SA olympic skater to compete in the O’Neill Ballito Bowl Skate Jam
To honour the unifying force of sport and music
South Africa’s best skateboarders will compete for the top titles in the O’Neill Ballito Bowl Skate Jam taking place on June 28 at this year’s Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill in KwaDukuza. Skaters will compete in the Open and Grom divisions for their share of the R30,000 cash prize – with Best Trick prizes also up for grabs.
Skateboarders and surfers will join forces for the annual O’Neil Balito Jam and will be showing off their skills.
Image: Supplied
“We’re stoked to return for the 5th annual Skate Jam, hosted in beautiful Ballito. With perfect winter weather and R30,000 in cash up for grabs, this year’s contest is set to be next level. Each edition keeps pushing the bar, and 2025 is no different—we’re attracting top skaters from across South Africa ready to throw down. The Bowl Jam has become a staple on the local skate calendar, and with a venue like this, it’s truly unbeatable,” said an enthusiastic Markus Müseler from the event hosts, OSP Events Co.
The event also welcomes Red Bull, who is bringing in two-time Olympian and four-time South African champion, Brandon Valjalo. In addition to competing in the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics, placing 12th in the world in the latter, Valjalo has competed in World Skate Championships, the World Cup Series, as well as claiming the African Championship title at Ultimate X in 2017.
This is sure to fire up the competition as skate veteran, Kalvyn Mac Millan (Umhlanga) - winner of the 2021 and 2023 titles -returns to hunt his third Ballito Skate Jam crown. The competition also welcomes the rising challenger, Ballito home-grown super grom, Ezra Vosloo, who – at just 14 years old – has long had his sights set on winning the open division.
Running from 2pm to 6pm, the event slots perfectly into a day that starts with a sun-soaked beach morning and ends with an epic afternoon around the bowl. Spectators are in for a real treat this year as the event includes great food stalls and top-notch DJs on the decks to really bring the vibe.
Registration takes place from 12pm and skaters will compete for the ultimate glory in the Groms and Open categories, with Best Trick also up for grabs. Judging will be done by the experienced team from event hosts, OSP Events Co.
There is a great festival line-up running alongside the world’s longest professional surfing event, The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill, taking place in KwaDukuza from 22 June to 6 July. The 56th edition of this international surf and lifestyle festival is themed Sea-Sound-Waves to honour the unifying force of sport and music – the two pillars of The Ballito Pro. Don’t miss out on the action.