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Surfing | We Have Our O'Neill SMTH Shapes Rookie Rippers 2024 Champions.

  • Louise Lepront and Levi Epenetos claim the U18 division titles.
  • Lepront does the double and wins U16 Girls.
  • Rory Dace wins U16 Boys.
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)
Levi Epenetos claimed U18 Boys Victory at the O'Neill SMTH Shapes Rookie Rippers 2024
© Pierre Tostee/ Ballito Pro.

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 RookieRippers KM2 3085 Kody McGregor

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)
 
All the winners with their silverware © Pierre Tostee / Ballito Pro.

Final Results

U12 Girls

  1. Adriana Canning
  2. Lila Prinsloo
  3. Lily Jameson
  4. Pippa Wang

U12 Boys

  1. Marcello Zedde
  2. Levi Vosloo
  3. Tyler Balfour
  4. Lazaro de Bruyn

U14 Girls

  1. Maya Malherbe
  2. Leah Lepront
  3. Camilla Heuer
  4. Charlotte Copson

U14 Boys

  1. William Neill
  2. Sebastian Copson
  3. Owen Heny
  4. Zach Epenetos

U16 Girls

  1. Louise Lepront
  2. Emily Jenkinson
  3. Taylor Emslie
  4. Nina Bone

U16 Boys

  1. Rory Dace
  2. Nathan Tayler
  3. Ashton Sangster
  4. Kai Stubbs

U18 Girls

  1. Louise Lepront
  2. Sarah Scott
  3. Emily Jenkinson
  4. Anastasia Venter

U18 Boys

  1. Levi Epenetos
  2. Luc Lepront
  3. Matt Canning
  4. Rory Dace

 The O'Neill SMTH Shapes Ballito Pro Junior, which starts tomorrow, promises to be an exciting event with many of the surfers who competed today entering straight into this event. Don't miss the action!

Outside of the surfing arena, there is still plenty of action happening with a full festival programme at the Ballito Pro Festival activities, events, and entertainment. More here - https://theballitopro.com/

The heat results of the O'Neill SMTH Shapes Rookie Rippers can be viewed on Liveheats.

Surfing South Africa is the recognised governing body for Surfriding in South Africa. It is responsible for the activities of all its disciplines, such as surfing, longboarding, bodyboarding, kneeboarding, para surfing and SUP surfing. SSA is a member of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), the African Surfing Confederation (ASC) and the International Surfing Association (ISA). More on Surfing South Africa here - SSA

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