Latest news with #BallitoProJunior
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Durban surfer makes historic Ballito Pro win
FRESH from his win at the Ballito Pro Presented by O'Neill on Sunday, Durban surfer Luke Thompson is already making waves in the Eastern Cape where he is preparing to take on the Corona Cero Open J-Bay event from July 11 to 20. The 21-year-old was awarded a wildcard slot after his historic win on the North Coast where he out-manoeuvred Australian, George Pittar, in the final. Thompson, who began surfing at the age of 10 and was surfing for KZN at 12 years old, made history with his win, becoming the first South African since 2017 to be in the final at the Ballito Pro. He is no stranger to winning, having won the Ballito Pro Junior U14 boys division in 2018 before representing SA at the Vissla ISA World Junior Champs in October that year. Following his victory in front of his home crowd, Thompson said, 'It feels like a dream and I'm just waiting to wake up. I'm so proud to be South African, the support on the beach has been incredible.' Also Read: Champions crowned at Ballito Pro Junior The crowds had lined the beach for this momentous occasion, cheering every time Thompson paddled for a wave. Both surfers struggled to find a wave with an open face to work with, only needing a small requirement for the win. The 21-year-old local found an opportunity under priority to crank out two turns. Pittar had a chance to fight back, but fell on his wave and the beach erupted as Thompson got the required score for the win. 'When I made the final I was struggling to keep my emotions in check. I wish it was a better final, but I can't believe it. There's so much hard work that goes into this. The biggest thank you to my coach, I couldn't do it without him,' said Thompson. Hard at work already, at the pre-competition surf in Jeffreys Bay, Thompson will be joining the likes of Matthew McGillivray and Sarah Baum, who also secured the regional wildcards as the highest placed African surfers on the Challenger Series. The women's title winner at the Ballito Pro was Basque surfer Nadia Erostarbe who stormed her way to the top after claiming victory over Portugal's Yolanda Hopkins in the final. For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
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 ' 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. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
