Playing it Forward at Ballito Pro Version 20.16

Over 100 million global eyes will be on Ballito over the coming weeks as the worlds longest running international surf competition hits our shores. Organizers have a clear vision ahead, instigating an eco sustainability component to the historical event as well as a fierce developmental initiative for South Africa’s young surfers.

As the Gunston 500, this annual surf competition launched South African surfers on to the world circuit for the first time. Now, in its 48th year, the longest running international surf event has plans for longevity in the future too.

The Ballito Pro presented by Billabong has already attracted 150 of the worlds top surfers in their bid to enter the first of the 2017 season Men’s QS 10 000 rated surf events. Six previous champions, including the current world champion, Adriano de Souza will be pitching for the Ballito Pro trophy. With the re-introduction of the women’s event (a QS 1000 event) into the competition, the field is enhanced, but organizers are also thrilled to announce the Billabong Juniors Event (previously held at J-Bay) will be held here too.

We are keenly aware our future world champions emerge from the Junior events. Hosting the Billabong Junior Event in Ballito has a huge impact in encouraging local surfers.” Colin Fitch, WSL.

Learn to Surf

Bongani Zulu, a familiar face on our beaches as the lifeguard who teaches underprivileged kids to surf and a representative for Surfing SA, will be overseeing a Learn to Surf component to the festival. As part of the many and varied beach activities arranged to entertain the public, youths will be invited to participate in an introduction to surfing.

Seeing the success of former street children like Sfiso Mhlongo and Sihle Mbutho, who, through the work of the Surf not Streets program, have achieved impressive results in the sport.

Ballito Pro goes Eco

With a keen eye on the future of the oceans, organizers have introduced an Ecological Sustainability feature into the 5 day event. An enormous wire-mesh dolphin sculpture will feature as a beacon display for the effect of waste plastics in our sea. Donated by Dolphin Coast Waste Management Systems, members of the public are invited to ‘feed’ the dolphin, filling the structure with plastics which could, if not managed and recycled, find its way into the delicate ocean ecology.

Non-stop Public Entertainment

As in previous years, the surf competition will run alongside various lifestyle entertainment and events. The outdoor market with various entertaining stalls and eating facilities will include public displays of Extreme Sport, local musicians and entertainers.

The Coastal Living Bru Lifestyle Evening event and cook-off will now be just one night and held in the market environment. Local Ballito Restaurants will be competing for the title of Best Ballito Burger. 

The 5 FM Free Beach Concerts will include an Urban Night, a Big Band Night and a final DJ Event featuring 5 FM DJ’s.

Crush Nightclub is the official ‘After Party’ Venue for The Ballito Pro presented by Billabong events.

Scenes from The Ballito Pro presented by Billabong Version 20.15