Extreme action set to fuel the audience at The Ballito Pro, presented by Billabong
High-energy action in the form of spectacular two-wheeled stunts and skateboarding skills will dominate the Willard Beach Extreme Sports’ zone at The Ballito Pro, presented by Billabong from 27 June to 9 July.
Centred around the international surfing contest which pulls an impressive competitive line-up from across the globe, the Ballito Pro presented by Billabong also hosts an entertaining festival programme for holiday-makers and residents with the extreme biking action a definite crowd favourite.
South African motorcycle trials’ champs, Brent and Bruce le Riche – sponsored by Monster Energy Drink – are set to get the coastal crowd revved up. Describing the festival as ‘the best show on our calendar’, Brent le Riche said the dynamic motorcycling team was excited to be returning for the fifth consecutive showdown.
“The Ballito Pro has been good to us and, with this being our fifth appearance, we’re obviously doing something right too!” said the extreme sportsman. “Last year’s event really highlighted the fact that there was so many familiar faces, with spectators seeing us before and bringing along their friends and family to come watch. This event is so special because it’s the Ballito Pro so the vibe is taken care of! The arena is up close and personal, and with that sea breeze swirling around the smell of burnt rubber and high-performance race fuel – who doesn’t want to be part of that?!”
The passion for all things motorcycle was sparked by their father, but the brothers have really fanned the flames, taking their extreme sports’ addiction all the way to the top. Brent has been ranked as the country’s number 1 rider 12 times with brother, Bruce, taking the title three times. Both have ranked in the top 5 on the North American circuit.
The past year has seen the brothers winning their combined 16th South African National Trials Championship while Bruce has taken on a whole new challenge – fatherhood. As with everything in life, he finds this new competition tough, but Bruce is always up for a challenge which means putting in the hard work, even in the early hours!
Commenting on this year’s Ballito Pro performance, Brent was giving too much away, stating: “I hate to say too much, but there will definitely be something different this year! Get to the festival and experience it first-hand. You won’t be disappointed.”
The performance consists of 25 minutes of extreme wheelies and nose wheelies as well as ramping 3.5m high walls all backed by incredible beats right next to the audience.
The talent continues at the skate park where South African skate legend, Khule Nubange, will demonstrate some dry land board action. Khule will be at this year’s Ballito Pro, presented by Billabong with his custom halfpipe hosting skate clinics, performing sessions with local skaters as well as the not-to-be-missed official jam and best trick sessions in the activation village. There will also be a number of spot prize giveaways, so don’t miss out!
In addition to the extreme sports’ action, visitors can catch some of South Africa’s hottest musical acts, including Matthew Mole, Kwesta, Desmond & the Tutus and PH, at the Cadbury Five Star Ballito Pro Music Concerts Powered by 5FM taking place at the Salt Rock beach stage on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 July.
From 30 June to 9 July, the musical mayhem continues at the official After Dark Parties taking place at Crush Nightclub where two dance floors will host some of the country’s hottest DJs as well as upcoming talent at Battle of the DJs, culminating on Saturday, 8 July.
There will be some tasty treats at the Night of Food & Wine event heating up the main festival area at Willard Beach from Tuesday 4 July from 5 pm to 10.30 pm and Wednesday 5 July from 5.30pm to 10.30pm. Daily live entertainment, arts, crafts, exhibitions, retail stalls, food, and drink will be in abundance at the Retail Delight arena.
There will be non-stop Beach Action at the Coca-Cola Football Arena with beach soccer entertainment while the children are kept busy at the Willard Beach’s Kids’ Corner with face painting, water balls, sandcastle-building contests and other fun activities on offer.
Visitors are welcome to participate in the ongoing Save the Waves Campaign with festival organisers encouraging ocean rehabilitation and conservation through ongoing education campaigns and recycling initiatives throughout the festival venue.
Extreme action set to fuel the audience at The Ballito Pro, presented by Billabong https://t.co/l5iZn7Sp7h @TheBallitoPro #ArriveAlive pic.twitter.com/XlejNFEbVw
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) June 15, 2017
