Despite the weather forcing a last-minute venue change, the 2026 O’Neill Ballito Pro Skate Jam delivered all the energy and spectacular tricks fans have come to expect, with Durban’s Tylor Houston claiming the Open title after an exciting afternoon of competition on Saturday.
Originally scheduled for the Ballito Bowl as part of the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill (July 4 to 18), the competition was relocated to The Lot Skate Park at Ballito Junction Regional Mall to ensure ideal skating conditions.
Prize money of R30 000 was up for grabs across the Groms and Open divisions as some of South Africa’s top skateboarders, alongside promising young talent, showcased their skills in an event that continues to strengthen Ballito’s reputation as a hub for action sports.
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Commenting on his win, Houston said: “I didn’t even have words yesterday, trying to hold back the tears.
“It just means so much to me because, as a skateboarder, these are the moments you dream of — hearing your name called in first place, having fun and skating with your friends in a contest where everyone is dropping hammer after hammer.
“I just couldn’t ask for more. A massive thank you to all the sponsors and people involved that make this all possible!”
Riaan van Biljon of OSP Events Co. said the day captured everything that makes the Ballito Pro Skate Jam so special: “It was awesome to see so many new and old faces there skating together.
There is so much new potential coming through with the under-16 boys and girls. It was fantastic seeing parents supporting all the new talent here in Ballito.
“In the Open division we saw the likes of Brandon Valjalo skating for Red Bull alongside several other heavy hitters. Overall, it was a great day of skateboarding and an awesome event.”
Speaking after the event, O’Neill brand director Paul Canning said: “O’Neill is so stoked to partner in the Ballito Pro Skate Jam again this year.
“Although it was not in The Ballito Bowl, it’s awesome to have an amazing back up venue like The Lot which offered nice change up in competition. The Skate Jam is a real highlight for the Ballito community and one of the key events in the Ballito Pro festival.”
South African Olympian Brandon Valjalo once again thrilled spectators with his technical ability, walking away with the Open Best Trick award for his big spin back tail on the big hubba.
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Ballito Pro Skate Jam Open Results: 1st place: Tylor Houston (25) from Durban; 2nd place: Kalvyn MacMillan (37) from Durban; 3rd place: Josh Beukes (28) from Pretoria.
Ballito Pro Skate Jam U16 Groms Results: 1st place: Jake Turnbull (11) from Australia; 2nd place: Ashley Gindre (11) from Durban; 3rd place: Jackson Myers (12) from Durban
Special Awards Grom Best Trick: Jake Turnbull.
Best Up-and-Coming Skater: Jordan Gardner
Best Trick: Brandon Valjalo.
Packed Programme for this Year’s Ballito Pro
While the Skate Jam may be over, the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill continues until Saturday July 18, with visitors still able to enjoy the following:
Mandela Day 67 Minutes for the Ocean beach clean-up (Saturday); O’Neill SMTH Shapes Rookie Rippers showcasing South Africa’s rising surfing stars; Surf & Turf Celebrity Challenge combining surfing with soccer and rugby personalities; Red Bull MX activations and extreme sports showcases; Fifa-themed community activations and youth soccer initiatives; Ballito Pro Music Concerts Presented by Corona; Corona Sunset Sessions at Willard Beach, Battle of the DJs competition and After Dark entertainment; Beach sports, family activities, fashion showcases and retail experiences; Environmental initiatives including Litter4Tokens and WESSA ocean conservation campaigns; and Coastal tourism experiences showcasing the KwaDukuza and iLembe region.
