Logie looking to win the Mr Price Pro

Former Durban boy Travis Logie has his sights set on claiming the Mr Price Pro Ballito crown.

Thousands of people are expected to line Willard Beach as some of the world’s top surfers battle it out at the Pro from June 30 to July 6.

96 surfers from 18 countries will compete for a cool R2.7 million prize purse and critical ranking points for surfers aiming to qualify for the ASP World Championship Tour in 2015.

Logie, who now lives in California, USA is one of the top contenders and he will be looking to tap into his knowledge of the local surf to get ahead of his competitors.

“I always look forward to the event in Ballito, nothing beats being with the family when you are competing. And the waves are always fun for the event, which is a huge bonus,” said Logie.

The ex-Durbanite has a reputation for taking down World No. 1’s, top seeds and event favourites on the premier ASP World Tour. He will be hungry for success in his back yard.

“It is all about having 100% confidence. Ballito is a pretty level playing field. It is a little right point and pretty much everyone on tour has grown up surfing waves really similar. Our advantage is having the home crowd cheering for us.”

Logie has competed at the Pro for the last eight years, with his best performance being a second-place spot in 2008 when Australia’s Chris Davids won the competition. His other performances have seen him placed from second down to thirtieth over the years.

“It has been pretty heartbreaking to be honest, I have finished everything except first! Every year I hope it is going to be my year but win or lose I am still so grateful to have such a massive event in South Africa.”

Logie has three more weeks to rest and do rehab on a persistent shoulder injury that troubled him at the recent Fiji Pro. Logie finished in equal 25th.

“I have been battling with it since the start of the year and a couple days before I flew to Fiji, it really deteriorated. The muscles around my shoulder joint went into a massive spasm and almost pulled my shoulder out of the joint from being so tight!”

I have been doing a lot of rehab and am confident it will be a lot better come the Mr Price Pro as it improves slightly every day.”

South African surfers joining Logie at the Pro are Jordy Smith, Beyrick de Vries, Dale Staples, Michael February and Slade Prestwich.

Away from the beach, festival goers can enjoy the free music concerts in Salt Rock on July 3 and 4. Foodies and wine-connoisseurs will love the Food and Wine festival which runs on July 1 and 2.