We Have Our O’Neill SMTH Shapes Rookie Rippers 2024 Champions

The day’s surfing was set against the backdrop of a balmy June morning on the north coast, with a slight bump in swell size as predicted, no wind for most of the day, and highly contestable conditions.

The mainly right-breaking wave at Willard’s Beach had given way to some clean left-handers coming through, and the goofy-footers (right-foot forward surfers) had their chance to shine. There were some tricky moments, with the waves tempting surfers to commit to final moves on the rocks, but discretion was the ultimate call for the high tide heats.

There were plenty of inspired performances during the morning, with Rory Dace (CSF) banking 12.50 points (out of a possible 20 points) in the Boys’ U16 Quarter-finals and Louise Lepront (Scottburgh) throwing down 12 points in her U18 Girls’ Semi-final. Further strong performances came from the likes of Sarah Scott (CPT), Matt Canning (DBN) and Kai Stubbs (CPT).

 

Louise Lepront takes the U16 and the U18 Girls’ divisions © Kody McGregor / Ballito Pro.

The finals were a mixed bag. Some heats got plenty of waves, allowing for scintillating surfing and big moves. Other heats saw the ocean go tepid, with very few waves coming through and low scores predominating. These variable conditions kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

Louise Lepront’s exceptional performance made her the star of the day, winning both the U16 and U18 Girls divisions. “The conditions were really good for the finals,” said Lepront after the results were announced. “I just went out there for both finals and tried to have some fun, and a few good waves came to me. Stoked with the wins.”

The U18 Men’s division winner, Levi Epenetos (Melkbos), was equally stoked. “I got some sick waves in the finals and am super stoked to take the win,” said Epenetos. “It was quite tight towards the end, but I remained peaceful and took it all the way. It has been great here in Ballito, with good waves, and it’s so good to be here.”

 

BALLITO, KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA – JUNE 26: Winners of the O’Neill SMTH Shapes Rookie Rippers (L-R: Adriana Canning, Louise Lepront, Marcello Zedde, William Neill, Rory Dace, Maya Malherbe and Levi Epenetos) at the Ballito Pro on June 26, 2024 at Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. (Photo by Pierre Tostee)

 

Final Results

U12 Girls

Adriana Canning
Lila Prinsloo
Lily Jameson
Pippa Wang

U12 Boys

Marcello Zedde
Levi Vosloo
Tyler Balfour
Lazaro de Bruyn

U14 Girls

Maya Malherbe
Leah Lepront
Camilla Heuer
Charlotte Copson

U14 Boys

William Neill
Sebastian Copson
Owen Heny
Zach Epenetos

U16 Girls

Louise Lepront
Emily Jenkinson
Taylor Emslie
Nina Bone

U16 Boys

Rory Dace
Nathan Tayler
Ashton Sangster
Kai Stubbs

U18 Girls

Louise Lepront
Sarah Scott
Emily Jenkinson
Anastasia Venter

U18 Boys

Levi Epenetos
Luc Lepront
Matt Canning
Rory Dace

Header Image: BALLITO, KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA – JUNE 26: Levi Epenetos surfs in Heat 4 of the O’Neill SMTH Shapes Rookie Rippers Under 18 Boys Quarterfinals at the Ballito Pro on June 26, 2024 at Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. (Photo by Pierre Tostee)

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