Despite 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, 11 July.<\/p>\n
Photo: Jake Turnbull (11) from Australia claimed 1st place in the U16 Grom Division at the 2026 O’Neill Ballito Pro Skate Jam. Supplied by Olivia Jones Communications<\/em><\/p>\n Originally scheduled for the Ballito Bowl as part of the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill (4 to 18 July), the competition was relocated to The Lot Skate Park at Ballito Junction Regional Mall to ensure ideal skating conditions. R30 000 in prize money 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Commenting on his win, Houston said: \u201cI didn\u2019t 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\u2019t ask for more. A massive thank you to all the sponsors and people involved that make this all possible!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Speaking after the event, O’Neill Brand Director Paul Canning said: \u201cO’Neill is so stoked to partner in the Ballito Pro Skate Jam again this year. Although it was not in The Ballito Bowl, it\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ballito Pro Skate Jam Open Results<\/strong><\/p>\n 1st place: Tylor Houston (25) from Durban<\/p>\n 2nd place: Kalvyn MacMillan (37) from Durban<\/p>\n 3rd place: Josh Beukes (28) from Pretoria<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ballito Pro Skate Jam U16 Groms Results<\/strong><\/p>\n 1st place: Jake Turnbull (11) from Australia<\/p>\n 2nd place: Ashley Gindre (11) from Durban<\/p>\n 3rd place: Jackson Myers (12) from Durban<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Special Awards<\/strong><\/p>\n Grom Best Trick<\/strong>: Jake Turnbull<\/p>\n Best Up-and-Coming Skater:\u00a0<\/strong>Jordan Gardner<\/p>\n Best Trick<\/strong>: Brandon Valjalo<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Packed Programme for this Year\u2019s Ballito Pro<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n While the Skate Jam may be over, the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill continues until 18 July, with visitors still able to enjoy:<\/p>\n\n