Ballito Open Delivers Thrills and Spills on Opening Days
The Ballito Open, a World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 2,000 event, has seen a mix of stellar performances and challenging conditions over its opening days. Surfers battled through varying surf, from pumping waves to tricky onshore conditions, setting the stage for an exciting Finals Day.
Dynamic Conditions Challenge Surfers
The initial days of the Ballito Open presented a range of conditions, testing the adaptability of the competitors. Early rounds benefited from clean, three-to-four foot surf, allowing for high-scoring rides. However, conditions deteriorated in the afternoon, forcing organizers to halt competition after two heats of the men’s Round of 16.
- The event saw an uptick in swell on the first day, providing critical sections for powerful maneuvers.
- Competitors faced bumpy three-to-five foot surf on Friday, transitioning to more challenging onshore conditions later.
Standout Performances from International and Local Talent
Both international and South African surfers delivered impressive performances, securing their spots in the later rounds.
Japanese Contingent Shines
Japanese surfers made a strong showing, with several advancing to the Round of 16:
- Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN): Scored an excellent 8.50 for two big frontside hits, totaling 13.93.
- Mirai Ikeda (JPN): Adapted well to tricky onshore conditions, winning her heat against Sierra Kerr (AUS).
- Amuro Tsuzuki (JPN) and Kana Nakashio (JPN) also advanced.
South African Surfers Impress
Local talent showcased their skills, with several South Africans delivering high-scoring heats:
- Adin Masencamp (RSA): Posted a combined total of 14.33 with classic power-moves.
- Joshe Faulkner (RSA): Earned an 8.67 for three strong and critical turns.
- Luke Thompson (RSA): Achieved the highest heat total of the day with 16.84, combining aerials with massive turns.
- Sarah Baum (RSA): The sole South African woman remaining, utilizing her powerful backhand.
- Shane Sykes (RSA), Ntokozo Maphumulo (RSA), and Loghann Tilsley (RSA) also advanced through the opening rounds.
Notable Upsets and Advancements
The competition saw some unexpected eliminations and clutch performances.
- Eweleiula Wong (HAW): Pulled off a clutch performance with less than a minute on the clock to win her heat, pushing Laura Raupp (BRA) into second and eliminating Sophia Medina (BRA) and Jessie van Niekerk (RSA).
- Winter Vincent (AUS): Scored an excellent 8.33 with a big backside rotation.
- Luke Swanson (HAW): Achieved the highest heat total of the first day with 15.50 in the Round of 64.
- Jarvis Earle (AUS) and Lucas Vicente (BRA) also advanced to the Quarterfinals.
However, the event also saw early exits for former Championship Tour surfers Jackson Baker (AUS) and Maxime Huscenot (FRA), as well as Olympians Billy Stairmand (NZL) and Lucca Mesinas (PER).
Finals Day is set for Sunday, June 29, with the next call scheduled for 6:50 a.m. GMT+1.
Sources:
- A Day of Ups and Downs at the Ballito Open presented by Flojos, World Surf League.
- High Level Performances on Opening Day at Ballito Open presented by Flojos, World Surf League.
