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The 57th Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill returns to Willard Beach in KwaDukuza from 4 to 18 July 2026 with its epic programme of world-class surfing, live music, beach fun, and extreme sports on the KZN North Coast.
Themed Wave of Unity, this year’s festival draws inspiration from two major global sporting milestones: the 2026 World Cup and the 50th anniversary of the World Surf League (WSL) World Tour.
“This year’s Ballito Pro celebrates the powerful connection between surfing, music, youth culture, and the ocean,” says festival organiser Collette Bundy. “The festival creates a unique space where people from all walks of life can come together on one of South Africa’s most iconic coastlines.”
Hosted in KwaDukuza for a 17th consecutive year, the Ballito Pro has grown into one of the country’s biggest sporting and lifestyle festivals, attracting thousands of visitors to the region each winter. It also marks Stop No. 1 of the 2026 WSL Challenger Series, the pathway to the elite Championship Tour, and will see defending champion – Durban’s own Luke Thompson - return to compete on home waves.
Beyond the surfing action, you can look forward to:
- Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona (free for both nights!)
- Corona Sunset Sessions
- Battle of the DJs Competition
- Extreme sports showcases, including skateboarding and BMX activations
- Surf & Turf celebrity events featuring surfers, soccer stars, and rugby personalities
- World Cup fan screenings and community activations
- Beach entertainment, family activities, food vendors, and retail experiences
- Ocean conservation campaigns led by Litter4Tokens and WESSA
What you need to know
- When: 4 to 18 July 2026
- Where: Willard Beach, Ballito, KwaDukuza
- Theme: Wave of Unity
- Accommodation: Book here
Keep updated
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
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