Double Up on Ballito Beach

DOUBLE TAKE: Your first win in a WSL Qualifying Series event is a special one. Photo WSL / Tostee

And it was the Greg Emslie-coached East Londoner, Zoë Steyn, who again prevailed against Kommetjie's Sarah Scott to win her maiden WSL Women's Qualifying Series (QS) 1,000 in 3-4ft surf at the Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill. The win for Steyn came after she beat Scott in a blustery SW buster on Tuesday at the O'Neill SMTH Shapes Rookie Rippers Junior Qualifying Series (JQS) 1,000 event, with Tide-Lee Ireland from Durban taking out the men's iteration.

“I’m so, so happy. It’s my first time winning a QS event and for it to be here is so special. The waves are really nice, all my friends are here, my mom is here, so I’m really happy. Ballito is predominantly a right-hander so it’s similar to home (Nahoon Reef - ed), it’s punchy and has a lot of power and I really enjoy it.”

The win elevates Steyn to the top of the 2021/2022 WSL Africa rankings and is a great platform for her bid to quality for the WSL Challenger Series. It was an intense four executive days of surfing for the girls, with each two-day event running back to back.

Greg Emslie, who coached South Africa’s Olympic silver-medalist Bianca Buitendag, said it was a very solid performance: “She’s been super consistent, sticking to the strategy and game plan, and it worked out really well. It was tough in that final. We made a call to go on the rights and it worked out very well. I’m stoked, couldn’t ask for much better, she had a great run. Pro Junior champ and Women’s champ, job well done.”

TWO TO TANGO: Sarah Scott and Zoë Steyn posed with O'Neill's Paul Canning. Photo WSL / Tostee

Earlier today the contest had to be put on hold while organisers waited for conditions to improve with the pushing tide after a slow start. The final was a match-up between two of the most in-form surfers in Ballito this week. A strong semifinal from Scott, it looked like she might prevail in the final.

However, it was Steyn who backed up a solid opening righthander of 6.50 with a 5.17 to vindicate the strategy of targeting the rights. Scott uncharacteristically got stuck on a few crucial waves, not being able to complete her rides.

After losing out in back-to-back finals, Scott was still happy with her performance: “My progress towards each final for these past couple events has been great. I enjoyed myself and I’m super happy with my semifinal today and stoked on what I achieved.”

Steyn was up against one of South Africa’s most experienced women’s surfers, Heather Clark (Port Shepstone) in the first semifinal, with 30 minute heats. Steyn was able to make the most of a few set waves that came rolling through to defeat the veteran with mulitiple championship titles to her name.

BACKHANDED: With a maturity above her years, the East Londoner will go far. Photo WSL / Tostee

In the second semifinal, it was local favourite Sophie Bell (Salt Rock) up against Scott. Scott found one of the better waves of the morning and surfed it beautifully to take the lead. Soon after that, both ladies took off on a wave and split the peak with Bell going right and Scott opting to go left. The Capetonian got the better of the exchange for an excellent 8.50 and eliminated Bell who was in a combination situation.

Tuesday's O'Neill SMTH Shapes Rookie Rippers event had a lot at stake. As the first WSL JQS for the 2021/2022 season, the points from this competition count towards the 2022 Junior rankings to qualify for the WSL World Junior Championships.

Local youngster Tide-Lee Ireland (Durban) defeated Connor Slijpen (Llandudno) in tricky, wind-chopped surf. Ireland locked in his two best waves straight after one another for a total of 14.50, and Slijpen found himself in a combination situation early on. Slijpen searched desperately for a wave that could give him a scoring opportunity, but his frustration was visible and he struggled to convert his aerial attempts into a scoring ride.

TIDY WIN: Tide-Lee Ireland won the Men's JQS event two days ago. Photo WSL / Tostee

“I’m stoked, the waves worked in my favour on the lefts, but it was very slow and bumpy. I was lucky to get the right waves. I tried to get the first better wave, and be a bit more patient because we had 25 minutes. I didn’t want to rush it and stick to the left and try get another big score,” said Ireland. “My focus is now on 2022. I’ve been working all year, saving money and I’m ready to go and do a few more QS events internationally and get more points.”

Today, Steyn faced one of South Africa’s most experienced women’s surfers, Heather Clark (Port Shepstone) in the first semifinal. With 30 minute heats, surfers patiently started to build on their scores, looking for those bigger opportunities. A few set waves came rolling through and Steyn managed to make the most of them, defeating Clark for a spot in the finals.

In the second semifinal, it was local favourite Sophie Bell (Salt Rock) up against Scott. Scott found one of the better waves of the morning and surfed it beautifully to take the lead. Soon after that, both took off on a split peak with Bell going right and Scott opting to go left. The Capetonian got the better of the exchange for an excellent 8.50 and eliminated Bell, who was in a combination situation.

Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill Final Results
Zoë Steyn (East London) 11.67 DEF. Sarah Scott (Kommetjie) 2.94

Semifinals
Heat 1: Zoë Steyn (East London) 11.33 DEF. Heather Clark (Port Shepstone) 8.10
Heat 2: Sarah Scott (Kommetjie) 15.60 DEF. Sophie Bell (Salt Rock) 9.83

O'Neill SMTH Shapes Rookie Rippers Women's Final
Zoë Steyn (East London) 12.25 DEF. Sarah Scott (Kommetjie) 7.90

O'Neill SMTH Shapes Rookie Rippers Mens Final
Tide-Lee Ireland (Durban) 14.50 DEF. Connor Slijpen (Llandudno) 5.65

Womens Semi-Final
Heat 1: Sarah Scott 11.75 DEF. Ceara Knight 9.25
Heat 2: Zoë Steyn 14.25 DEF. Gemma Hanafey 5.95

Mens Semi-Final
Heat 1: Tide-Lee Ireland 16.50 DEF. Luke Thompson 9.25
Heat 2: Connor Slijpen 10.95 DEF. Brad Scott 10.75