Point out your thumb and pinky finger and fold in the rest, now wave.

You have just learnt to shaka – the symbol of unity for surfers worldwide and now the official sign for the world’s longest running professional surfing event, the Ballito Pro presented by Billabong.

Running from June 27 to July 9, the festival offers a jam packed program where world class surfers, South African music legends and action driven entertainment unites on the Shaka coastline at Willard Beach.

At the official Ballito Pro launch on Wednesday, event organiser, Collette Bundy said KwaDukuza has proven year after year that it truly is the home of stoke.

“The return of the Ballito Pro Presented by Billabong to KwaDukuza is a true testament to the region’s incredible surf conditions and warm coastal atmosphere,” said Bundy.

“We want to make sure that every visitor to this year’s event finds something that appeals to them which is why we’ve organised an incredible two-week programme suited to all ages and tastes.”

Festival highlights

Music festival

Groupies, get your dose of some of South Africa’s hottest musical acts performing their greatest hits at this year’s Cadbury’s Five Star Ballito Pro Music Concerts Powered by 5FM taking place at the Salt Rock beach stage from Thursday, July 6 to Friday, 7.

Audiences can expect the likes of December Streets, Matthew Mole, Okmalumkoolkat, Kwesta, Snapbvck, Kyle Cassim, Desmond & the Tutus, PH and DJ Lloyd.

Party lovers, make sure to be at the official After Dark Parties taking place at Ballito’s biggest nightlife venue, Crush Nightclub, with the two dance floors hosting some of the country’s hottest DJs – among them Chunda Munki, Bomsquad and Vimo – along with incredible drinks specials from June 30 to July 9.

Partygoers will also get a taste of upcoming talent at the Battle of the DJs with the contest reaching its crescendo on Saturday, July 8  at the finals.

Extreme sports

Adrenaline junkies will be thrilled that world-ranked extreme motorcyclists, Bruce and Brent Le Riche, sponsored by Monster Energy Drink, will be returning this year after impressing audiences at last year’s Pro.

The hardcore duo will be keep you on the edge with their death-defying stunts at the Willard Beach Extreme Sports Zone from Thursday, July 6 to Sunday 9.

Visitors will also get to check out some of the greatest skateboarders at the Monster Skate Jame with young skaters given the chance to try out the ramps after the shows.

Culinary delights

Foodies are in for a treat at the Night of Food and Wine event also at the Willard Beach main festival area from  Tuesday July 4 and Wednesday July 5 from 5.30pm to 10.30pm.

The public is given a delectable platform to showcase their hidden culinary skills in the Freak Shake and Shisa Nyama Cooking Competitions while professionals in the industry will also be given the opportunity to prove their worth at the Celebrity Cook-off.

While things get heated in the kitchen contests, the audience can enjoy the fashion shows, wine tastings, craft beer and cocktails on offer.

Make sure to visit the Retail Delight for daily live entertainment as well as a showcase of quality arts and crafts, various exhibitions and retail stalls.

Grab a bite to eat at the food court and relax at the cider garden which will provide refreshing drinks throughout the festival.

Beach action

Feeling inspired to get your beach body ready with all those sexy surfers around?

Pop by the non-stop Beach Action at the Coca Cola Football Arena with daily beach soccer entertainment, while the kids will be kept busy at the Kids’ Corner with face painting, water balls and sandcastle building contests.

Save the Waves

Help keep the ocean clean and environmentally friendly with the return of the previously run, successful Save the Waves campaign sponsored by Dolphin Coast Waste Management.

The hazards of plastic waste, the importance of recycling as well as the ocean’s lifegiving elements will be highlighted through this educational campaign with visitors encouraged to use the recycling stations across the festival venue.

>>  Expect to find the latest trends in Health, Wellness and Beauty in Ballito.

>> Meet the top players in the North Coast property industry. See our Property People feature.

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