Fantastic Finish to the 2025 Ballito Pro presented by O'Neill as South African Surfer Takes the Win

After two weeks of non-stop beachside action and fun, the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill concluded in a historic win for South African surfer, Luke Thompson (Durban), while Spain’s Nadia Erostarbe earned first place in the women’s division. This was a fitting finish to the world’s longest-running professional surfing event, which brought a full festival programme to KwaDukuza from 22 June to 6 July. 

“A huge congratulations to all the contestants involved for another fantastic Ballito Pro – it’s particularly great to have one of South Africa’s own take the top title,” commented Collette Bundy, Festival Organiser for The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill. “We’d also like to thank all the supporters, festival-goers, programme co-ordinators, and event hosts, KwaDukuza Municipality, for another spectacular Ballito Pro festival, which so perfectly reflected this year’s Sea-Sound-Waves theme. This was truly a celebration of surf culture, music, sustainability, and community.”

Full Festival Programme Wraps Up

• Beach Recreational Entertainment: Fun seaside beach sports and children’s activities kept the young ones busy at Willard Beach, including Jive with Jen, Kiko Life’s obstacle courses, tug-of-war, and interactive competitions.

• Keeping Active:La Montagne Hotel & Resort hosted various fitness and dance events with the Starfit Fitness Festival. There were also Drumming Workshops, interactive Beach Pop-Up sessions, and even strongman competitions.

• Retail Delight: Visitors were treated to a variety of delicious food and drinks, arts and crafts, quality goods, and live music performances daily at Willard Beach.

• The Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona: Party-goers enjoyed 3 nights of music at Salt Rock Main Beach (2 to 4 July), starting with the Ballito Pro Infinite Playlist featuring members of legendary bands like Squeal, Perez, Just Jinger, Tree63, Arapaho, and more. Next up was the all-star DJ lineup, including DJ Mörda, DJ Merlon, DJ Sox, Blanco Nero, and the Battle of the DJs winner, concluding on the final night with headliner Matthew Mole, supported by The Saxby Twins, Booshle G, Matthew Gardiner, and DJ Kyle Cassim.

• Pros vs Musos Clash: Challenger Series competitor Josh Kerr (Australia) took the win for the surfer pros in the clash, while former WSL Longboard World Champion and acclaimed singer/songwriter Steven Sawyer (J-Bay) claimed the win for the musos.

• After Dark Programme: Daily fun included Corona Sunset Sessions at Willard Beach, After Dark Parties, and the epic Battle of the DJs.

• O’Neill Ballito Bowl Skate Jam: Cape Town’s Thalente Biyela took first place in the Open category of this skating contest at the Ballito Bowl on 28 June, while Ballito’s own Ezra Vosloo earned the top spot in the Groms, while Joburg’s Brandon Valjalo took home the prize for the Best Trick category.

• Red Bull’s Extreme Sports: The Red Bull Activations included Brian Capper Biking Displays, with South African legend Brandon Valjalo competing in the Skate Jam and showcasing his skills throughout the festival. Spectators also got to enjoy the Red Bull Jordy +27 Watch Party – an exclusive screening of a new surf film by the South African icon, Jordy Smith - on 3 July at Mozambik Ballito.

• iLembe Surf Development Fundraiser: On 1 July, Fiamma at Coco Der Mer hosted this incredible community programme which raised funds to bring sport to underserved youth.

• Environmental Campaign: This year’s expanded recycling and education campaign featured collaborations with Litter4Tokens, Dolphin Coast Waste Management (DCWM), Ballito UIP, KwaDukuza Municipality, Wild Oceans Trust, and WESSA Blue Flag and Green Coast.

• Litter4Tokens Nurdles Competition & Recycling Project: Part of the Environmental Campaign was this innovative competition that encouraged visitors to sieve out harmful nurdles (microplastics) using Mermaid Tear Catchers for safe disposal.

• Coastal & Cultural Tourism Experience: This programme event highlighted the rich tourism offerings of KwaDukuza, connecting visitors with the area's history, heritage, and hidden gems. This aligns with the #LoveNorthCoast movement, supported by Ballito Urban Improvement Precinct (UIP) and KwaDukuza Municipality.

For more pictures and details from the 2025 Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival, visit:

Website: www.theballitopro.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/theballitopro/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheBallitoPro

Instagram: www.instagram.com/TheBallitoPro

YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/theballitopro

Snapchat: Username – TheBallitoPro

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