Ballito Pro gets knocked to December as fear of third wave grows
In the wake of the level 2 lockdown measures announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on May 30, organisers KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM), the World Surf League (WSL) and Surfing South Africa (SSA) decided this week to postpone the event to early December 2021.
With the threat of an impending third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, the Ballito Pro surf competition has been delayed yet again.
In the wake of the level 2 lockdown measures announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on May 30, organisers KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM), the World Surf League (WSL) and Surfing South Africa (SSA) decided this week to postpone the event to early December 2021.
KDM Mayor, Dolly Govender, said this was done in order to put public health first.
“The new dates will be announced after we have surpassed the 3rd wave. We appreciate the support and enthusiasm that has been shown by our partners, the tourism sector and our community since our announcement of the return of the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill,” said Cllr Govender.
Despite the setback, the event is still set to be the premier surfing event on the African surfing calendar this year, drawing the best men, women and juniors from around the continent to Willard Beach.
WSL Africa operations manager, Colin Fitch said the safety of athletes, event staff, and fans remained paramount.
“We stand by the decision from KwaDukuza municipality and organisers of the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill and look forward to returning to the shores of Ballito,” said Fitch.
The sentiment was echoed by both the SSA and O’Neill Sector Group.
The contest was last held in 2019, having been postponed last year due to the pandemic.
For more information and updates visit theballitopro.com.
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