World’s longest-running surfing event heads back to Ballito
The world's longest-running surfing event, the Ballito Pro, is set to return to Willard Beach on KwaZulu-Natal's North Coast from 4 to 18 July.
Black News 
The world’s longest-running surfing event, the Ballito Pro, is set to return to Willard Beach on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast from 4 to 18 July, bringing together top-class surfing, entertainment and community initiatives under the theme “Wave of Unity”.
Thousands of visitors are expected to descend on KwaDukuza for the annual sporting and lifestyle festival, which has become one of South Africa’s premier surfing events.
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Elite surfing competiton
This year’s edition will feature elite surfing competition alongside live music, youth development programmes and environmental awareness initiatives, creating a diverse programme designed to appeal to competitors, spectators and tourists alike.
Event organiser Collette Bundy said the “Wave of Unity” theme was inspired by South African surfer Luke Thompson’s memorable victory at the 2025 Ballito Pro.
“It’s called the Wave of Unity because we were capitalising on the fact that in 2025 Luke Thompson won the Ballito Pro, and it was the inspiration from him walking up the beach with the South African flag,” Bundy explained.
“We’ve basically created a campaign around that, including the fact that we’re celebrating the 2026 FIFA World Cup. So it’s all about national pride, our strengths, our rising spirit, with South African surfing and sportsmanship in general.”
National pride
Organisers believe the theme will resonate strongly with both local and international visitors, highlighting South Africa’s sporting achievements while promoting a sense of togetherness and national pride.
The Ballito Pro has long been a major attraction on the KwaZulu-Natal sporting calendar, drawing world-class surfers and generating significant tourism and economic benefits for the North Coast region.
With a combination of competitive surfing, entertainment and community-focused activities, the 2026 edition is expected to once again showcase the best of South African hospitality and sporting excellence.
Local businesses and tourism operators will also be hoping to benefit from the influx of visitors expected to attend the two-week event.
As anticipation builds, organisers are confident that the Ballito Pro will continue its proud tradition as one of the country’s most iconic sporting festivals.
