Former Championship Tour (CT) surfers Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Bronte Macaulay (AUS) and Alyssa Spencer (USA) won their respective Opening Round heats of the WSL Ballito Open Qualifying Series 1,000 in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday, 29 June, 2024.
Boasting one of the largest fields of competitors for a QS in South Africa, the event leaders topped a field of 34 surfers contesting the Ballito Open Day 1 heat, using it as a warm-up for the Challenger Series, starting on Monday.
“It’s so good to be back in Ballito, it’s like a festival of surf up here.”
Former Championship Tour (CT) surfer, Australia’s Sally Fitzgibbons
“Watching the juniors all week, it’s kind of what I used to do,” Fitzgibbons said. “Growing up in the ranks in Oz, you’re just competing in your age group, then juniors, and then QS.
“It brings a smile to my face, there’s just something about that momentum and trying to keep up with them, I think that will put me in good stead for the Challenger.”
Photo: Pierre Tostee/WSL
Bronte Macaulay (AUS) won her heat ahead of local favourite Sarah Baum (RSA) in the last heat of the women’s Round of 32. “It was hard, we didn’t get too many waves so I’m glad I got it done,” Macaulay said.
“It feels good to get some waves in at the competition break and just get used to the banks here before the Challenger Series.”
Alyssa Spencer (USA) was all business when she locked in the highest heat total of the day with 14.60 (out of a possible 20) to take the win over Bella Kenworthy (USA).
South Africans Sarah Baum, Anastasia Venter and Zoë Steyn also advanced to the next round.
Original Copy: WSL Africa, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: Australia’s Sally Fitzgibbons lead an international field contesting the 2024 Ballito Open to win through the second round in KwaDukuza on Saturday, June 29, 2024. Photo: Pierre Tostee/World Surf League
Photo 2 Caption: Top SA surfer Sarah Baum was among the South Africans to win through their Day 1 Heats into Day 2’s competition. Photo: Pierre Tostee/WSL
Photo 3 Caption: SA talent Zoë Steyn pictured in action as she won through the opening rounds. Photo: Pierre Tostee/WSL
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