Deivid Silva (BRA) celebrates his win in the 2019 Ballito Pro pres by O’Neill. Credit: WSL/Janssens
BALLITO, KWADUKUZA, KwaZulu-Natal/South Africa – Deivid Silva (BRA) was crowned as the winner of the 2019 Ballito Pro pres by O’Neill after convincingly defeating Jack Freestone (AUS) in the final of the 51st edition of the world’s longest running professional surfing event on Sunday.
De Vries is currently the highest placed South African on the World Surf League Qualifying Series, and has been awarded the sought-after wildcard.
Ballito – In a hotly contested heat this morning, Beyrick De Vries overtook the other South African surfers vying for the coveted wildcard by advancing to the round of 16 in the Ballito Pro.
JBay – The 2019 edition of the JBay Winterfest is set to begin, and the town of Jeffreys Bay is gearing up for visitors and spectators alike. Professional surfers have started arriving in town, and the likes of two times Corona JBay Open event champion Jordy Smith has already been spotted enjoying the waves of Supertubes. It's a great time of year for surf and this contest is one of the few that always seems to get blessed with good waves.
Sarah Baum from Durban won the Ballito Pro pres. by O’Neill Women’s QS 1,000. Credit: WSL/Janssens
Women’s QS 1,000 Completed On First Day Of Competition First South African Women’s Winner Since 2015!
BALLITO, KWADUKUZA, KwaZulu-Natal/South Africa – South African Sarah Baum (Durban) was crowned the Ballito Pro pres. by O’Neill Women’s winner after a full day of surfing. The day started with trying and tricky conditions, but improved with a strong offshore and 0.5 – 1 metre (2-3ft) waves. The World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000 rated event was the last stop on the WSL Africa Tour.
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If you are unable to attend a paddle out, you are encouraged to host your own with your friends, family and local community. More information about the WSL commitments and tips for the general public, as well as details and locations for paddle outs, can be found at WSLPURE.org.
JBay – with the JBay Winterfest and the JBay Open just over a month away, there is much work being done to get the town and the amenities ready and prepared for the thousands of annual visitors and spectators. Every year the town of JBay fills up to capacity with guests and competitors, bringing a welcome boost to the economy and a welcome flurry of activity to the accommodation and hospitality establishments in the area.
Once again this year the Winterfest will feature a number of music sessions after the surfing has taken place. This year the Vibe In The Park music sessions will take place in the Supertubes Park, and there has been much interest in this part of the festival. Some big names have been dropped to headline at the Vibe In The Park, but at the time of this release their slots have not been confirmed, so stay tuned. There will also be a number of local bands jamming at the sunset sessions.
JBay – the Corona JBay Open, South Africa’s only World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) event is fast approaching, and the best competitive surfers in the world are starting to make their respective moves for the 2019 world title race. The Corona JBay Open is a pivotal event, coming in mid-way through the year-long tour, and a win in JBay could very easily set a competitor up for a world title going into the back half of the year.
Currently rated sixth on the Jeep Leaderboard – the rankings board for the Men’s Championship Tour – Durban-born Jordy Smith is looking like a very strong contender for a big result in JBay. Jordy has been in serious focus for 18 months now, working on fitness, diet and technique, in a serious bid for a world title, and his form is evident that he has what it takes to secure a win in JBay.
uMhlanga local and former Ballito Pro quarterfinalist Beyrick de Vries signing autographs for his fans
The Ballito Pro pres. by O’Neill will be an African surf adventure for surfers and spectators alike. The 51st edition of the world’s longest running professional surfing event will take place from 27 June to 7 July in Ballito, KwaDukuza on the east coast of South Africa.
“KwaDukuza Municipality is excited to welcome visitors to our region to enjoy the internationally renowned Ballito Pro,” said the Event Coordinator, Collette Bundy. “This year we welcome Sal Masekela, the son of legendary South African jazz musician Hugh Masekela, as the event’s official ambassador for a true African Surf Adventure.”
The Zigzag Durban Surf Pro, set to take place from 10-12 May, has been CANCELLED due to a sewage leak at the Durban Harbour.
The extent of the contamination poses a serious health risk and threat to the marine life alongside the marina and along the beachfront. The World Surf League (WSL), the global sanctioning body for professional surfing, and the organisers of the City Surf Series (CSS) took the decision to cancel the event for the safety of the surfers and event staff.
“It was not an easy call to make and we looked at many alternatives,” said Colin Fitch, WSL Africa Operations Manager. “We need to maintain the safety standards associated with an international sports event and we have the support of Surfing South Africa, the national surfing federation, on this call,”
“Our domestic tour is so important to us, our sponsors and especially our members but we will not take any chance with the future of our sport and organisation by not doing the right thing,” said Fitch.
