The Ballito Pro sweats with pure adrenaline
THE 50th edition of The Ballito Pro, presented by Billabong, will get the adrenaline pumping with the hottest line-up of extreme sports action, all taking place at KwaDukuza from June 21 to July 1.
The collaborative efforts of KwaDukuza Municipality and The Ballito Pro have resulted in an incredible beach festival that gives the region a chance to show off its natural beauty.
Collette Bundy, event organiser, said: “We are really going all out for the #LiveTheLegacy festival to mark the milestone instalment of the world’s longest running professional surfing contest.”
SOME OF THE EXTREME SPORTING ACTION FESTIVALGOERS CAN CHECK OUT AND TRY OUT ARE:
Monster Activations – Willard Beach from June 28 to July 1.
The Monster Cash-Up presented by Zigzag
This year Monster and Zigzag are coming to the party again and will be rewarding the free surfing that takes place before and after the contest with cold, hard cash. With up to R20 000 to give away throughout the week, Zigzag will be scouting the most explosive surfers and manoeuvres outside of the contest heats, and award the best wave ridden before and after the contest runs. Monster and Zigzag will be giving away R2 000, along with a Groundswell Surf Store voucher, per session to the best wave surfed during the free surf session.
The Monster Expression Session presented by Zigzag
Set to go down just before the main event finals – with R30 000 up for grabs – this heat is bound to have the spectators in awe. During the day, the public can enter to win one of the three custom-shaped surfboards by guessing the winning surfer.
Monster Skate Demos
The energy levels will continue to soar at the skate ramp where local skaters – headed up by Khule Ngubane – will be showing the festival fans some dry land board action. Throughout the week Khule will be hosting skate clinics, having sessions with local skaters, a best trick jam with many prize giveaways throughout.
The Le Riche Bro’s Trials Bike shows
South African motorcycle trials’ champions, Bruce and Brent le Riche – sponsored by Monster Energy – will display their passion for all things motorcycle. Brent, ranked the No.1 South African rider 12 times, and Bruce, the No.1 South African rider three times, make an incredible trial-bike team.
Their daily 25-minute performance will be sure to keep the festival fans spellbound as they use different elements on their demo rig consisting of kickers, banks and even members from the audience to put on a world class show. Commenting on the trials’ bike show, Brent le Riche said: “This year we have oiled the performance and added even more crazy stunts – you have to see it to believe it! We’re really looking forward to this year’s Ballito Pro.”
Ballito Downwind Series
On June 30 and July 1, between 100 and 120 paddlers will descend on KwaDukuza for the first-ever Ballito Downwind surfski series with hopes of winning their share of R10 000 prize money, as well as product prizes from Muscle Wellness, Gara Racing Paddles, Thule and Canelands Beach Club and Spar. The Ballito Downwind is a doubles’ race.
The course will be announced on 28 June. Spectators can expect to see a number of the country’s best paddlers, including South African legend, Hank McGregor.
The Ballito Pro has a full festive programme, including Shaun Tomson’s Positive Wave Tour driven by SMG Rocks; Retro Jubilee Food & Wine presented by Ballito Junction including cooking competitions, fashion shows and entertainment; Daily on-stage entertainment; The Ballito Pro Free Music Concerts Powered by 5FM; After Dark Parties at Crush Nightclub; Retail stalls; Beach recreational activities at the Coke-a-Cola Football Arena; and Children’s games at the Coke-a-Cola Football Arena.