After taking first place in both the 2021 and 2023 Ballito Pro Skate Jam, uMhlanga’s Kalvyn Mac Millan (35) is returning to the 55th Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill on Saturday, 29 June in the hopes of earning that 3rd title. The 2024 Ballito Skate Jam presented by Monster Energy & Volcom forms part of the epic Ballito Pro festival programme running KwaDukuza from 25 June to 8 July.

“Every year the contest keeps getting bigger and better with everyone improving and the level of skateboarding just keeps getting higher,” said Mac Millan, who has competed in all three previous events, finishing 2nd in 2022. “Last year saw the most talent to date, with skaters coming in from all over - and this year is no different. More prize money always means more competition!”

“For me, contests are not about winning but more about pushing each other out of our comfort zones, and doing what wouldn't normally do in a skate session. The crowd hype and support also feed that energy and adrenalin, so these events are always a good time for me.

“Us skaters have all grown up together and competed against one another last 20 years, although it is a competition we are supportive of one another on the day, pushing each other past our limits. It’s not rivalry; it’s a brotherhood.  That's skateboarding.”

The skating action will get underway at 12 noon at the Ballito Bowl where South Africa’s best skaters will compete for cash, prizes, and the ultimate glory in the Groms, Open, and Best Trick categories. Judging will be done by the experienced team from Old School Productions (OSP) Events Co. – annual hosts of this event.

Spectators are in for a real treat this year as the event now includes live music with Durban’s own punk rock Scrubs Band bringing the vibe. Plans are in place to include an adrenaline-fuelled BMX demo alongside the top-notch skateboarding action on display.

Markus Müseler from the event hosts, OSP Events Co. said: “The OSP events team is looking forward to returning to our 4th annual Skate Jam, as each year the contest steps up its level and this edition will be no different! We have an added prize purse attracting skaters from across South Africa with a live music element by the Band SCRUBS adding to our overall production PLUS including BMX into the mix to really extend the Action Sport offer to the Ballito community. This Bowl Jam is no doubt the best contest of its kind on the skate calendar, hosted in one of the most amazing winter venues! It’s just unbeaten.”

Paul Canning, O’Neill and Volcom Brand Director, said Volcom was thrilled to be part of the Ballito Pro Skate Jam once again: “The 4th edition of the Ballito Pro Skate Jam is set to be bigger than ever, and we’re calling on all skaters to enter this year and enjoy the platform to showcase their skills. We’re always overwhelmed by the support from the Ballito community and have included even more entertainment to attract even bigger crowds this year.”

The 2024 Ballito Skate Jam presented by Monster Energy & Volcom is open to anyone who wants to enter on the day, free of charge.

The Ballito Bowl, which is a popular skate venue, was revitalised from a derelict pool by ReMax Dolphin Realtors with the generous support of the Ballito community as part of its Spark Up the Parks initiative. This is now a vibrant hub of activity and an important part of the local landscape, but there are plans to improve this even further.

A proposed flat track for novice skaters is planned, with a need to retain the soil on the west side of the bowl. While support has been secured through SJC Construction and Petrakos Developments, there is still for the necessary materials to make this a reality. Anyone willing to get involved can contact Simon or Kim Peacock on 082 461 0885 / 082 4106615.

Ballito Pro Skate Jam 2024 Details

Venue: Ballito Bowl

Date:  Saturday, 29 June

Time:  Registration 11 am | Contest 1pm until 7pm

Divisions:  Groms |Open | Best Trick

Cash Purse: R28 000 plus hampers from event partners Volcom, Etnies, Monster Energy, Groundswell and   Rise Up Movement

2024 Ballito Pro Festival Lineup

Outside of the skating and surfing arenas, visitors to this year’s Ballito Pro will enjoy two weeks of non-stop festival fun at the longest-running professional surfing event in the world. Some exciting 2024 festival elements include:

• Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona
• Recreational Action
• Retail Delight with food, drinks, arts and crafts
• Kids’ Corner with face painting, sandcastle building, beach dashes, and Jive with Jen dance
• Battle of the DJs and After Dark programme
• Monster Energy Activation
• iLembe Surf Riders Fundraiser
• After Dark Programmes and Parties
• Painting on Purpose Art Activation
• Litter4Tokens Awareness Campaign and Beach

Following the 2024 theme, This is the Battlefield – Lena Inkundla Yempi, visitors will watch the best surfers battle it out in the longest-running professional surfing event while enjoying a host of top-class festival entertainment.

Don’t miss any of the action at the 2024 Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival #thisisthebattlefield #lenainkudlayempi

Watch LIVE The Challenger Series will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL app, and the WSL's YouTube channel. Also, check out more ways to watch from the WSL's broadcast partners.

To find out more about The Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill festival programme, visit:

• Website: www.theballitopro.com
• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/theballitopro/
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheBallitoPro
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/TheBallitoPro
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/theballitopro
• Snapchat: Username – TheBallitoPro