WSL , 6 July – Edited by Bev Mortimer… Luke Thompson (SA) wins Men’s Final at WSL Ballito Pro and Nadia Erostarbe wins Women’s Final
South Africa’s own Luke Thompson made history in his victory at Ballito Pro in front of his home crowd. For the first time since 2017, a South African was in the Final at the Ballito Pro, and it was none other than event standout ‘Luke the humble giant-slayer’.
He made a statement this week that he belongs right up there with the best in the world. Coming up against a fired up George Pittar (AUS) with solid six-foot bombs rolling through the line-up, this was the ultimate challenge.
The crowds lined the beach for this momentous occasion, cheering every time Thompson paddled for a wave. Both surfers struggled to find a wave with an open face to work with, only needing a small requirement for the win. The 21-year-old local found an opportunity under priority to crank out two turns. Pittar had a chance to fight back, but fell on his wave and the beach erupted as Thompson got the required score for the win.
“It feels like a dream and I’m just waiting to wake up,” said Thompson. “I’m so proud to be South African, the support on the beach has been incredible. When I made the final I was struggling to keep my emotions in check. I wish it was a better final, but I can’t believe it. There’s so much hard work that goes into this. The biggest thank you to my coach, I couldn’t do it without him.”
Thompson overcame Australia’s rising contender Oscar Berry in a tense Semifinal. Again, Thompson had to play catch up when he paddled into an absolute bomb, hammering out a two-turn combo for a 7.50 (out of a possible 10) to take the win and advance.
The WSL says a classic goofy versus regular power-battle ensued in the Women’s Final between Olympians Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) and Yolanda Hopkins (ESP), who both made their first-ever Challenger Series Final. Erostarbe’s backhand attack saw her earn multiple excellent scores throughout the event, while Hopkins powered her way through with tube rides and big turns.
It was a nail-biting 35-minutes, but a last-minute exchange saw Erostarbe’s backhand reign supreme in the pumping surf with a total of 12.80 (out of a possible 20).
“I don’t have the words to describe what I’m feeling right now,” Erostarbe said. “I’m so emotional right now, I have so many friends here, it’s amazing. The waves were picking up for the Final with Yolanda, and I was hoping for those big waves. The European storm is here, because we’re all doing so well.”
She got a taste of the Championship Tour this year when she was called up as the 2025 replacement surfer, competing in the first five events of the season. Now, Erostarbe , a 25-year-old Basque surfer is back on track for 2026 CT qualification. Shee dispatched CT veteran Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) in the Semi-finals, and jumped up 17 spots to No.4 on the Challenger Series ranking
Luke Thompson’s and Nadia Erostarbe’s CT qualification shuffle begins at Corona Cero Post Show Finals Day . Corona Cero Open J-Bay Wildcards Announced: After the conclusion of the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill, the wildcards for Stop No.10 on the Championship Tour, the Corona Cero Open J-Bay have been confirmed. Joining Matthew McGillivray as the wildcard from Tours & Competition, South Africa’s Luke Thompson and Sarah Baum secured the regional wildcards as the highest placed African surfers on the Challenger Series. The event wildcard was awarded to Francisca Veselko (POR) as the current No.1 on the Challenger Series.
Portugal’s Yolanda Hopkins has been having a great start to her season and overcame Laura Raupp (BRA) in their Semi-final clash to advance to her first-ever Challenger Series final. Raupp earned her best-result on the Challenger Series in Ballito to move up four spots on the rankings.
“It feels incredible, I was so close, but the ocean just didn’t give me another chance,” said Hopkins. “I tried everything, but sometimes it’s the hardest to get a small score. I’m really happy with my performance, and I know I still have a lot left in the tank. I’m really looking forward to the US Open.”
George Pittar (AUS) found the best single-wave score of the morning for an 8.67 in his Semi-final clash against French powerhouse Jorgann Couzinet. Pittar earned his place in the Final with solid surfing, and moved up to No.3 on the rankings.
“It’s bittersweet, losing a Final needing a four is annoying,” Pittar said. “I’m sure I’ll be frothing tomorrow, it’s a good step in the right direction.”
St Francis Chronicle 