The 2026 edition arrives during a landmark year for global sport, coinciding with the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 50th anniversary of the World Surf League World Tour, adding a layer of unifying energy to this year’s festival programme.
Image: Luke Patterson
The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill returns to Willard Beach in KwaDukuza from July 4 to 18, bringing a packed programme of sport, music, culture and community activities to the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.
Held under the theme Wave of Unity, the festival marks its 57th year and coincides with two major global sporting milestones, the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 50th anniversary of the World Surf League World Tour.
Festival organiser Collette Bundy said this year's event promises one of the strongest line-ups yet, with activities catering for all ages and interests.
Among the new additions is the SeaHer Women's Surf Activation, a three-day programme focused on empowering women through surfing, wellness and ocean confidence. The initiative will offer participants opportunities to develop surf skills, mindset techniques and meaningful connections through shared experiences in and around the ocean.
Sport remains a major attraction, with highlights including the Surf & Turf Pros Tag Team challenge, which brings together surfing, soccer and rugby personalities on 16 July. Youth soccer development finals will also be staged during the festival, while FIFA World Cup fan zones will screen Bafana Bafana matches as well as the tournament's quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.
The programme also includes the Ballito Skate Competition Presented by O’Neill and Red Bull, featuring top national skateboarders and local talent, as well as BMX activations, bike displays and aerial entertainment.
Community and environmental initiatives will form an important part of the festival. These include the Litter4Tokens recycling programme, environmental awareness campaigns led by WESSA, fundraising events supporting surf development projects and Youth Month activations held in partnership with KwaDukuza Municipality.
Festival organiser Collette Bundy said this year's event promises one of the strongest line-ups yet, with activities catering for all ages and interests.
Image: Luke Patterson
The 2026 edition arrives during a landmark year for global sport, coinciding with the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 50th anniversary of the World Surf League World Tour, adding a layer of unifying energy to this year’s festival programme.
Image: Luke Patterson
Tourism-focused experiences showcasing the KwaDukuza and iLembe region will also run throughout the festival.
Music fans can look forward to free Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona on 16 and 17 July, featuring amapiano, Afro-tech, rock, pop and EDM performances. Additional entertainment includes sunset DJ sessions, a Battle of the DJs competition and a range of after-dark events.
Visitors will also have access to a variety of beach activities, including volleyball, soccer, yoga, Pilates, judo and touch rugby tournaments. Family-friendly attractions include children's entertainment programmes, art showcases and a retail village featuring food vendors, lifestyle brands and market experiences.
The Ballito Pro forms part of a broader partnership between KwaDukuza Municipality, the World Surf League, Surfing South Africa and public and private sector stakeholders aimed at promoting youth development, tourism growth and sustainable coastal activation.
IOL