Ballito Pro men’s competition kicks off in perfect conditions

The world’s best surfers took to the waves at Willard Beach on Tuesday for the first day of competition for the Ballito Pro pres. by O”Neill World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 10,000 rated event.

Clean four foot waves and a light offshore wind provided the perfect conditions for Beyrick de Vries (Umhlanga) who won his heat, advancing ahead of Jordy Lawler (AUS) while championship tour competitor Seth Moniz (HAW) and Charly Martin (FRA) ended third and fourth respectively and were sent packing.

“I am happy to get the first heat at home out of the way.

“The 10,000 points on offer gets you amped, but also seeing familiar faces on the beach as you run down, it is always better when it is at home.

“This is the best forecast we have had in years, the sand is the best we have had in four, five years,” said De Vries.

Noe Mar McGonagle (CRI), inspired by his sister Leilani McGonagle’s runner-up finish on Monday in the Ballito Women’s Pro pres. by O’Neill, won his heat ahead of Michael February (Kommetjie), while Alonso Correa (PER) and Jack Robinson (AUS) were eliminated.

“My strategy was to start by the rocks and that first wave came my way.

“Even though it was not in my top two, it set me in a good rhythm.

“I have been practicing in a lot of beach breaks in preparation for this, and I am feeling good,” said McGonagle.

South Africa’s Michael February’s third place finish at the 2017 Ballito Pro helped to earn him a spot on the championship tour for 2018.

But after missing out on re-qualifying for the Dream Tour, local fans would love to see the universally acknowledged style-master get another good result in Ballito this year.

It did not go as planned for the other South African hopefuls, with Slade Prestwich (Durban), Jordy Maree (Kalk Bay) and Adin Masencamp (Strand) all eliminated from the event in their opening encounters.

Brazil’s Wiggoly Dantas won his heat convincingly for the highest score in the first round with a total of 16.83 out of a possible 20.

“I feel really good and the waves are pumping,” said Dantas.

“Every year coming here we get good waves and it is a super special place for me, Africa is amazing.”

The men’s competition began on the back of the pumping finals of the women’s (QS) 1,000 rated event and the inaugural Ballito O’Neill SMTH Shapes Pro Junior Men’s and Women’s World Surf League (WSL) Africa Junior Qualifying Series (JQS) 1,000 (see back page).

Alongside the surfing, visitors and locals will be spoiled for choice with non-stop activities providing even more entertainment throughout the Ballito festival site.

South Africa’s hottest musical acts appealing to all tastes will be performing live on Salt Rock Beach on Thursday, 4 and Friday, 5 July from 4pm.

Beach and extreme sports, culinary contests as well as quality retail and food stalls will also keep festival goers entertained.

The kids corner will keep children busy with face painting, water balls, sandcastle building and other fun activities.

There will also be opportunities for public interactions with the Pro ambassador Sal Masekela, renowned American television host, sports commentator, actor and singer.

Masekela is the son of South African legendary jazz musician Hugh Masekela.