World-class waves and packed beaches make 2026 Ballito Pro one to remember

The 2026 Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill concluded in spectacular fashion on Saturday, capping nearly two weeks of world-class surfing, packed beaches and a significant economic boost for the North Coast.

Thousands of spectators lined Willard Beach to watch American Cole Houshmand and Portugal’s Teresa Bonvalot claim the men’s and women’s titles after thrilling finals in clean 2ft to 4ft surf.

As the opening event of the World Surf League Challenger Series, the tournament attracted many of the world’s best surfers and generated international exposure for Ballito, while local retailers, restaurants and accommodation establishments reported increased business throughout the festival.

O’Neill brand director Paul Canning described this year’s event as one of the strongest Ballito Pros to date, thanks to an exceptional run of swell and ideal conditions.

“We didn’t have a single flat day. From the juniors through to the Challenger Series, every event benefited from quality surf, which is rare over a two-week period,” he said.

Event coordinator Colette Bundy said the tournament once again demonstrated the Ballito Pro’s value to the region.

“The event delivered a significant economic boost to the North Coast, with retailers, restaurants and accommodation establishments reporting increased business throughout the festival,” she said.

Bundy added that the combination of world-class waves, favourable weather and the Ballito Pro’s status as the opening stop on the 2026 Challenger Series attracted global attention, while sponsors also invested in a range of local community initiatives.

The event also showcased the depth of surfing’s emerging talent. Despite 17 Championship Tour surfers competing, only four reached the quarter-finals as a new generation of competitors announced themselves on the world stage.

Bonvalot claimed her maiden Ballito Pro title after defeating fellow Portuguese surfer Francisca Veselko in the event’s first all-Portuguese women’s final.

“It was amazing to see the crowds here at 8am every morning waiting for us. That made it even more special,” she said.

Houshmand made history by becoming the first surfer of the Challenger Series era to win the Ballito Pro twice. He defeated Brazil’s Weslley Dantas 13.23-12.54 in the final, sealing victory with an excellent 8.90-point ride.

“This is probably the best Challenger Series event I’ve ever surfed because of the waves,” said Houshmand.

His second Ballito Pro title sees him join South African greats Jordy Smith and Shaun Tomson, along with Australian legend Mark Richards, as multiple winners of the prestigious event.