Author: AdminBallitoPro

The Ballito Pro cranks it up with a top musical lineup for this year’s festival

While the days will be dominated by sports and retail action at the 55th Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill, music and dance lovers will be treated to some of the best local artists who are bringing the vibe to the sunset, after-dark, and concert sessions! These rocking parties form part of The Ballito Pro festival which is running alongside the surfing action in KwaDukuza from 25 June to 8 July.

Corona Sunset Beach Bar Sessions

From 26 June to 7 July from 4pm, partygoers can head to the Willard Beach Retail section where they will hear the best in local DJ talent. This year’s epic lineup includes:

Wednesday 3 July 

4pm: Tatum Tides

5pm: DJ Royal Love

7pm: Austin Cassim

Saturday 6 July 

4pm: Freddy L

5pm: DJ Royal Love

7pm: Ryan Stylz

Sunday 7 July

4pm: DJ Royal Love

6pm: Ryan Stylz

7pm: Roxy Louw

The Ballito Pro After Dark Programmes

The vibes extend throughout the region with Ballito Village hosting daily entertainment and after-parties for The Ballito Pro festival-goers. Music and food lovers will find what they want at Conchilla and Good Vibes!

Conchilla in Ballito Village

Wednesday, 3 July – Karaoke

Thursday, 4 July – Delavante, B_Rad, & Jay Reid

Saturday, 6 July – Household Funk & Brent Crude

Sunday, 7 July – Freddy l & half-price sushi

Good Vibes in Ballito Village

Tuesday, 2 July – Swimsuit Show

Wednesday, 3 July – Kyle Cassim

Friday, 5 July – Tim ODV

Sunday, 7 July – Roxy Louw

….. and lots more!!

Battle of the DJs

The Ballito Pro gives local talent a platform to showcase their DJ skills with the Battle of the DJ auditions taking place at KwaDukuza Town Hall on Tuesday, 2 July. The top DJ from this event will get the chance to perform alongside internationally acclaimed musicians as they take to the main stage of the Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona on Thursday, 5 July.

The Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona

Another Ballito Pro festival highlight is the two-day Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona taking place at Salt Rock Main Beach on Thursday, 4 and Friday, 5 July. These free-to-attend concerts cater to a diverse range of musical tastes so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Night 1: Thursday, 4 July from 4.30pm to 10.30pm

The Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona will kick off with some local skill as the winner of the Battle of the DJs takes to the decks. Next up is DJ Merlon, a pivotal figure on the South African music scene who’s renowned for his deep house tracks and captivating sets. South African DJ and amapiano sensation, Young Stunna, will then wow the crowds with his infectious rhythm and soulful melodies, before Asante takes over the stage. The set concludes with Durban’s own Stanky Deejay, an amapiano expert and KZN favourite.

Night 2: Friday, 5 July from 4.30pm to 11.30pm

The second night of the Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona gets underway with Pretoria’s indie pop band December Streets taking to the stage. This level of high energy can only be matched by fellow Pretoria indie pop band, Desmond & the Tutus who are renowned for their infectious rhythm and quirky lyrics. Then it’s time for Durban based electronic duo, Veranda Panda who create a unique, genre-defying sonic experience. Joburg’s Wade and Kyle Saxby, AKA the Saxby Twins will show why they’re making waves in the South African music scene before the talented TIMO ODV ends the night on a high with his pulsating rhythms, atmospheric melodies, and introspective lyrics.

2024 Ballito Pro Festival Lineup

Outside of the skating and surfing arenas, visitors to this year’s Ballito Pro will enjoy two weeks of non-stop festival fun at the longest-running professional surfing event in the world. Some exciting 2024 festival elements include:

• Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona
• Recreational Action
• Retail Delight with food, drinks, arts and crafts
• Kids’ Corner with face painting, sandcastle building, beach dashes, and Jive with Jen dance
• Battle of the DJs and After Dark programme
• Monster Energy Activation
• iLembe Surf Riders Fundraiser
• After Dark Programmes and Parties
• Painting on Purpose Art Activation
• Litter4Tokens Awareness Campaign and Beach

Following the 2024 theme, This is the Battlefield – Lena Inkundla Yempi, visitors will watch the best surfers battle it out in the longest-running professional surfing event while enjoying a host of top-class festival entertainment.

Don’t miss any of the action at the 2024 Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival #thisisthebattlefield #lenainkudlayempi

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

Spectators were treated to a skating spectacle on Saturday, 29 June as the best of the best took to the Ballito Bowl to compete for the top prize. But it was Durban’s Khule Ngubane (30) who wowed the crowds at the 4th Ballito Skate Jam presented by Monster Energy & Volcom, taking home the Open’s and Best Trick titles for the day.

Ngubane took home R12 000 for his win and another R6 000 for Best Trick of the competition. Josh Beukes (Pretoria) won R6 000 for 2nd place with Kalvyn MacMillan (Durban) – winner of the 2021 and 2023 titles – taking home R4 000 for his 3rd place spot. The top three Groms – Ezra Vosloo (Ballito), Caitlin King (Durban), and Arthur Watson (Durban) – took home R5 000, R3 000, and R2 000 respectively, with the top 6 across the two categories taking home hampers from Etnies and Volcom.

Speaking after the event, professional skateboarder and World Cup Skateboarding Series competitor Khule Ngubane said: “I didn’t put any pressure on myself because skate bowl is not my strong suit, I usually skate ramps, so there were no expectations, it was just about fun for me. I didn’t think I was going to win. Best Trick I thought I would do well because I’m a versatile skateboarder so I was looking forward to that.”

The Durbanite, who represents Monster Energy, competes internationally but said he looks forward to this annual KZN competition: “Once a year I get to come to Ballito and it’s nice to have a local event. To come with that ‘W’ feels amazing! I’m humbled, this couldn’t have come at a better time as it’s got me focused on my bigger contests. A win is always a big motivator.”

Looking back, Ngubane – who comes from Chesterville originally – recalls his introduction to the sport at 11 years old when he saw Tony Hawk on TV, with a PlayStation game further inspiring his interest: “For my 12th birthday my grandpa – who’d never given me a gift – he asked me what I want and I said ‘a skateboard’. We were both December babies and he splurged R60 on a skateboard. I’ve skated hundreds of skateboards but you never forget that first one. There was something special about that moment.”

Ngubane describes skating as his way out of poverty, although it took dedication: “I walked to the Pavilion [skate part] and skated there. It taught me a work ethic, because I didn’t have money and I used to hide the fact that I skated from my family as skaters had a bad rep. So I’d sweep the skate park just so I could skate. By 15 I was a professional skateboarder and 15 years on, I’m at the top of my game.”

Never forgetting where he came from, Ngubane has established his NPO Back to the Roots which gives back to the community through skating and will be hosting local skating events when he returns from his European contests later in the year. In addition to his skating talent, he’s a hip-hop artist performing under the name KoolAir and will be releasing his album later in the year.

The Grom’s top competitor, Ezra Vosloo (11) commented: “Ever since I was a baby, we’ve had skateboards in the house, but I started skating a lot when I was about 7 years old. My favourite part about the Ballito Pro Skate Jam is having all the great skaters come to town and this year I had my family from overseas come to watch. My goal one day is to win the Open Division and maybe go to the Olympics. I’d also love to travel the world skating at lots of great parks.”

Markus Müseler from the event hosts, OSP Events Co. said: “Another amazing Bowl Jam this year, we saw the level of the contest and event really step up with the best in local skateboarding. The addition of LIVE BMX was exactly what was needed for the Ballito community seeing the crowds come out to support the Ballito Pro Skate Jam. A massive thanks to our partners and the Ballito Pro. The OSP team is looking forward to 2025!”

Paul Canning, O’Neill and Volcom Brand Director agreed, saying: “We were very stoked to be involved with Volcom and Etnies in the Ballito Bowl Skate Jam again this year. It is awesome to see the support of the event from both the local community and top skaters from around the country.”

2024 Ballito Pro Skate Jam Results

Opens

Winner and Best Trick: Khule Ngubane
2nd Josh Beukes
3rd Kalvyn Mac Millan
4th Alan Marola
5th Puddy Zwenis
6th Ezra Vosloo
7th Byron Rhoda
8th Joshua van Zyl

Groms

Winner: Ezra Vosloo
2nd Caitlin King 
3rd Arthur Watson
4th Levi Vosloo
5th James Charlton-Jones
6th Adnir Tait

Thanks were extended to all the sponsors that made the event possible: Monster Energy, Volcom, Etnies, Remax, GroundSwell, and Ride up Movement.

2024 Ballito Pro Festival Lineup

Outside of the skating and surfing arenas, visitors to this year’s Ballito Pro will enjoy two weeks of non-stop festival fun at the longest-running professional surfing event in the world. Some exciting 2024 festival elements include:

• Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona
• Recreational Action
• Retail Delight with food, drinks, arts and crafts
• Kids’ Corner with face painting, sandcastle building, beach dashes, and Jive with Jen dance
• Battle of the DJs and After Dark programme
• Monster Energy Activation
• iLembe Surf Riders Fundraiser
• After Dark Programmes and Parties
• Painting on Purpose Art Activation
• Litter4Tokens Awareness Campaign and Beach

Following the 2024 theme, This is the Battlefield – Lena Inkundla Yempi, visitors will watch the best surfers battle it out in the longest-running professional surfing event while enjoying a host of top-class festival entertainment.

Don’t miss any of the action at the 2024 Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival #thisisthebattlefield #lenainkudlayempi

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 sporting action is set to increase at the 55th Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill with the inclusion of the Engen Ballito Downwind on Sunday, 7 July between Bythdale and Tiffany’s beaches. This premium doubles surfski race forms part of the epic Ballito Pro festival programme running in KwaDukuza from 25 June to 8 July, featuring live entertainment, quality retail, extreme sports, art activations, kids’ activities, and more!

The surfski and paddling community on the KZN North Coast growing with racing returning to the region and there’s a need for more events. The Engen Ballito Downwind originally ran in 2018 but was put on halt due to Covid-19. As the paddlers relocated to the KZN North Coast, the club has organised a number of events on the KZN calendar, including Jawitz Properties season opener, as the KZN Marathon Championships.

The organisers, South Africa Surf Ski, are proud to partner with the local standout festival for the region, The Ballito Pro, as part of the programme. Barry Lewin, Event Organiser, said:

“It’s great to be part of a larger festival to offer surfski paddlers not only the great ocean conditions of the KZN North Coast, but other auxiliary activities such as Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill, the concerts presented by Corona, as well as the markets and retail activities which are bringing visitors to the region.

“We are very excited to welcome a new title sponsor to the event with Engen Ballito, our local filling and convenience centre as well as perennial surfski sponsors, the Pumpsmiths who are supporting the event. Big thanks to Mark Jason and Rajesh Ramperthab for backing the sport as a local business, and we look forward to the paddlers filling up at Engen.”

The KZN North Coast is a hotbed of local talent, Hank McGregor, Saskia Hockly, Christie Mackenzie, and Brent Chiazzari as well as club members who will use their local knowledge to take advantage in the seniors, vets, juniors, and mixed doubles categories.

uMdloti residents Saskia Hockly and Christie Mackenzie – the KZN Flatwater Marathon Champs – will be upping the competition at the event as they take to the water. Commenting on the race, Hockly said: “I’m super excited to hear that yet another new race has been brought in on my home stretch of coastline, and for it to be hosted alongside the Ballito Pro is really cool with the high vibes and good spirits!

“One of my favourite races, the Dolphin Coast Challenge is held on the North Coast and I believe this specific stretch of coastline has some world-class potential. I’m really looking forward to getting geared up in my ski leading up the SA Surfski Champs in Durban as well, and the surfski community in our city is filled with amazing, friendly and passionate people who all share one thing in common: the love for the sea! I can’t wait to line up on that line and race with good friends and in my favourite place in the world.”

Fellow paddler, Christie Mackenzie said: “I am super excited to be a part of this race! Surfski is relatively new for me and I’m super excited to be sitting behind my super-competent partner Saskia Hockly. We have had a super successful season together so far and I’m really excited to be learning more about the sea from her.”

Competing with Luke Nisbet is Salt Rock’s Brent Chiazzari, a new resident on the KZN North Coast who’s very keen to compete in the Engen Ballito Downwind: “The vibe around The Ballito Pro and the inclusion of a surfski event is really quite exciting for the surfski fraternity. Barry Lewin loves a good downwind and he’s planned the route along some of the best downwinding coastlines in South Africa. If we get some wind this year, it is sure to be one for the books. The launch itself can be a bit hairy with Blythdale having a typical steep entry beach with a decent shorebeak, but that’s part of the challenge. Luke and I are hoping for some strong downwind conditions!”

2024 Engen Ballito Downwind

Course: 18.5kms from Blythedale Beach to Tiffany’s Beach

Date: Sunday, 7 July

Time: 9am

Entry: www.canoesa.org.za | R305 (incl. KNCU fees) with a race shirt for the first 50 paddlers to pre-enter

This is a proudly Ballito Pro event presented by The Pumpsmith, South Africa Surf Ski, and Engen Ballito.

2024 Ballito Pro Festival Lineup

Outside of the skating and surfing arenas, visitors to this year’s Ballito Pro will enjoy two weeks of non-stop festival fun at the longest-running professional surfing event in the world. Some exciting 2024 festival elements include:

• Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona
• Recreational Action
• Retail Delight with food, drinks, arts and crafts
• Kids’ Corner with face painting, sandcastle building, beach dashes, and Jive with Jen dance
• Battle of the DJs and After Dark programme
• Monster Energy Activation
• iLembe Surf Riders Fundraiser
• After Dark Programmes and Parties
• Painting on Purpose Art Activation
• Litter4Tokens Awareness Campaign and Beach

Following the 2024 theme, This is the Battlefield – Lena Inkundla Yempi, visitors will watch the best surfers battle it out in the longest-running professional surfing event while enjoying a host of top-class festival entertainment.

Don’t miss any of the action at the 2024 Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival #thisisthebattlefield #lenainkudlayempi

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 55th Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill celebrates the ocean through surfing, seaside activities, and a dedicated conservation and community empowerment programme. As the Ballito Pro festival gets underway in KwaDukuza from 25 June to 8 July 2024, there are many ways for visitors to get involved and support these positive initiatives.

“The reality is that without a healthy ocean, there is no Ballito Pro and there is no life, so we need to be doing what we can to protect our ocean throughout the festival and beyond,” said Collette Bundy, The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival Organiser.

“We’re delighted to welcome back the globally impactful Litter4Tokens Awareness & Prevention Campaign Beach Activation that encourages ocean conservation while supporting livelihoods. We also have the Made for More presentation and Ilembe Surf Riders Fundraiser promoting the development of surfing among our local communities. This all forms part of the Ballito Pro festival programme that will keep visitors engaged and entertained for the full two weeks.”

Litter4Tokens Awareness & Prevention Campaign and Beach Activation

The Ballito Pro is collaborating with renowned NPO Litter4Tokens to highlight the National Nurdle Clean-Up campaign. This is the clean-up of small plastic pellets, known as nurdles or mermaid tears, used in the manufacture of all plastic products. Nurdles are devastating for marine ecosystems as they spill into the ocean from lost containers, however, the code for nurdles isn’t deemed ‘hazardous material’ so shipping companies don’t know they are carrying them. They are also released by all plastic manufacturers into the drains when making all seven types of plastic, making their way to the rivers and ocean. Because of their small size and resemblance to fish eggs, marine animals consume these pellets, leading to intestinal blockages and starvation.

Clare Swithenbank-Bowman, CEO and founder of Litter4Tokens, Trash4Tokens, and the inventor of the Mermaid Tear Catcher – which is made from ocean-bound plastic – said they’re continuing the impetus of the 2019 initiative which saw more than 2.6kg of nurdles collected at the Ballito Pro. To date, they have collected and prevented more than 16.3 kgs of nurdles, saving the ocean and educating over 62 000 people.

“While you’re watching the best surfing, we encourage you to help collect the nurdles with our specially designed Mermaid Tear Catcher, usually along the beach at the high-water marks and among rocks,” said Swithenbank-Bowman. “Once nurdles are weighed, they are put into the Nurdle Bin to be repurposed. All contributors are added to the National Nurdle Clean-up and can win big! There will also be educational outreach programmes running at The Ballito Pro so you can learn more.”

The Ballito Pro-branded Mermaid Tear Catchers, which will be on sale at the event, are used to sieve through the sand to collect nurdles. All participants are entered into a competition and stand a chance to win some incredible prizes worth tens of thousands of rands. These include a two-night stay at Coco De Mer Boutique Hotel, dinner vouchers, cash prizes, and a surfboard made from recycled materials.

Litter4Tokens collectors will be sorting and collecting materials from all spectators, logging data on their app to document the types and quantities of waste diverted from landfills to show the full CO2 mitigated at The Ballito Pro – the first time such data will be collected at a WSL event. Dolphin Coast Waste Management will verify the data, including full rebate and repurposing of all materials, which will be shared with the event organisers daily to show how much landfill and ocean waste was prevented. 

Grant ‘Twiggy’ Baker, legendary South African big wave surfer and three-time WSL World Champion, commented: “Nurdle pollution is a huge problem; almost every beach I travel to around the world has these environmentally disastrous pieces of plastic on them. The work that Litter4Tokens is doing to try and help clean these things up is fantastic. We get all packaging back to be repurposed with the dream of never having to do another beach clean-up again. Prevention is better than cure, giving all litter a higher value.”

History and Impact of Litter4Tokens

The Litter4Tokens campaign, established in 2015, has made significant strides in waste management and community empowerment across South Africa. The initiative has prevented over 2 million bags of ocean-bound waste and empowered more than 382 000 people. Currently, Litter4Tokens averages 72 000 bags of sorted materials monthly, with 1 432 waste collectors actively participating. The campaign operates in over 22 sites across the country, including KwaDukuza, Richards Bay, Mpumalanga, and Estcourt. There is also a sister foundation in the USA and Mexico – www.trash4tokens.org.

For more visit www.Litter4Tokens.org or contact Clare Swithenbank-Bowman at clare@litter4tokens.co.za.

The iLembe Surf Riders Fundraiser and Made for More Presentation

Don’t miss out on an evening of fun all the while raising much-needed funding for the iLembe Surfriders Association. This is the official surfing district on the KZN North Coast, committed to promoting and developing the future of surfing in the Ilembe District.

This will also be an opportunity to learn more about the inspirational work being done by Made for More. This KZN-based NPO includes, equips, and empowers people with disabilities through sport. This includes coaching, exercise therapy, community projects, mentorship and training, awareness events, and leadership camps.

Guests at the fundraiser can look forward to an auction of fantastic surf equipment and memorabilia, a raffle for various surf merchandise prizes and an autograph signing session and interviews with O’Neill Pro Team Surfers. Surfing footage on the TV screens, a DJ and Fiamma Pizza specials will add to the good vibes.   

Venue: Fiamma Grill

Date: Tuesday, 2 July 2024

Time: 5.30pm

Cost: R100 per person including a raffle ticket and a complimentary Corona or cool drink as appropriate.

2024 Ballito Pro Festival Lineup

Outside of the skating and surfing arenas, visitors to this year’s Ballito Pro will enjoy two weeks of non-stop festival fun at the longest-running professional surfing event in the world. Some exciting 2024 festival elements include:

• Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona
• Recreational Action
• Retail Delight with food, drinks, arts and crafts
• Kids’ Corner with face painting, sandcastle building, beach dashes, and Jive with Jen dance
• Battle of the DJs and After Dark programme
• Monster Energy Activation
• iLembe Surf Riders Fundraiser
• After Dark Programmes and Parties
• Painting on Purpose Art Activation
• Litter4Tokens Awareness Campaign and Beach

Following the 2024 theme, This is the Battlefield – Lena Inkundla Yempi, visitors will watch the best surfers battle it out in the longest-running professional surfing event while enjoying a host of top-class festival entertainment.

Don’t miss any of the action at the 2024 Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival #thisisthebattlefield #lenainkudlayempi

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