From 25 June to 8 July, the world’s best surfers will head to KwaDukuza for the 55th Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill. Connecting local heritage with the surfing Challenger Series, the 2024 theme This is the Battlefield – Lena Inkundla Yempi will see surfers battle it out for the top title, while spectators enjoy non-stop entertainment within the arena and beyond.
The Challenger Series is the ultimate battleground for surfers vying to qualify for the elite Championship Tour (CT) in 2025. Returning faces and fresh threats prepare to battle at six stops across the world in hopes of turning their dreams into reality.
Following an all-important start on the Gold Coast and Sydney, Australia, competitors head to Stop No. 3, the Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill. The 2024 Challenger Series fields will be made up of 80 men and 48 women. The top 10 ranked men and top five ranked women will be decided when the series concludes in October in Brazil, qualifying to join the world’s best surfers on the 2025 Championship Tour. Competitors will count their four best results out of the six events.
WSL AFRICA Regional Director, Tasha Mentasti commented: “As we gear up for the landmark 55th edition of the Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill – an event with a longstanding legacy on the World Surf League calendar and a beacon of surf culture and tradition that defines a portion of our continent’s shores – WSL Africa is deeply honoured to be a part of the local surfing heritage within this naturally beautiful and wave-rich region.
“Our 15-year partnership with KwaDukuza Municipality exemplifies a shared commitment to developing and elevating surfing both locally and on the African continent. With gratitude, we anticipate yet another epic event, filled with exciting moments, fierce international competition, and the unyielding spirit of local support and community. To all the Challenger Series surfers, may the waves be in your favour, and may your performances inspire us all!”
O’Neill Brand Director Paul Canning added: “On behalf of O’Neill we are extremely honoured to continue our partnership as presenting sponsor of the Ballito Pro in 2024 and thank the KwaDukuza Municipality for affording us this astonishing opportunity.
“We are excited with this year’s campaign, Lena Indundla Yempi highlighting the rich history of the battlefields in the KwaDukuza region, as well as the great rivalries and battles we will see in the water by all the athletes competing in the different events – from the youngsters in the O’Neill SMTH Shapes Ballito Pro Junior and the local South African Pros competing in the QS1000 Ballito Open Presented by Flojos, to the world’s best surfers coming out for the Ballito Pro. This year’s Ballito Pro is really showcasing every level of the sport and we are proud to be part of this iconic event.”
KwaDukuza Municipality Mayor, Cllr O Lindi Nhaca said: “KwaDukuza Municipality as the event licensee, host, and major funder, we express our gratitude for our partnership with WSL and O’Neill as we commemorate the 15th anniversary as official host of this exciting event.
“This year’s theme Lena Inkundla Yempi remains a true reflection of the municipality’s diverse heritage, which aptly encapsulates the fighting spirit of our great warriors and liberation heroes. Our 15th-year anniversary as hosts of the event coincides with the 30th anniversary of the historic democratic transition to democracy in 1994. True to form, we want the rest of the world to join us in promoting unity of purpose, nation building and social cohesion.
“Importantly, the 55th edition of the Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill is to capture the imagination of the world by positioning KwaDukuza as a strategic tourism centre and as a recognised surfing destination. We are looking forward to hosting athletes and visitors from all walks of life on our shores, and we wish to thank our partners for their unrelenting efforts in making the Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill an event to be reckoned with.”
2024 Ballito Pro Festival
Outside of the surfing arena, there is still plenty of action happening with a full festival programme to enjoy. Visitors to the longest-running professional surfing event can look forward to great festival activities and entertainment, including:
· Ballito Pro Music Concerts & Sunset Sessions Presented by Corona
· Retail offerings
· Battle of the DJs and dance competitions
· Extreme sports programme
· Ballito Skate Comp Presented by Volcom & Etnies
· iLembe Fundraiser
· Daily beach sports and recreational activities
· After Dark Programmes and Parties
· Environmental awareness programmes and events
· School Art Activation & showcase
“Surfing culture is strongly linked to the region’s local heritage, with the Ballito Pro running for 55 years in 2024, and celebrating 15 years of being hosted in KwaDukuza,” explained Collette Bundy, The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival Organiser. “The Ballito Pro Challenger Series is the only WSL International Challenger Series Contest on the African continent, making it a calendar highlight for South African surfers. Visitors get the chance to watch international-level surfing in the stunning KwaDukuza, while also enjoying the many Ballito Pro Festival activities, events, and entertainment. This is one not to miss!”
Don’t miss any of the action at the 2024 Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival #thisisthebattlefield #lenainkudlayempi
Watch LIVE The Challenger Series will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL app, and the WSL’s YouTube channel. Also, check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.
To find out more about The Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill festival programme, visit:
Website: www.theballitopro.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theballitopro/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheBallitoPro
Instagram: www.instagram.com/TheBallitoPro
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/theballitopro
Snapchat: Username – TheBallitoPro
CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za.
Author: Agnes Matladi from Olivia Jones Communications on behalf of Ballito Pro 2024.
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