South African Olympic Skater to Compete in the O’Neill Ballito Bowl Skate Jam

Surfing isn’t the only sporting action on the programme for the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill – South Africa’s best skaters will also showcase their skills at the O’Neill Ballito Bowl Skate Jam, which returns to the Ballito Bowl on Saturday, 28 June.

“We’re stoked to return for the 5th annual Skate Jam, hosted in beautiful Ballito!” said an enthusiastic Markus Müseler from the event hosts, OSP Events Co. “With perfect winter weather and R30,000 in cash up for grabs, this year’s contest is set to be next level. Each edition keeps pushing the bar, and 2025 is no different—we’re attracting top skaters from across South Africa ready to throw down. The Bowl Jam has become a staple on the local skate calendar, and with a venue like this, it’s truly unbeatable.”

The event also welcomes Red Bull, who is bringing in two-time Olympian and four-time South African champion, Brandon Valjalo. In addition to competing in the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics, placing 12th in the world in the latter, Valjalo has competed in World Skate Championships, the World Cup Series, as well as claiming the African Championship title at Ultimate X in 2017.

This is sure to fire up the competition as skate veteran, Kalvyn Mac Millan (Umhlanga) - winner of the 2021 and 2023 titles -returns to hunt his third Ballito Skate Jam crown. The competition also welcomes the rising challenger, Ballito home-grown super grom, Ezra Vosloo, who – at just 14 years old – has long had his sights set on winning the open division.

Running from 2pm to 6pm, the event slots perfectly into a day that starts with a sun-soaked beach morning and ends with an epic afternoon around the bowl. Spectators are in for a real treat this year as the event includes great food stalls and top-notch DJs on the decks to really bring the vibe.

Registration takes place from 12pm and skaters will compete for the ultimate glory in the Groms and Open categories, with Best Trick also up for grabs. Judging will be done by the experienced team from event hosts, OSP Events Co.

The 2025 Ballito Pro Festival Lineup

There is a great festival line-up running alongside the world’s longest professional surfing event, The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill, taking place in KwaDukuza from 22 June to 6 July. The 56th edition of this international surf and lifestyle festival is themed Sea-Sound-Waves to honour the unifying force of sport and music – the two pillars of The Ballito Pro. Don’t miss out on the action!

• Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona
• Corona Sunset Sessions
• Battle of the DJs Competition
• Red Bull Activations
• Music & Instrument Programme
• After Dark Programmes and Parties
• iLembe Surf Development Fundraiser
• Beach Recreational Entertainment & Retail
• Workshops & Training Courses
• Coastal & Cultural Tourism Experience
• Ballito Pro Environmental Campaign

Don’t miss any of the action at the 2025 Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill Festival! #seasoundwaves

#ulwandle umsindo amagagasi

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.

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