While the World Surf League just announced the Class of 2022 for the Championship Tour, there is still lots of time to qualify for the Challenger Series and it's starting now for Africa's best surfers in the region's only Qualifying Series event for the 2021 season.
What?
Ballito Pro pres by O'Neill - WSL / Ryan Janssens
The men's QS5,000 Ballito Pro presented by O'Neill and women's QS1,000 Ballito Pro presented by O'Neill is the first Qualifying Series event in Africa counting for the 2021/22 season. This means surfers will start their bid to join the Challenger Series of 2022 in Ballito, and work towards potential qualification for the Championship Tour the following year.
It's the 51st edition of the event, but for the first time ever, it's taking place in December after it was postponed due to COVID-19. December in Durban is known for summer-slop conditions, but since last week, Ballito has been blessed with uncharacteristically good swell, light winds and the forecast is looking promising for the duration of the competition.
Past winners include CT stars Jordy Smith, Deivid Silva, Peterson Crisanto and Sarah Baum, Sofía Mulánovich, Sophia Fulton.
Watch it LIVE online and for free on WorldSurfLeague.com and the WSL's YouTube channel.
Where?
Waves lining up down the beach at Boggs - WSL / Ryan Janssens
Ballito is on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, about a 45minute drive from central Durban, and less than half an hour from the airport. It's a small town, favoured by inland visitors during school holidays for its laid-back vibe and fantastic weather year-round.
There are waves all along this stretch of coast and you don't need to go far to find a less crowded break or a fun wedge. Depending on the sandbanks and the swell direction, surfers can choose between Bog, Surfers, Sunrise or Willards which are all mostly right-handers and work best on a low-tide.
When?
Tune in from December 15-19, 2021 and check out all the photos, videos and updates from the Ballito Pro presented by O'Neill at WorldSurfLeague.com.
-
Jack Freestone (AUS) places 2nd at the Ballito Pro pres by O'Neill 2019, Ballito, South Africa.
- WSL / Ryan Janssens
-
Deivid Silva of Brazil is the WINNER of the Ballito Pro pres by O'Neill 2019 after WINNING the Mens Final at Ballito, South Africa.
- WSL / Ryan Janssens
-
Joan Duru (FRA) is eliminated from the Ballito Pro pres by O'Neill 2019, with an equal 5th finish after placing second in Quarterfinal Heat 3 at Ballito, South Africa.
- WSL / Ryan Janssens
-
Carlos Munoz (CRI) is eliminated from the Ballito Pro pres by O'Neill 2019, with an equal 5th finish after placing second in Quarterfinal Heat 1 at Ballito, South Africa.
- WSL / Ryan Janssens
The 3W: 2021 The Ballito Pro presented by O'Neill
Bianca van Aardt
While the World Surf League just announced the Class of 2022 for the Championship Tour, there is still lots of time to qualify for the Challenger Series and it's starting now for Africa's best surfers in the region's only Qualifying Series event for the 2021 season.
What?
The men's QS5,000 Ballito Pro presented by O'Neill and women's QS1,000 Ballito Pro presented by O'Neill is the first Qualifying Series event in Africa counting for the 2021/22 season. This means surfers will start their bid to join the Challenger Series of 2022 in Ballito, and work towards potential qualification for the Championship Tour the following year.
It's the 51st edition of the event, but for the first time ever, it's taking place in December after it was postponed due to COVID-19. December in Durban is known for summer-slop conditions, but since last week, Ballito has been blessed with uncharacteristically good swell, light winds and the forecast is looking promising for the duration of the competition.
Past winners include CT stars Jordy Smith, Deivid Silva, Peterson Crisanto and Sarah Baum, Sofía Mulánovich, Sophia Fulton.
Watch it LIVE online and for free on WorldSurfLeague.com and the WSL's YouTube channel.
Where?
Ballito is on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, about a 45minute drive from central Durban, and less than half an hour from the airport. It's a small town, favoured by inland visitors during school holidays for its laid-back vibe and fantastic weather year-round.
There are waves all along this stretch of coast and you don't need to go far to find a less crowded break or a fun wedge. Depending on the sandbanks and the swell direction, surfers can choose between Bog, Surfers, Sunrise or Willards which are all mostly right-handers and work best on a low-tide.
When?
Tune in from December 15-19, 2021 and check out all the photos, videos and updates from the Ballito Pro presented by O'Neill at WorldSurfLeague.com.
Jordy Smith
Featuring Gabriel Medina, John John Florence, Tatiana Weston-Webb, Molly Picklum, Barron Mamiya, Caitlin Simmers, Caroline Marks, Ethan
Featuring Gabriel Medina, Crosby Colapinto, Cole Houshmand, Italo Ferreira, Tatiana Weston-Webb, Yago Dora, Gabriela Bryan, and Jordy Smith.
Featuring surfing from Barron Mamiya, Molly Picklum, John John Florence, Caitlin Simmers, Bettylou Sakura Johnson, Jordy Smith, Leonardo
Jordy Smith was born in South Africa, the son of one of the country's most respected board builders, Graham Smith.
Featuring Yago Dora, Filipe Toledo, Caio Ibelli, Ian Gouveia, Kelly Slater, John John Florence, Gabriel Medina, Julian Wilson, Adriano de
Ballito Pro presented by O'Neill
Watch the Ballito Pro presented by O'Neill Women's QS 1,000 Finals Day
The goofy-footer wins the Ballito Pro presented by O'Neill Women's QS1,000
The Ballito Pro presented by O'Neill gets underway with the Womens QS1,000.
After a pressure-filled day of action at the Ballito Pro presented by O'Neill, the women's Semifinalists have been decided.
An unforgettable experience during the 2019 Ballito Pro.