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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