Africa's premier surf festival returns to Ballito for 56th edition
The countdown is on as Ballito prepares to host Africa's biggest surf and lifestyle festival – the iconic Ballito Pro.
The official launch took place at a media and sponsors' breakfast at Fiamma Grill last Friday.
Presented by O'Neill, the festival has been held in Ballito since 2009, originally starting in Durban in 1969. The world's longest-running professional surfing contest will run from June 22 to July 6 at Willard Beach. This year marks the 56th edition of the festival, themed 'sea.sound.waves' to honour the unifying power of sport and music.
'This year's theme takes its inspiration from the positive energy produced by the ocean and sound waves,' said event organiser Collette Bundy.
The 15-day festival will feature a variety of sporting, leisure and music events. Bundy said the Ballito Pro generates an estimated R40-million boost to the local economy.
'It is important to create economic opportunities for local businesses and the community,' she added.
KwaDukuza mayor Ali Ngidi echoed these sentiments, welcoming guests from across South Africa and the world.
'It is important to showcase KwaDukuza's tourism potential to investors and highlight the beauty of our region,' he said.
The surfing kicks off with Rookie Rippers, an U12 to U18 boys' and girls' surf competition from June 22 to 24.
The Ballito Pro Junior (June 25-26) will see rising stars compete for the World Surf League (WSL) Africa Junior Qualifying Series (JQS) men's and women's titles.
The Ballito Open, now a QS 2 000 ranked event, runs from June 27 to 29, while the main Ballito Pro Challenger Series is set for June 29 to July 6.
Some of the world's best surfers will line up in Ballito this year, including South African Olympian and Championship Tour (CT) regular, Matthew McGillivray. He will be joined by eight other CT surfers in the men's draw, while former winners Sarah Baum and Sally Fitzgibbons, among others, will thrill on the women's side.
O'Neill brand director Paul Canning said one of the most recognisable features of the Ballito Pro is its unique annual themes.
'The Ballito Pro is the highlight of our year and I'm grateful to be involved as a sponsor. We appreciate KwaDukuza's support in showcasing surfing,' he said.
Additional highlights include the Ballito Skate Jam on June 28 with R30 000 in prize money, and the much anticipated Corona Free Concerts, from July 2 to 4.
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