News

The Ballito Pro Presented by O'Neill returns to Willard Beach in KwaDukuza from 4 to 18 July 2026 under the theme Wave of Unity, celebrating its 57th year with an epic coastal lifestyle festival. Hosted on the KZN North Coast, the internationally recognised event will once again bring together world-class sport, music, culture and seaside experiences in one of South Africa's most iconic coastal destinations.

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 an extra layer of unifying energy to this year's festival programme.

"The Ballito Pro is the ultimate place to be this winter, with the inviting KZN North Coast weather and an absolutely epic programme planned for all ages and interests," said Collette Bundy, Ballito Pro Presented by O'Neill Festival Organiser.

"Each year, the event brings incredible energy to KwaDukuza, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of our most exciting programmes yet. We're delighted to channel support for Bafana Bafana during the FIFA World Cup through our fan zones, alongside the epic Surf & Turf Pros Tag Team and many of our popular festival favourites. This is definitely one festival you won't want to miss!"

One of the exciting additions to the 2026 programme is the SeaHer Women's Surf Activation — a three-day experience that empowers women through surfing and wellness. Female surfers of all abilities are invited to build ocean confidence through practical surf coaching, breathwork, mindset training and wellness sessions, while creating meaningful connections through shared experiences in and around the ocean.

Sporting Events

• Youth Soccer Games (U15) and Development Playoffs: Finals at the Ballito Pro (16 July)
• Surf & Turf Pros Tag Team: Surfers, soccer and rugby personalities compete in a mixed-sport challenge (16 July, Willard Beach)
• Behind Bafana Bafana: FIFA World Cup screenings of Bafana Bafana matches, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final (4–18 July, KwaDukuza Fan Zone)
• Ballito Skate Comp Presented by O'Neill & Red Bull: Top national skaters and local groms compete (11 July, Ballito Bowl)
• Extreme Sports: Red Bull BMX activations, bike displays and air show elements (16–18 July, Willard Beach precinct)

Conservation and Community Initiatives

• Litter4Tokens Recycling and Ocean Waste Activation: Waste sorting, education and a recycling-for-tokens initiative (4–18 July, Willard Beach Lifesaving Hut and activation zones)
• WESSA Blue Flag and Green Coast Environmental Awareness Campaigns: Including the Stop the Strangle marine conservation initiative (Willard Beach and surrounds)
• iLembe Surf Development Fundraiser: Supporting local surf development programmes (14 July, Coco De Mer Boutique Hotel)
• Small Steps Fundraiser Activations: Linc College beach activation supporting local surf transformation programmes, featuring games, prizes and giveaways (4–18 July, Willard Beach)
• Youth Month Community Activations: Presented in partnership with KwaDukuza Municipality (11–18 July, various KwaDukuza venues)
• SeaHer Beach Activation: Empowering women through movement, mindset, community and shared experiences while providing opportunities to learn, connect and progress together (15–17 July, Willard Beach)
• Coastal and Cultural Tourism Experiences: Love North Coast and UIP activations showcasing the KwaDukuza and iLembe region (4–18 July, Willard Beach and regional tourism routes)

Music and Entertainment

• Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona: Free concerts featuring amapiano and Afro-tech on day one, followed by contemporary rock, pop and EDM on day two (16 and 17 July, Salt Rock Main Beach)
• Corona Sunset Sessions: Live DJ sunset sets at the beach retail precinct (5, 10, 12, 15 and 18 July, Willard Beach)
• Battle of the DJs Competition: Showcasing local DJ talent (10 July, KwaDukuza Town Hall)
• After Dark Entertainment: Official after-parties at Conchilla, La Montagne and Fiamma Grill

Beach Activities and Retail Experiences

• Beach Recreation Hub: Volleyball, soccer activations, fashion showcases and family-friendly beach entertainment (4–18 July, Willard Beach retail zone)
• Jive With Jen: Children's beach programme featuring dancing, games and interactive activities (Willard Beach)
• Beach Soccer: Family sports zones and beach soccer activations (4–18 July, Willard Beach)
• Beach Judo Tournament: Presented by Tatami Judo Academy (18 July, Willard Beach)
• Beach Rugby Touch Tournament: Presented by Dolphin Coast Rugby (17 July, Willard Beach)
• Ballito Arts Showcase: Celebrating local artists and creative talent (11, 12, 17 and 18 July, Willard Beach)
• Beach Yoga and Pilates: Early morning wellness sessions on the beachfront (4–18 July, Willard Beach)
• Retail Village: Food vendors, lifestyle brands and coastal market experiences (4–18 July, Willard Beach retail precinct)

The festival forms part of a broader initiative between KwaDukuza Municipality, the World Surf League, Surfing South Africa, and key public and private partners aimed at driving youth development, tourism growth and sustainable coastal activation.

Keep Updated on All the Action

Don't miss a moment of the 2026 Ballito Pro Presented by O'Neill Festival.

#WaveOfUnity #IgagaziLobumbano #Lobunye

Watch Live

The Challenger Series will be broadcast live on WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL app and the WSL YouTube channel. Additional viewing options will be available through the WSL's broadcast partners.

For the full Ballito Pro Presented by O'Neill festival programme, visit: www.theballitopro.com