and restrictions will be adhered to.

The Ballito Pro pres. by O’Neill, the world’s longest running professional surfing event, in its 53rd edition will celebrate the return of international surfing to South African shores, this time as a World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series (CS) for men and women.

The Challenger Series is the ultimate battleground for surfers fighting to qualify for a spot on the 2023 Championship Tour (CT). Across the eight international events, the fields of 96 men and 64 women battle for one of the 10 men’s and 5 women’s coveted spots at the top level of the sport.
The Ballito Pro pres. by O’Neill will be the third stop on the Challenger Series and will see more than 15 countries represented across the board.

The men’s field is stacked with former Ballito Pro champions and local favourites Adin Masencamp (Cape Town) and Jordy Smith (Durban), Alejo Muniz (ARG) and Deivid Silva (BRA). It also features Championship Tour surfers such as Conner Coffin (USA) and Ezekiel Lau (HAW), and up-and-coming rookies like Rio Waida (IDN) who won the previous CS event, the Sydney Surf Pro.

In the women’s draw, former Ballito Pro champions Zoe Steyn (East London) and Sarah Baum (Durban) will come up against some fierce international competition. The winner of the second CS at the Sydney Surf Pro, Teresa Bonvalot (PRT) will hope to ride the momentum into Ballito – but don’t underestimate CT surfers Molly Picklum (AUS), Bronte Macaulay (AUS); the exciting Hawaiian crew of Luana Silva (HAW), Bettylou Sakura-Johnson (HAW) and the queen of pipeline, Moana Jones-Wong (HAW).

With such an impressive field of competitors in Ballito, it’s an opportunity unlike any other for South Africa’s best junior surfers to watch and learn what it takes to compete at the elite level. These junior men and women will get their chance to prove themselves in the O’Neill SMTH Shapes Pro Junior WSL Junior Qualifying Series (JQS) 1,000 event taking place 2-3 July 2022 before the start of the Challenger Series.

The top local men and women surfers, who did not qualify for the Challenger Series, will get another chance to earn a spot in the main competition with the Ballito Pro pres. by O’Neill Trials. The winners will claim the WSL wildcard entry into the Ballito Pro pres. by O’Neill Challenger Series.

“WSL Africa is excited to be hosting one of the blue-ribbon events on the Challenger Series. The opportunity to see the best women surfers alongside the men makes this such a unique event for Africa. Our sincere thanks to the KwaDukuza Municipality, O’Neill South Africa, event management and the many sponsors for making this the premier event for Africa. I am positive, like always, that many of these surfers will go on to become household names in the world of surfing over the next few years,” said WSL Africa Operations Manager Colin Fitch.

Robin de Kock, General Manager, Surfing South Africa, commented: “Surfing South Africa is pleased that our U12 to U18 boys and girls will get an opportunity to compete in the O’Neill SMTH Shapes Pro Junior in Ballito once again. Rated as a Prime Event on the SA Junior Surf Tour, the O’Neill SMTH Shapes Pro Junior gives the up-and-coming South African surfers to be part of the Ballito Pro. Not only do they get to compete for rating points and a share of the generous prize purse on offer, but they will also be able to watch some of the world’s best surfers in action in the Ballito Pro itself. Our thanks to the KwaDukuza Municipality, O’Neill and SMTH Shapes for including our juniors in the event.”

Paul Canning, Brand Manager of Sector Group (O’Neill), said: “On behalf of O’Neill, we are extremely honoured and proud to be involved in the Ballito Pro again this year and would like to thank the KwaDukuza Municipality for all their support in surfing and raising the event to the elite Challenger Series status.”

Commenting on the upcoming event, mayor of KwaDukuza Municipality, Cllr O L Nhaca, said: “We emerge from one of the most testing global challenges of our times where we have been plagued by a pandemic, social unrests, flooding and subsequent devastations. KwaDukuza Municipality is renewing it’s economic and tourism strategies towards economic recovery, particularly in tourism. We are looking forward to, once again, welcoming all the international athletes and their families and teams to our shores.

“We are especially excited to host the first Men’s & Woman’s Challenger Series for the region and Africa. It is in this sense that we thank the World Surf League, Surfing South Africa, our presenting sponsors and all stakeholders who have partnered with us as we look forward to an exciting, action-packed sporting and lifestyle event.”

The Ballito Pro Pres. By O’Neill 2022 will continue to host developmental surf contests and the KZN High Schools contests.

The surfing competitions will be supported by an exciting festival programme featuring music, arts, recreational beach activities, extreme sports – all the while showcasing the best tourism and hospitality experiences the region has to offer.

All applicable COVID-19 related government guidelines and restrictions will be adhered to.

Some of the country’s best skaters took to the Ballito Bowl on Saturday, 18 December where they got the chance to showcase their well-honed tricks to a captivated audience. The 2021 Ballito Pro Skate Jam was the setting for some incredibly talented displays but, in the end, it was Calvin Macmillan who took home the R7 500 cash prize for overall win.

“The Skate Jam welcomed a really high standard of competitors and was a fantastic success for the participants and spectators,” said event organiser and judge, Alan Marola. “This is always a great platform to start young skaters in a bowl, and all the kids were ripping it out there! There’s really some amazing talent in South Africa.

“Congratulations to all the competitors for spectacular performances and we’re and a big thanks to all those who came out to support the talent. I’d also like to extend special thanks to our sponsors Volcom, Fallen Footwear US, Re/Max Dolphin Realtors, Oakley and Monster, as well as our hosts KwaDukuza Municipality for their invaluable support.”

All first-place winners received a generous hamper supplied by the sponsors with Calvin Macmillan taking home the overall R7 500 cash prize, and Murray Sharp receiving R2 500 for pulling off the best trick of the day.

Macmillan (33) has been a competitive skater for a number of years, commented: “It’s always great to skate an event that’s well-supported and that’s exactly what we all got from the Ballito community. It always makes a huge difference when there’s hype from the crowd to push the skaters to their limits during contests.

“I’ve grown up with most of the guys and we are all friends who support one another. We are all focused and would like to win, but we’re equally as stoked to see our homie next to us take it. At the end of the day, it’s about having a good skate session with your friends, having fun and pushing each other’s limits. I don’t ever enter to win, I enter to skate as best I can with my friends and have a good time – and whatever happens, happens! I made the finals and skated with friends and, this time around, I took the win and I’m stoked about it. All in all, the event was amazing – a great turnout and hopefully we will continue to grow it year on year.”

The uMhlanga Rocks resident also extended his thanks to everyone involved in making the skate jam a success: “Big thanks to KwaDakuza Municipality, Re/Max and Dallas Oberholzer for the revamp and build of the bowl last year. Dallas is a good friend and he’s been giving back to the skate community for years. This bowl is a great facility for kids to learn and hopefully we can add to it and build more each year.”

He said that watching the progression of the youngsters, particularly the female skaters, has been rewarding: “There are exciting times ahead and l look forward to seeing what these girls and groms are going to end up doing. Big thanks to Volcom, Fallen Footwear and Monster for backing the event, and to all the guys behind the scenes for making sure it happened.”

2021 Ballito Pro Skate Jam Results

Women’s Division

1st Jessica Louw

2nd Caetlyn King

3rd Ella van der Merwe

Boys U16

1st Ezra Vosloo

2nd Cooper Smith

3rd Levi Vosloo

Men’s Open

1st Calvin Macmillan

2nd Brandon Valjalo

3rd Khule Ngubane

Best Trick

Murray Sharp

Ballito Pro Festival Programme

The skate jam forms part of The Ballito Pro Festival Programme which has been hosted at outdoor venues across KwaDukuza between 9 and 19 December. Also forming part of the festival was a number of family-fun activities at Willard Beach, fantastic retail options, outdoor eateries and live music after dark. Sarah Ferguson, the founder of Breath Conservation, ran the Ballito Pro Environmental Awareness Campaign and Programme which included a guided marine walk, pop-up snorkel day and the Slip Slop campaign.

Adin Masencamp (Strand) won the 52nd edition of the Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill World Surf League (WSL) Men’s Qualifying Series (QS) 5,000 ahead of Jordy Smith (Durban) in clean, offshore 4-5 foot (1.2 – 1.5 meter) surf. 

Career-best Result for Masencamp
This is Adin Masencamp’s biggest Qualifying Series event win and the 5,000 points will give him a massive boost for the 2021/2022 season. 

“It feels amazing. I had a couple of clutch moments where I had to perform under pressure. I worked really hard on my mental strength, nutrition, my surfboards, everything before this event. So for it all to come together, it’s the biggest result of my life and especially against Jordy Smith. He is the best surfer to come out of South Africa and beating him was the cherry on top. All I wanted to do was showcase what I can do as a surfer, so I’m really stoked,” said Masencamp.

Masencamp knew he had to work hard to defeat Smith and posted an excellent 8.17 as his opening ride. Leading the heat halfway through, Smith came out flying for a massive, clean aerial to bank a 9.00. Both surfers only had mid-range scores as a backup, until Masencamp found a wave far down the beach for two powerful turns in the critical part of the wave for a 7.77.

With only three minutes left, Smith was left hunting the lineup for a 6.94. He found a wave in the dying seconds, but it wasn’t enough and he had to settle for second place.

Coming back from injury, Championship Tour (CT) surfer and previous event winner, Jordy Smith (Durban) was in a league of his own. Throughout the event, Smith’s variety in his maneuvers was the point of difference that saw him win every heat until the Finals.

“I had a few good waves, but I kind of struggled throughout the day to find the open face waves, but nevertheless I’m stoked to be back competing,” said Smith.

When asked about his readiness for the 2022 season, he said he’s not there just yet.

“I think I have another month or so left but I will be ready when it starts, that’s for sure,” said Smith.

Standout Performances In Semifinals
Slade Prestwich (Scottburgh) was one of the in-form surfers of the event, scoring some of the biggest rides, which saw him up against Smith in the first semifinal.

“It’s a dream to surf against Jordy, especially now, conditions are just perfect. You know you have to step up your game when you surf against him because the scoring goes up, so you have to perform well,” said Prestwich.

Prestwich fell on a couple of turns but shook off his nerves when he caught a set wave for an incredible turn back into the pocket and a strong finish to score a 7.67. With the clock winding down, there was a quick exchange of waves but Smith’s power and variety was just on another level. Prestwich showed incredible heart in the heat, but he fell short by an agonising 0.06 points.

“He’s an incredible surfer, he’s been around for a while and I knew it was going to be a tough match-up. I was fortunate to find that wave at the end,” said Smith.

The second semifinal was an exhilarating affair between Masencamp and Eli Beukes (Kommetjie), who put everything on the line. Beukes ripped his opening ride to pieces for an excellent 8.17 to put the pressure on Masencamp. However, it was Masencamp’s competitive experience that gave him the edge, and didn’t allow his nerves get the better of him. Beukes tried desperately to land some impressive airs but couldn’t complete his rides.

Event Wildcards Shine 
WSL Wildcard Joshe Faulkner (Jeffreys Bay) was one of the standouts on the day in his first-ever QS 5,000 event. In his Quarterfinal clash, Faulkner left everything out there, but couldn’t match a clinical performance from Prestwich. Faulkner’s equal 5th place still gets him 2500 points on the 2021/2022 WSL Africa QS rankings.

Men’s Final Results
HEAT 1: Adin Masencamp (ZAF) 15.94 DEF. Jordy Smith (ZAF) 15.37

Men’s Semifinal Results
HEAT 1: Jordy Smith (ZAF) 15.50 DEF. Slade Prestwich (ZAF) 15.44
HEAT 2: Adin Masencamp (ZAF) 14.00 DEF. Eli Beukes (ZAF) 12.84

Men’s Quarterfinal Results
HEAT 1:Jordy Smith (ZAF) 12.83 DEF. Jordy Maree (ZAF) 11.90
HEAT 2: Slade Prestwich (ZAF) 15.50 DEF. Joshe Faulkner (ZAF) 13.30
HEAT 3: Eli Beukes (ZAF) 12.16 DEF. Max Elkington (ZAF) 7.33
HEAT 4: Adin Masencamp (ZAF) 13.66 DEF. Shane Sykes (ZAF) 13.16

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!

Zoë Steyn (East London) won her maiden  World Surf League (WSL) Women’s Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000 at the Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill in 3-4 foot (0.9-1.2 meter) surf ahead of Sarah Scott (Kommetjie).

The contest was on hold for a couple of hours in the morning, as organisers waited for conditions to improve with the incoming tide. It started off slow, but soon there were some great waves rolling through.

The Final was a match-up between two of the most on-form surfers in Ballito this week, Sarah Scott and Zoë Steyn, who also faced each other in the O’Neill SMTH Shapes Rookie Rippers Junior QS 1,000 where Steyn came out on top. After a strong Semifinal from Scott, it looked like luck might swing her way in the Final.
However, after a slow start, it was Steyn who got one of the better right-hand waves for two strong turns and a good finish to lock in a 6.50. She stuck to her strategy of catching the right-hand waves and backed up her score with a 5.17 for a total of 11.67. Scott uncharacteristically got stuck on a few crucial waves, not being able to complete her rides, and had to settle for second place.

Steyn Wins First-Ever Women’s Qualifying Series Title
“I’m so, so happy. It’s my first time winning a QS event and for it to be here is so special. The waves are really nice, all my friends are here, my mom is here, so I’m really happy. Ballito is predominantly a right-hander so it’s similar to home, it’s punchy and has a lot of power and I really enjoy it.”
With this win, Steyn jumps to the top of the 2021/2022 WSL Africa rankings.
“This win puts me in a good place for next year. I really want to qualify for the Challenger Series,” said Steyn.

Greg Emslie, who also coached South Africa’s Olympic silver-medalist Bianca Buitendag, said it was a very solid performance from Steyn.
“She’s been super consistent, sticking to the strategy and game plan, and it worked out really well. It was tough in that final, we made a call to go on the rights and it worked out very well. I’m stoked, couldn’t ask for much better, she had a great run. Pro Junior champ and Women’s champ, job well done,” said Emslie.

After losing out in back-to-back finals, Kommetjie’s Sarah Scott was still happy with her performance in Ballito.

“Every final was tough and hasn’t really gone my way, but my progress towards each final for these past couple events has been great. I enjoyed myself and I’m super happy with my semifinal today and stoked on what I achieved,” said Scott.

Heather Clark and Sophie Bell Eliminated in Semifinals
Zoë Steyn was up against one of South Africa’s most experienced women’s surfers, Heather Clark (Port Shepstone) in the first semifinal. With 30 minute heats, surfers patiently started to build on their scores, looking for those bigger opportunities. A few set waves came rolling through and Steyn jumped into the lead, defeating Clark for a spot in the finals.

In the second semifinal, it was local favourite Sophie Bell (Salt Rock) up against Sarah Scott who has been on fire all week long. Scott found one of the better waves of the morning and surfed it beautifully to take the lead. Soon after that, both ladies took off on a wave and split the peak with Bell going right and Scott opting to go left. The Capetonian got the better of the exchange for an excellent 8.50 and eliminated Bell who was in a combination situation.

Women’s Final Results
Zoë Steyn (East London) 11.67 DEF. Sarah Scott (Kommetjie) 2.94

Women’s Semifinal Results
Heat 1: Zoë Steyn (East London) 11.33 DEF. Heather Clark (Port Shepstone) 8.10
Heat 2: Sarah Scott (Kommetjie) 15.60 DEF. Sophie Bell (Salt Rock) 9.83

Visitors to Ballito are in for action-packed summer holiday with The Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill being hosted – for the first time ever – in December. This brings with it a full festival programme from 9 to 19 December running alongside the surfing action at Willard Beach. But beyond this festival fun, Ballito also has a number of family-friendly activities to keep visitors entertained every day.

“KwaDukuza Municipality is always so accommodating in hosting the annual Ballito Pro, and all efforts have been made to ensure visitors are kept safe during this time,” explained Collette Bundy, The Ballito Pro Festival Organiser. “Alongside the warm welcome, visitors also get to enjoy being in one of the country’s most scenic and exciting tourism locations. The festival programme caters to all ages and tastes, but for those looking to try something different, we’ve compiled a list of some of the great tourism offerings found here.”

1. Flag Animal Farm
This is a wonderful ‘forever home’ for more than 1 000 rescued animals, many of whom roam the grounds freely, making friends and searching for snacks. This is a 3-in-1 experience with animals, reptiles and a water park! Splash waterpark on site which is open daily during the holidays, as well as playgrounds and indoor play centres for the younger children. Visitors enjoy a real farm experience with the opportunity to cuddle the cuddly animals, and learn something through the daily shows.
These include:
· 11am and 3.30pm wolf interaction
· 12.30pm milking show
· 2pm reptile show
Costs: R60 for entry (children under 2 enter free); Splash waterpark is R25 per hour per child (adults enter free); R12 per train, tractor or pony ride; R12 per packet of animal feed.
Website: www.flaganimalfarm.co.za
Trading hours: 9am to 4.30pm, seven days a week.

2. Sugar Rush Park and Jump Park
There is so much to do at Sugar Rush for the whole family! Children can run freely, enjoy the playground and explore the farm. There’s a putt-putt course, pump track, laser tag course, bike shop, restaurant and the incredibly fun Jump Park, in indoor trampoline park.
Costs: Entrance to Sugar Rush Park and playground is free; R150 per hour for children 6 and over at the Jump Park, or R110 per hour for children 5 and younger. Check www.sugarrush.co.za/priceguide for all the pricing.
Website: www.sugarrush.co.za or www.thejumppark.co.za
Trading hours: 8am to 4pm, seven days a week.

3. Holla Trails at Sugar Rush
For those who prefer an outdoor adventure, Sugar Rush Park also has Holla Trails, a vast series of trails for mountain bikers or trail runners from entry level to experienced. The trails cross through the neighbouring farms with many places to stop, rest and take in the scenery.
Costs: Adults are R75 for a permit to ride the trails; R28 to run the trails for 12 and over; free for under 12s.
Website: www.sugarrush.co.za
Trading hours: Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

4. Ballito Junction Regional Mall
If it’s time for a bit of retail therapy or last-minute Christmas shopping, visit Ballito Junction. This mall has more than 200 stores and six anchor tenants including Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Checkers, Edgars, Game and Dis-Chem – as well as a cinema! It’s also home to the family-friendly 22JumpStreet indoor entertainment centre complete with trampolines and arcade games.
Costs: R100 per hour for 22JumpStreet (excluding jump socks).
Website: www.ballitojunction.co.za
Trading hours: 9am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday; 9am to 5pm Sundays and public holidays.

5. Monkeyland-KZN
Discover different species of exotic monkeys at this free-roaming primate sanctuary. The organisation aims to educate and foster a greater understanding about primates and the challenges they’re facing. Enjoy a guided walking tour while spotting capuchin monkeys, ringtail and black-and-white ruffed lemurs, buff-cheeked gibbons, squirrel monkeys, black howler monkeys and spider monkeys in their forest home.
Costs: R280 for adults; R140 for children aged 3 to 12; and free for children under 3.
Website: www.monkeylandkzn.co.za
Trading hours: 9am to 4pm every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

6. Luthuli Museum
KwaDukuza is also a cultural gem and home to the incredible Luthuli Museum, located at the site where Chief Albert Luthuli met New York senator, Robert F Kennedy back in 1966. Luthuli was a Nobel Peace Laureate and president of the ANC from 1952 to 1967 when he met his untimely death. Learn more about this great man and the country’s history at this iconic museum.
Costs: Free entry
Website: www.luthulimuseum.org.za
Trading hours: 8.30am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday.

7. Burnedale Farm & Nursery
This is a beautiful venue where visitors can enjoy a great meal at the café and indulge in some high-end retail therapy while the little ones run freely around the farm, exploring the playground and meeting the many farm animals.
Costs: Free entry
Website: ‘Burnedale Farm’ Facebook page
Trading hours: 8.30am to 4.30pm.

8. Crocodile Creek
For a snappy time, head to Crocodile Creek, home to more than 6 000 Nile crocodiles, alligators, snakes and other crocodilian species. There’s also a curio shop to browse, and a great restaurant overlooking the crocodiles’ den.
Costs: Adults R105; aged 4 to 17 R60 and pensioners R75.
Website: www.crocodilecreek.co.za
Trading hours: 10am to 4:30pm daily.

9. Ballito Ski Park
For a full day of action, head to Ballito Ski Park. Here visitors can partake in skiing, jet ski rides, tub riding, slip n slides or even the massive Viking slide. There’s also paintball and archery tag for those wanting some out-the-water adventure.
Costs: R160 for skiing or paintball; R110 for jet ski and tube rides; R70 for a one-hour slide or R130 for the day; R70 for archery tag.
Website: www.ballitoskipark.co.za
Trading hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Sunday.

10. The Market at Lifestyle Centre
For an artisanal food and shopping experience, head over to The Market eatery at the Lifestyle Centre. This alfresco-style shopping centre has a range of stores to browse, and a wonderful range of quality food options suited to all tastes.
Costs: Free entry and parking
Website: www.ballitolifestylecentre.co.za
Trading hours: The Market retail from 8am to 5pm daily; eateries Sunday to Thursday until 8pm; Friday and Saturday until 9pm.

Ballito Pro Covid-19 Safety Campaign and Vaccination 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.

Zoë Steyn (East London) and Tide-Lee Ireland (Durban) won the O’Neill SMTH Shapes Rookie Rippers World Surf League (WSL) Junior Qualifying Series (JQS) 1,000 today ahead of Sarah Scott (Kommetjie) and Connor Slijpen (Llandudno).

South Africa’s top juniors had their work cut out for them with a drop in swell and a strong southwest wind creating choppy conditions, and the surfing didn’t disappoint.

High-Performance Surfing In Tough Conditions
In the Women’s Final, Sarah Scott (Kommetjie) and Zoë Steyn (East London) made the most out of the conditions on offer. Scott opened up the scoreboard, staying busy up and down the lineup. Steyn waited patiently and soon found a couple of bigger right-handers to open up with her powerful backhand. With every next wave, the goofy-footer from East London continued to improve her score and increasing the requirement for Scott to catch up.

“I’m so happy to be back here. It’s so nice to restart competition here, because Ballito is such a beautiful place and the waves are always fun and contestable. I’m really stoked to win, I knew it was going to be a difficult final, because Sarah has been shredding. I was looking at the waves with my coach beforehand, and even in the previous heats it wasn’t easy, so I’m just happy I found those two waves to allow me to do my thing!”

“I just finished school this year so I’ll definitely be focussing on doing more competitions in 2022,” said Steyn.

Every year, about 8 million tons of plastic waste enter the oceans harming nearly 700 species and killing millions of animals. To turn the tide on plastic pollution, The Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill has introduced the 2021 Ballito Pro Environmental Awareness Campaign and Programme. Run by Sarah Ferguson of Breathe Conservation, the environmental programme will educate and inspire attendees to this year’s Ballito Pro, taking place in KwaDukuza from 9 to 19 December.

“Plastic never disappears, it just causes a toxic build-up and the victims are our marine life,” explained Ferguson, a renowned Channel swimmer, world record holder, and physiotherapist. “Plastic bottles and caps, drinking straws, chip packets, ear buds, flip-flop sandals and polystyrene waste is impacting the entire marine ecosystem – but it’s not too late. We need to keep fighting which is why we’ll be running the Environmental Awareness Campaign and Programme at the Ballito Pro from 15 to 17 December.”

Breathe Conservation is a global non-profit organisation dedicated to solving the problem of plastic pollution by inspiring change. The organisation promotes ocean conservation and development through education, offering alternative solutions to incite behavioural change. Sarah explained that, by making a few changes in daily life, every consumer can help save the oceans.

Here are her top 10 tips on eradicating throw-away plastic pollution.

1. Bring your own coffee cup instead of opting for a takeaway.
2. Refuse a straw. Rather take your own reusable straw if you enjoy drinking with a straw or simply drink from the cup.
3. Carry your own shopping bag or ask for a box at the till if you forget to take yours. It’s best to keep some reusable shopping bags in the car at all times.
4. Buy loose fruit and vegetables rather than pre-packaged, and place these in your own fruit bag or ask for a box at the shop.
5. Show initiative at the till by stopping and asking politely for the packer to not use the transparent packets to package your meat, milk or flowers.
6. When ordering a drink at a restaurant, request no plastic straws and rather use a reusable spoon for milkshakes.
7. Bring your own containers for takeaways at restaurants.
8. Carry you own reusable water bottle with you rather than buying plastic bottles.
9. Shop at your closest re-fill den for your cleaning products rather than buying new bottles every time.
10. Use bar soap instead of liquid soap in a plastic container.

2021 Ballito Pro Environmental Awareness Campaign and Programme

There will be a guided marine walk by environmental educator, Andre Steenkamp. He will provide useful insight into topics such as tides and the local marine life.

The pop-up snorkel day will give participants an up-close interaction with the incredible marine life.

The Slip Slop Campaign encourages attendees to dispose of any old slip slops in the strategically positioned bins so they can be recycled, and not end up as ocean pollution.

2021 Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill details

The Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill will be held in December for the first time ever, running an exciting surf and festival programme. The event is based at Willard Beach in KwaDukuza from 9 to 19 December. The Ballito Pro in partnership with IPSS Medical and We Thrive is running a Covid-19 Safety Awareness Campaign which will include a Vaccination and Testing Site at Willard Beach for event goers.

People can book via the Thrive website (www.wethrive.co.za) for vaccination instore at Thrive Ballito from 1pm to 5pm.

Alternatively, the Thrive Nurse will vaccinate at the Ballito Pro Thrive stand from 8am to 1pm. Walk-ins will be accepted, but bookings will take preference. 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. The Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill will broadcast the event in partnership with DSTV People’s Weather channel 180 / Openview Channel 115, and Ballito TV.