The O’Neill SMTH Shapes Ballito Pro Junior and the inaugural Ballito Open presented by Flojos Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000 starts in the KwaZulu-Natal surfing destination ahead of the World Surf League’s Ballito Pro, on Thursday, 27 June, 2024.
Leading up to the Challenger Series, the Ballito Pro Junior will run from 27-28 June, and will be followed by the Ballito Open presented by Flojos Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000, from 29-30 June 2024.
The 2024 Ballito Pro theme This is the Battlefield – Lena Inkundla Yempi connects the local heritage with the Challenger Series as surfers battle for the top title, while spectators enjoy non-stop entertainment within the arena and beyond.
It will be the first time that a Pro Junior and QS 1,000 will be held before the Challenger Series, and is proof of the immense growth this event has brought to the region.
The event offers a very exciting draw with Canadian surf-sensation Erin Brooks and Basque sisters Annette and Janire Gonzalez entered in the Pro Junior, and former CT stars Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Alyssa Spencer (USA) and Bronte Macaulay (AUS) using the QS as a warm-up for Ballito.
The Junior Tour event features a host of South African prospects among some top international talent, and opening heats will be contested by Demi Rowe (RSA), Laura Raupp (Brazil), Anon Matsuoka (China), Emily Jenkinson (RSA), Aimee Du Preez (RSA), Indiphile Osinachi (RSA), Mayah Potgieter (RSA), Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri (BSQ) (RSA), Camilla Heuer (RSA), Lily Heny (RSA) and Janire Gonzalez Etxabarri (BSQ).
All this action builds to the WSL Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill, stop No.3 on the 2024 Challenger Series, looming big as global competitors head to South Africa in their quest to qualify for the Championship Tour (CT) in 2025.
The Ballito Pro enters its 55th year as the longest-running professional surfing event, celebrating a 15-year partnership with KwaDukuza Municipality, and holds a competition window from Monday, 1 through 8 July, 2024.
Returning to Ballito is 2023 runner-up Isabella Nichols (AUS) who had a stellar start to her requalification campaign this year. With a third at the Gold Coast Pro and taking out the win at the Sydney Surf Pro, she’s currently second on the rankings behind young phenom Erin Brooks (CAN).
Brooks looks set to qualify for the CT after a win and runner-up finish in the first two Challenger Series competitions of the year. The 16-year-old has it all, from an impressive air game to powerful carves and seemingly no fear when the surf gets overhead.
Sally Fitzgibbons’ (AUS) unwavering determination to get back on Tour is evident, with consecutive third-place finishes at the first two Challenger Series events. Another good result in Ballito will put her in a great position for the rest of the year.
Original Copy: WSL Africa, with editing by gsport
Main Photo Caption: The Ballito Pro Junior and the inaugural Ballito Open Qualifying Series 1,000 starts in the KwaZulu-Natal surfing destination ahead of the World Surf League’s Ballito Pro on Thursday, 27 June, 2024. Photo: Kody McGregor/World Surf League
Photo 2 Caption: Erin Brooks of Canada pictured in action during the 2023 Ballito Pro. Photo: Pierre Tostee/World Surf League
Photo 3 Caption: Isabella Nichols of Australia pictured in action during the 2023 Ballito Pro. Photo: Kody McGregor/World Surf League
Photo 4 Caption: Luana Silva of Brazil pictured in action during the 2023 Ballito Pro. Photo: Pierre Tostee/World Surf League
Photo 5 Caption: Sally Fitzgibbons of Australia pictured in action during the 2023 Ballito Pro. Photo: Pierre Tostee/World Surf League
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