There is an extreme line-up of sports, entertainment and recreational events at this year’s Ballito Pro, presented by Billabong, happening at Willard Beach from 22 June to 3 July.
In addition to the main feature – top level surfing action by the sporting elite – there will be a number of daily activities which will give festival-goers the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the area’s spectacular outdoor lifestyle in one of the warmest winter locations.
“This is the eighth year KwaDukuza will play host to this fantastic international festival which is indicative of the area’s strong holidaymaker appeal,” said Collette Bundy, event co-ordinator. “Once again we have a range of events and activities catering to all ages and tastes, including the return of the internationally renowned extreme motorcyclists, the le Riche brothers.”
Bruce and Brent le Riche – sponsored by Monster Energy Drink – will be performing their not-to-be-missed two-man, motorcycle trials which includes a number of spectacular stunts using state-of-the-art trial motorbike performed on a specially made rig consisting of ramps, walls, steps and other death-defying obstacles.
Bruce, who is a three-times South African number 1 rider and was ranked number 2 in North America, and Brent, a 12-times South African number 1 rider and was ranked number 4 in North America, have been involved in extreme motorcycle trials since an early age.
“We got involved in the sport through our father,” recalled Brent Le Riche. “It was through his knowledge of the sport, his strong guidance as well as our closeness as siblings, that we were able to reach an international level.”
Le Riche said motorcycle trials was a growing sport in the country, primarily because of the value it provided in teaching riders about motorbike control.
“This skill can then be transferred to other disciplines, such as Enduro and Motorcross,” he explained. “It brings professional and extreme sports to the right people. It’s an amazing sport where you never really reach your peak. You are as good as how hard you push yourself on the day.”
He said performing at The Ballito Pro was such a unique experience because the audience is up close to the razor sharp action which is 35 minutes of extreme wheelies, nose wheelies, ramping and down 3.5m high walls and a number of other insane stunts. The riders wear microphones, backed up with lively music, making the experience fully crowd interactive.
“There is just such an amazing atmosphere at The Ballito Pro, as well as a vibe from the surfing competition. For us, it’s really the best show on our calendar.”
The brothers will be performing at Willard Beach from Thursday, 30 June to Sunday 3 July.
In addition to the extreme sports’ activation, The Ballito Pro Presented by Billabong will include a beach recreational and sports’ programme, a retail area, the Fire Up Your Stoke evening with food, wine and a surf film premiere as well as three nights of free music concerts at Salt Rock Beach and after parties at Crush Night Club for those wanting to continue the fun.
