Some of the world’s best surfers will hit Ballito’s shores this month for the internationally rated Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill showdown which returns to its rightful mid-year spot.

Last year the competition was held in December because of Covid restrictions, and cancelled in 2020.

The 53rd edition brings back both the June/July timetable when local surf is at its peak, and the Challenger Series (CS) designation, which will attract the elite to compete.

Surfers from more than 15 countries are expected to turn out at Willard Beach, with a full field of 96 Challenger Series men and for the first time, 64 women.

In the men’s draw, regulars on the Championship Tour (CT) – the pinnacle of the sport – such as Jordy Smith (SA), Conner Coffin (USA) and Ezekiel Lau (Hawaii) are confirmed.

They are joined by a host of returning champions and up-and-coming talent such as local favourite Adin Masencam, Alejo Muniz (Argentina), Deivid Silva (Brazil) and most recent CS event winner, Rio Waida (Indonesia).

The women’s draw is similarly stacked, bursting at the seams with CT talent, including Australians Molly Picklum and Bronte Macaulay as well as the exciting Hawaiian contingent of Luana Silva, Bettylou Sakura-Johnson and the queen of the pipeline, Moana Jones-Wong.

Former SA champions Zoë Steyn and Sarah Baum will return, as will previous CS event winner at the Sydney Surf Pro, Teresa Bonvalot of Portugal.

Suffice to say, the surfing on show between July 4 and 10 will be of the highest quality, with athletes competing for a chance to feature in next year’s Champions Tour.

There are eight CS events across the globe, after which the top 10 men and top five women gain automatic qualification to the CT, so the Ballito Pro stakes could not be higher.

Juniors will also get the opportunity to show off their skills in the O’Neill SMTH Shapes Pro Junior category, a Junior Qualifying Series (JQS) 1 000 event on July 2 and 3.

“This gives the next generation of local surfers an unprecedented chance to learn from their heroes,” said Surfing South Africa (SSA) general manager, Robin de Kock.

“Rated as a prime event on the SA Junior Surf Tour, the Junior Pro gives up-and-coming South Africans a foot in the door. Not only do they get to compete for rating points and a share of the generous prize purse, they will be able to watch some of the world’s best surfers in action,” he said.

Top locals who did not qualify for the CS will also have the opportunity to earn a wildcard entry during the Pro trials.

“The opportunity to see the best women surfers alongside the men makes this a unique event for Africa. I am positive that many of these surfers will go on to become household names over the next few years,” said WSL Africa operations manager, Colin Fitch.

The event is supported by KwaDukuza municipality (KDM), long-term partners with the Pro since it first hit Ballito shores in 2009.

Speaking on the partnership, KDM mayor Lindile Nhaca said, “As we emerge from one of the most testing global challenges of our times KDM is renewing it’s economic and tourism strategies towards economic recovery, particularly in tourism.

“We look forward to once again welcoming all the international athletes, teams and their families to our shores.”

In conjunction with the professional surfing, developmental surf contests will again be run, including the hotly contested KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) high school contest.

An exciting festival programme will see the return of the free concerts among the many other entertainment activities.

Follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube for breaking news

Telegram Broadcast Service: https://t.me/joinchat/yJULuN8NaCs5OGM0

WhatsApp Broadcast Service: Add The Courier to WhatsApp at 082 792 9405 and WhatsApp your name and surname to be added.