Event Report: Skate, surf, sun and stoke at the 2024 Ballito Bowl Skate Jam and Surf Pro

The 55th annual O’Neill Ballito Pro Festival went down in early July and featured a bunch of events celebrating board and bike sports, music, art and community around Ballito in KZN.

Words by Chantal Graaff. Photos by Luke Patterson @pattocean and Pierre Tostee.

Part 1: The Ballito Skate Jam

First up, the Ballito Pro Skate Jam, presented by Monster Energy, Volcom, Etnies, Groundswell and The Rise UP Movement KZN, wasn’t just another contest—it was a full-on skate riot in the newly revamped Ballito Bowl.

The upgraded facilities, a product of the #sparkuptheparks campaign spearheaded by RE/MAX Dolphin Realtors and skating legend Dallas Oberholzer, became a battleground for South Africa’s top skateboarding talent.

The Bowl’s smooth new concrete, perfectly sculpted transitions, an extended flat ground area, added seating, and even improved drainage provided the perfect canvas for skaters to push their limits.

“To come with that ‘W’ feels amazing! I’m humbled, this couldn’t have come at a better time as it’s got me focused on my bigger contests. A win is always a big motivator.” – Open and Best Trick winner Khule Ngubane.

Durban local and World Skate Series competitor Khule Ngubane, a seasoned street skating pro with a reputation for also dominating ramps, proved his versatility by conquering the bowl as well. 

Khule’s effortless style and insane tricks earned him both the Open’s title and the Best Trick award—won with an insane nollie big spin double heel flip—and he walked away with a cool R18,000 in prize money.

“To come with that ‘W’ feels amazing! I’m humbled, this couldn’t have come at a better time as it’s got me focused on my bigger contests. A win is always a big motivator,” said Khule.

Best trick winner Khule Ngubane’s nollie big spin double heel flip.

The competition was fierce, with a stacked lineup of South Africa’s finest skaters. Kalvyn MacMillan, the two-time defending champion (2021 and 2023), put up a strong fight, ultimately landing in third with his signature smooth style and technical tricks. Pretoria’s Josh Beukes took second, boosting big airs and thrilling the crowd with a last-minute mega line that nearly stole the show.

Monster Energy brought in reinforcements from PTA and CPT, with Alan Marola and Puddy Zwenis—legends you’ll remember from the print mag days–proving they still know how to put it down. Skating hard from the time they arrived in Ballito, treating locals to some epic sessions leading up to the comp.

Cape Town-based Byron Rhoda, known for his tech-street style, stepped out of his comfort zone, landing impressive tech lines. Local skate coach Joshua van Zyl rounded out the top eight, each leaving their mark on the upgraded bowl and inspiring a brand new generation of groms to up their level.

Alan Marola, alleyoop frontside air over the hip.

The Junior division, the future of SA skating, didn’t disappoint. Ballito local Ezra Vosloo, the reigning champion, also competed in the Opens division, highlighting his exceptional skill and dedication.

“My favourite part about the Ballito Pro Skate Jam is having all the great skaters come to town and this year I had my family from overseas come to watch. My goal one day is to win the Open Division and maybe go to the Olympics,” said Ezra.

Second placed Caetlyn King impressed with her confident, surf-inspired style, while local up-and-comer Arthur Watson demonstrated impressive technical ability to end third.

“My favourite part about the Ballito Pro Skate Jam is having all the great skaters come to town and this year I had my family from overseas come to watch. My goal one day is to win the Open Division and maybe go to the Olympics.” – Junior winner Ezra Vosloo.

The under-12 Surfing South Africa titleholder and Ezra’s little brother, Levi Vosloo, and local rippers James Charlton-Jones, and Adnir Tait rounded out the top six, each showing great potential for the future of South African skateboarding.

The Ballito Pro Skate Jam wasn’t just about skateboarding—it was a full-blown action sports fiesta. Live BMX and scooter demos amped up the crowd between heats, and Durban-based hardcore punk band, Scrubs, provided the perfect soundtrack to the concrete carnage. 

The new lighting at the park kept the session rolling well after dark for what was an unforgettable Ballto Bowl Jam 2024.

2024 Ballito Bowl Jam Champions(L to R) Kalvyn Mac millan, Arthur Watson, Josh Beukes, Caetlyn King and winners Khule Ngubane and Ezra Vosloom with O’Neill’s Paul Canning.

2024 Ballito Pro Bowl Jam Skate Jam Results

Open

Winner and Best Trick: Khule Ngubane

2nd Josh Beukes

3rd Kalvyn Mac Millan

4th Alan Marola

5th Puddy Zwenis

6th Ezra Vosloo

7th Byron Rhoda

8th Joshua van Zyl

Juniors

Winner: Ezra Vosloo

2nd Caitlin King 

3rd Arthur Watson

4th Levi Vosloo

5th James Charlton-Jones

6th Adnir Tait

Skate photo gallery:

Part 2: Ballito Surf Pro, Music, Art and Community

Part of the beauty of the Ballito Pro is that no matter where you are or what you are into, you’re never far from the action and there is something for everybody.

Just down the road at Willard’s Beach, the world’s best pro surfers battled it out in the longest-running professional surfing event in the world, which started as the Durban 500 in 1969 and then became the legendary Gunston 500. 

Bella Kenworthy (USA) and Ian Gouveia (BRA) emerged victorious in epic showdowns filled with aerial manoeuvres, lightning-fast tube rides, and nail-biting finishes. 

Ballito Pro winner Ian Gouveia (Brazil), frontside 360 air.

The energy was high, with crowds cheering on the surfers from the beach and soaking up the sun-drenched festival atmosphere.

The Painting on Purpose initiative presented by O’Neill, took centre stage, bringing together schoolchildren from 19 KwaDukuza schools to create vibrant, surf-inspired artwork. Their artwork, inspired by the ‘This is the Battlefield – Lena Inkundla Yempi’ theme, was displayed and sold at The Gallery at The Junction, with all proceeds going directly back to the young artists.  

The highlight was an interactive mural where festival-goers could unleash their inner artist alongside the talented students.

The Painting on Purpose initiative resulted in vibrant, surf-inspired artwork.

The Ballito Pro was also a music lover’s paradise, with a diverse lineup of South African talent gracing the stage Crowds flocked to Salt Rock Main Beach for the free Ballito Pro Music Concerts presented by Corona, where DJ Merlon, Kabza De Small, Asante, Stanky Deejay, December Streets, Ishuu Industry, Desmond & the Tutus, Veranda Panda, Saxby Twins, and TIMO ODV delivered electrifying performances.

The Corona Sunset Beach Bar Sessions and After Dark Programmes kept the party going, showcasing the best in local DJ talent and adding to the infectious atmosphere locals have come to love about this iconic festival. 

Ballito Pro Music Concerts.

Beyond the art and music, the Ballito Pro demonstrated its commitment to community and conservation. The iLembe Surf Riders Fundraiser supported local surfers and showcased the work of Made for More, a KZN-based NPO that empowers people with disabilities through sport. 

The Litter4Tokens campaign engaged festival-goers in environmental responsibility, resulting in the collection and recycling of over 694 bags of waste, diverting 1157.18 kg of material from landfills.

Overall, the 55th Annual Ballito Pro offered a diverse and enriching experience for all who made their way to the beautiful Dolphin Coast for the annual showcase of the arts, music, skating, surfing, community and everything in between.

Surf, music and festival gallery: