BALLITO, KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (Wednesday, June 26, 2024) - The World Surf League (WSL) Ballito Pro, stop No.3 on the 2024 Challenger Series is looming as the top Challenger Series competitors head to South Africa in their quest to qualify for the Championship Tour (CT) in 2025. The event holds a competition window from Monday, July 1 through July 8, 2024.
The Ballito Pro presented by O'Neill enters its 55th year as the longest-running professional surfing event, celebrating a 15-year partnership with KwaDukuza Municipality. Leading up to the Challenger Series, the Ballito surf festival will also host the O'Neill SMTH Shapes Ballito Pro Junior and the inaugural Ballito Open presented by Flojos Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000.
The 2024 Ballito Pro presented by O'Neill theme This is the Battlefield - Lena Inkundla Yempi connects the local heritage with the Challenger Series as surfers battle for the top title, while spectators enjoy non-stop entertainment within the arena and beyond.
Sally Fitzgibbons - WSL / Pierre Tostee
Women's Battle Heats Up At The Top Of The Log
Returning to Ballito is 2023 runner-up Isabella Nichols (AUS) who had a stellar start to her requalification campaign this year. With a third at the Gold Coast Pro and taking out the win at the Sydney Surf Pro, she's currently second on the rankings behind young phenom Erin Brooks (CAN).
Brooks looks set to qualify for the CT after a win and runner-up finish in the first two Challenger Series competitions of the year. The 16-year-old has it all, from an impressive air game to powerful carves and seemingly no fear when the surf gets overhead.
Sally Fitzgibbons' (AUS) unwavering determination to get back on Tour is evident, with consecutive third-place finishes at the first two Challenger Series events. Another good result in Ballito will put her in a great position for the rest of the year.
Mikey McDonagh - WSL / Kody McGregor
Requalification Race Kicks Into Gear
The battle to requalify for the CT is in full swing with Samuel Pupo (BRA) currently leading the charge. Pupo narrowly missed the cut after the Margaret River Pro and is looking intent on claiming back his spot on the Tour. Pupo's brother Miguel is also in the Top 10 after a third place finish in Sydney.
Alejo Muniz (BRA) is making a strong case for requalification as he sits in second on the rankings. Muniz, a winner in Ballito in 2015, will be heading to South Africa with plenty of confidence.
Mikey McDonagh (AUS) and Jordan Lawler (AUS) are knocking on the door of the CT after taking out the first two Challenger Series events in Australia and are looking poised for another big result this year.
Ballito Pro Junior and Qualifying Series Draws Massive Field Ahead of Challenger Series
Leading up to the Challenger Series, the O'Neill SMTH Shapes Ballito Pro Junior will run from 27-28 June 2024, followed by the Ballito Open presented by Flojos Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000 from 29-30 June 2024. It will be the first time that a Pro Junior and QS 1,000 will be held before the Challenger Series and is proof of the immense growth this event has brought to the region.
The women's field is by the far the strongest it's been in recent years, with Canadian surf-sensation Erin Brooks (CAN) and the Basque sisters Annette and Janire Gonzalez entered in the Pro Junior, and former CT stars Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Alyssa Spencer (USA) and Bronte Macaulay (AUS) using the QS as a warm-up for Ballito.
Ballito Pro Music Concerts and Sunset Sessions Presented by Corona
On top of all the surfing action, there's a host of other activities and events happening in and around Ballito. The party continues with the Corona Sunset Sessions and Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona which is a free-to-attend, two-day festival showcasing top South African musicians. The Ballito Pro Skate Jam presented by Volcom & Etnies showcases the best in local and upcoming skate talent. Plus there will be the local Battle of the DJs, dance competitions, and after parties forming part of the After Dark Programme.
The Ballito Pro is supported by O'Neill, KwaDukuza Municipality, Surfing South Africa, Corona, The North Coast Courier, Monster Energy, SMG and Coca-Cola.