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Rain didn’t dampen the vibe at this year’s O'Neill Ballito Pro Skate Jam on Saturday, with a quick venue change from the Ballito Bowl to The Lot Skate Park at Ballito Junction Regional Mall ensuring a full afternoon of action!
Forming part of the Ballito Pro Presented by O'Neill festival programme (4 to 18 July), an electric crowd watched some of the country's best skateboarders battle it out for R30 000 in prize money across Opens and Groms divisions.
When the dust settled, it was Durban's own Tylor Houston who claimed the coveted Open title. Reflecting on his victory, Houston said the moment was one every skateboarder dreams about.
"I didn't even have words yesterday, trying to hold back the tears. It just means so much to me because, as a skateboarder, these are the moments you dream of - hearing your name called in first place, having fun and skating with your friends in a contest where everyone is dropping hammer after hammer. I just couldn't ask for more."
A celebration of skateboarding
Despite the venue change, organisers described the event as another major success for the Ballito Pro festival.
"It was awesome to see so many new and old faces there skating together," said Riaan van Biljon of OSP Events Co.
"There is so much new potential coming through with the under-16 boys and girls. It was fantastic seeing parents supporting all the new talent here in Ballito. In the Open division we saw the likes of Brandon Valjalo skating for Red Bull alongside several other heavy hitters. Overall, it was a great day of skateboarding and an awesome event."
O'Neill Brand Director Paul Canning agreed, saying the backup venue proved to be an excellent alternative: "Although it was not in the Ballito Bowl, it's awesome to have an amazing backup venue like The Lot. The Skate Jam is a real highlight for the Ballito community and one of the key events in the Ballito Pro festival."
O'Neill Ballito Pro Skate Jam Results
Open Division
- 1st: Tylor Houston (Durban)
- 2nd: Kalvyn MacMillan (Durban)
- 3rd: Josh Beukes (Pretoria)
Under-16 Groms
- 1st: Jake Turnbull (Australia)
- 2nd: Ashley Gindre (Durban)
- 3rd: Jackson Myers (Durban)
Special Awards
- Grom Best Trick: Jake Turnbull
- Best Up-and-Coming Skater: Jordan Gardner
- Open Best Trick: Brandon Valjalo
The Ballito Pro isn't over yet
The Skate Jam may be done, but the Ballito Pro Presented by O'Neill continues until Sunday, with plenty still happening at Willard Beach and around Ballito.
- Mandela Day 67 Minutes for the Ocean beach clean-up (18 July)
- O'Neill SMTH Shapes Rookie Rippers
- Surf & Turf Celebrity Challenge
- Red Bull MX activations
- Wold Cup-themed fan experiences
- Corona Sunset Sessions
- Live music and entertainment
- Beach sports and family activities
- Litter4Tokens and WESSA conservation initiatives
- Food vendors, retail experiences and tourism showcases
For the full programme, click here.
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