BALLITO, KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (Monday, May 20, 2024) - The World Surf League (WSL) 2024 Challenger Series heads to South Africa for the Ballito Pro, which holds a competition window from July 1 through July 8, 2024. Connecting local heritage with the surfing Challenger Series, the 2024 theme This is the Battlefield - Lena Inkundla Yempi will see surfers battle it out for the top title, while spectators enjoy non-stop entertainment within the arena and beyond.
The Challenger Series is the ultimate battleground for surfers vying to qualify for the elite Championship Tour (CT) in 2025. Returning faces and fresh threats prepare to battle at six stops across the world in hopes of turning their dreams into reality. Following an all-important start on the Gold Coast and Sydney, Australia, competitors head to Stop No. 3, the Ballito Pro presented by O'Neill.
The 2024 Challenger Series fields will be made up of 80 men and 48 women. The top 10 ranked men and top five ranked women will be decided when the series concludes in October in Brazil, qualifying to join the world's best surfers on the 2025 Championship Tour. Competitors will count their four best results out of the six events.
"As we gear up for the milestone 55th edition of the Ballito Pro presented by O'Neill, an event with a longstanding legacy on the WSL calendar and a beacon of surf culture and tradition that defines a portion of our continent's shores, WSL Africa is deeply honoured to be a part of the local surfing heritage within this naturally beautiful and wave-rich region," said WSL Africa Regional Director Tasha Mentasti.
"Our 15-year partnership with KwaDukuza Municipality exemplifies a shared commitment to developing and elevating surfing both locally and on the African continent. With gratitude, we anticipate yet another epic event, filled with exciting moments, fierce international competition, and the unyielding spirit of local support and community. To all the Challenger Series surfers, may the waves be in your favour, and may your performances inspire us all!" concluded Mentasti.
"On behalf of O'Neill we are extremely honoured to continue our partnership as presenting sponsor of the Ballito Pro in 2024 and thank the KwaDukuza Municipality for affording us this amazing opportunity," said O'Neill Brand Director Paul Canning.
"We are excited with this year's campaign, Lena Indundla Yempi highlighting the rich history of the battlefields in the KwaDukuza region, as well as the great rivalries and battles we will see in the water by all the athletes competing in the different events starting 25 June. From the youngsters in the O'Neill SMTH Shapes Ballito Pro Junior and the local South African pros competing in the QS 1,000 Ballito Open presented by Flojos, to the world's best surfers coming out for the Ballito Pro, this year's competition is really showcasing every level of the sport and we are proud to be part of this iconic event," remarked Canning.
"KwaDukuza Municipality as the event licensee, host, and major funder, we express our gratitude for our partnership with WSL and O'Neill as we commemorate the 15th anniversary as official host of this exciting event," said KwaDukuza Municipality Mayor, Cllr O Lindi Nhaca.
"This year's theme Lena Inkundla Yempi remains a true reflection of the municipality's diverse heritage, which aptly encapsulates the fighting spirit of our great warriors and liberation heroes. Our 15th year anniversary as hosts of the event coincides with the 30th anniversary of the historic democratic transition to democracy in 1994. True to form, we want the rest of the world to join us in promoting unity of purpose, nation building and social cohesion," said Nhaca.
"Importantly, the 55th edition of the Ballito Pro presented by O'Neill is to capture the imagination of the world by positioning KwaDukuza as a strategic tourism centre and as a recognised surfing destination. We are looking forward to hosting athletes and visitors from all walks of life on our shores, and we wish to thank our partners for their unrelenting efforts in making the Ballito Pro presented by O'Neill an event to be reckoned with."
Non-Stop Entertainment At Ballito Pro Festival
"Surfing culture is strongly linked to the region's local heritage, with the Ballito Pro running for 55 years in 2024, and celebrating 15 years of being hosted in KwaDukuza," said Collette Bundy, The Ballito Pro Presented by O'Neill Festival Organiser.
"The Ballito Pro Challenger Series is the only WSL Challenger Series on the African continent, making it a calendar highlight for South African surfers. Visitors get the chance to watch international-level surfing in the stunning KwaDukuza, while also enjoying the many Ballito Pro Festival activities, events, and entertainment. This is one not to miss!"
Outside of the surfing arena, there is still plenty of action happening with a full festival programme to enjoy. Visitors to the longest-running professional surfing event can look forward to great festival activities and entertainment, including:
- Ballito Pro Music Concerts & Sunset Sessions Presented by Corona
- Retail offerings
- Battle of the DJs and dance competitions
- Extreme sports programme
- Ballito Skate Comp Presented by Volcom & Etnies
- iLembe Fundraiser
- Daily beach sports and recreational activities
- After Dark Programmes and Parties
- Environmental awareness programmes and events
- School Art Activation & showcase
Don't miss any of the action at the 2024 Ballito Pro Presented by O'Neill Festival #thisisthebattlefield #lenainkudlayempi
The Ballito Pro is supported by O'Neill, KwaDukuza Municipality, Surfing South Africa, Corona, The North Coast Courier, Monster Energy, SMG and Coca-Cola.