by SFT | Jul 9, 2026 | St Francis, Surf Editorial
BALLITO, KwaDukuza – Brazil’s Ryan Kainalo and Australia’s Charli Hately claimed victory at the World Surf League (WSL) O’Neill SMTH Shapes Ballito Pro Junior, Stop No. 3 of the Africa Junior Qualifying Series, after an exciting finals day on the Dolphin Coast.
Glassy conditions and clean two-to-three-foot waves created excellent opportunities for performance surfing. Both champions overcame strong South African challenges to stand on top of the podium.
Kainalo Claims Third Ballito Title
Ryan Kainalo secured his third Ballito Pro Junior title after defeating Australia’s Dane Henry in an entertaining men’s final filled with aerial surfing and powerful rail work.
Kainalo, who previously won the event in 2022 and 2023, combined progressive airs with strong turns to post a winning heat total of 14.87 out of 20.
“I’m really happy. I think the final was the best heat of the whole event,” said Kainalo. “I tried to stay calm, look for the good waves and mix in some airs and big turns. I really love this place and just try to enjoy every moment.”
Kainalo now turns his attention to the Ballito Open presented by O’Neill QS 2,000 before competing in the Ballito Pro Challenger Series, which begins on Sunday.
Henry enjoyed an outstanding performance in the semifinals, producing the highest heat total of the event. His near-perfect 9.83 for a huge aerial, backed up by an 8.00, earned him a combined total of 17.83.
“It was great to get some fun waves,” said Henry. “Ryan surfed incredibly well in the final. I’m really looking forward to the next week.”
Hately Starts Ballito Campaign In Style
Seventeen-year-old Charli Hately used the Ballito Pro Junior as preparation for the upcoming Challenger Series and left with the event title.
The Australian impressed throughout the competition with smart wave selection and powerful backhand surfing. In the final, she opened with a 6.00 before using priority late in the heat to find the wave she needed. One strong turn into the critical section earned enough points to move into the lead after the buzzer.
“I left it a bit late, but I got it done, so I’m really stoked,” said Hately. “It was great to get some good practice before the next event. I’m happy to be back because I love it here.”
Strong Result For Louise Lepront
South Africa’s Louise Lepront produced an excellent performance to reach her first Ballito Pro Junior final.
After a convincing semifinal victory, Lepront finished runner-up and heads into the Ballito Open with valuable momentum. The result also lifts her to the top of the WSL Africa Junior rankings.
Simon Winter also moved into the No. 1 position in the men’s Africa Junior rankings following the conclusion of the event.
ends.
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Rotary Club Of St Francis Newsletter No 31 – March To June 2026
Join The Wavepool Surf Tour On Instagram
by SFT | Jul 8, 2026 | St Francis, Surf Editorial
So much cool stuff happening on the Wavepool Surf Tour on Instagram. More than a competition. Behind the scenes, athlete stories, clips, moments and everything in between.
Link here or scan the code
by SFT | Jul 5, 2026 | St Francis, Surf Editorial
An old surfboard or wetsuit could help a local child discover a lifelong passion for the ocean.
From 2 to 31 July, the Rotary Club of St Francis is collecting second-hand surfboards, bodyboards and wetsuits to support the Wave Point Foundation’s surfing and mentoring programme for children from Sea Vista. Equipment of all sizes is welcome, with children’s boards and wetsuits particularly needed.
Every Wednesday afternoon, the children head to Main Beach, where they learn to surf under the guidance of experienced volunteers. Alongside surfing, the programme provides mentoring, encouragement and homework support, creating a positive environment where young people can build confidence, discipline and valuable life skills.
Rather than leaving unused equipment in the garage, local surfers can give it a new purpose by helping another generation experience the ocean.
Supporting the Next Generation of Surfers
Access to suitable equipment remains one of the biggest challenges for the programme. Every donated board, bodyboard or wetsuit makes it easier for another child to take part and continue progressing in the water.
The initiative relies on the generosity of the St Francis community and reflects the area’s long-standing connection with surfing. By extending the life of pre-loved equipment, local residents can make a meaningful contribution while supporting young surfers who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
Where to Drop Off Donations
Donations can be delivered throughout July at the following collection points:
- Pam Golding office, Lyme Road North
- Seal Point Estates, Cape St Francis
- River Club, Oyster Bay Road
For more information, or to arrange a donation, contact the Rotary Club of St Francis at contact@rotarystfrancisbay.org.
An old board may have finished its journey with you, but for a young surfer in Sea Vista, it could be the start of something special.
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Read More: R26.5m road upgrade project underway in Greater St Francis Area
by SFT | Jul 5, 2026 | St Francis, Surf Editorial
The countdown to the first Wavepool Surf Tour event is underway, with registrations now open for the inaugural Alaïa Surf Challenge at Alaïa Bay in Switzerland.
Taking place from 1 August to 25 October 2026, the Alaïa Surf Challenge is the opening event of the 2026/27 Wavepool Surf Tour season and the first opportunity for surfers to earn regional ratings points and direct qualification to the inaugural Wavepool World Finals.
With a month remaining before the competition window opens, athletes are encouraged to register now, create their athlete profiles and explore the event information available at WavepoolSurfTour.com.
“We’re excited to welcome our first athletes,” said Wavepool Surf Tour founder Mark Fessler.
Registration
“The next few weeks are all about getting registered, learning how the event works and preparing for the opening of the season. We’ve built the platform to make competing as straightforward as possible, and we can’t wait to see the first rides come through from Alaïa Bay.”
Located in Sion in the Swiss Alps, Alaïa Bay has become one of Europe’s premier wavepool destinations, attracting surfers from around the world with its high-performance waves and exceptional facilities.
The Alaïa Surf Challenge is open across multiple divisions, including Open, Junior, Masters, Longboard, Bodyboard and Adaptive surfing categories, offering competitive opportunities for surfers of all ages and abilities.
Once the event opens on 1 August, competitors will have until 25 October to complete their entries at Alaïa Bay before submitting their rides for judging. Scores will be awarded by the Wavepool Surf Tour’s international judging panel using the Triple C judging criteria of Commitment, Creativity and Control.
Qualification Pathway
The Alaïa Surf Challenge is the first step in this season’s qualification pathway. Winners in eligible divisions will secure direct qualification to the Wavepool World Finals, while competitors will also begin building valuable regional ratings points throughout the season.
Athletes interested in competing are encouraged to register early, complete their profiles and familiarise themselves with the event information well before the competition begins.
Full details, registration, divisions, FAQs and event information are available atwww.wavepoolsurftour.com.
Event Summary
Event: Alaïa Surf Challenge
Venue: Alaïa Bay, Sion, Switzerland
Competition Window: 1 August – 25 October 2026
Registration: Now Open
Entries Close: 25 October 2026
Website: www.wavepoolsurftour.com
by SFT | Jul 2, 2026 | St Francis, Surf Editorial
The heat is off from the Rip Curl Vic Bay Surf Pro and all eyes are now on Ballito for the Ballito Pro and all the JQS, and QS, and Challenger Series events taking place down there. Still, let’s look in the rearview and remember our St Francis Bay surfers and Cape St Francis guys and girls who were giving it a good crack down in Victoria Bay
Victoria Bay can be challenging when it gets big, but it gets worse when it gets small, which caused the contest to move over the
swell-friendly Herold’s Bay.
all photos by Kody McGregor / WSL
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