First Ballito Pro Para Surfing event attracts massive support

For the first time ever, the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival in KwaDukuza welcomed the inspirational Para Surfing Expression Session to its programme, with adaptive surfers taking to the water on Saturday, 1 July. The surfers came from Made for More, a local non-profit organisation that aims to include, empower, and equip people with disabilities through sport.

Through their adaptive surfing programme, many individuals have been instructed in water safety, life skills, and adaptive ways to bodyboard and surf. Made for More Founder, Julia van Zyl, commented: "What a special event to be a part of. Many of the athletes overcame massive fears and showed true courage by getting into the water in very big, testing, and difficult conditions.

A stand out on the day was O’Neill Team rider Caleb Swanepoel who caught a solid 4-foot wave. The crowd cheering from the beach was incredible and definitely gave the surfers more confidence to put on a show. Thank you to O’Neill for including us and WSL Africa for making this all possible. We truly believe the best is yet to come."

The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival, themed Konke KuLuhlaza - Everything is Blue, continues until 9 July with a full festival programme running alongside world-class surfing. Brent Le Riche will be performing his world-class moves as part of the Monster Energy Programme from 7 to 9 July with an epic line-up of top South African musicians and DJs at the free Ballito Pro Music Concerts on 6 and 7 July at Salt Rock Main Beach from 5pm to 10.30pm, with After Dark Parties planned throughout the event.

Retail offerings, daily beach sports, and recreational activities will also keep families entertained as the best international surfers show off their skills.

Don’t miss any of the action at the 2023 Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival and be part of the change. Visit www.theballitopro.com or The Ballito Pro on social media.