Mr Price Pro 2014 - Surfing Event - Ballito

Surfers > Local Heroes

Jordy Smith
Hometown : Cape Town
South Africa’s most decorated surfer on the international circuit, Jordy Smith has become a household name in professional surfing. The 2010 ASP World No. 2 became the second South African to win the Mr Price Pro (Ricky Basnett won in 2007) and the only South African to capture back to back victories at the Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay (2010 and 2011).

Plagued by injury in 2011, Smith has bounced back with a determined ferocity, scooping semifinal and quarterfinal finishes at the season openers in Australia (Quicksilver Pro Gold Coast and Rip Curl Pro).

Boasting a combination of technical brilliance and creative flair that has garnered global respect from both the surfing community and his rivals on the ASP World Title Tour, Smith’s return to Ballito will be highly anticipated as the 6’2 champ unleashes his exceptional repertoire of progressive aerials and power carves with the hope of recapturing his crown.

Travis Logie
Hometown : Durban
Explosive epitomizes Travis’s surfing. He packs so much power in his turns; it begs believe there’s still a wave left when he’s done surfing. He’s spent seven years on tour, long enough to be considered a veteran and is one of the fiercest competitors you’ll meet.

He recently returned to the spotlight for his gutsy performance in heaving Teahupo’o Tahitian barrels showing his grit throughout, including posting the highest heat score of the quarterfinals, at a blistering 18.07 out of 20 to reach the semis posting his career best result of equal third when he was defeated by Owen Wright.

2008 runner up at the Mr Price Pro, Logie has been one of the most consistent finishers at the event but is yet to add the prestigious title to his collection.

Beyrick De Vries
Hometown : Umhlanga
Probably the most ‘local’ of the South African contingent, living just down the road in Umhlanga, Beyrick De Vries would like nothing more than to prove himself in front a home crowd.

Winning every Pro Junior in South Africa last year, not to mention the Mr Price Pro Junior, then the biggest title in Pro Junior Surfing in as well as making his mark on the international pro junior circuit, there’s no doubt he has a bright future ahead of him.

With a wild and unpredictable approach to competition, Beyrick should be one of the most feared local surfers to come up against this year. His above the lip surfing surfing gives him a definite edge and his hometown knowledge should see him advance through a few heats with ease.

Shaun Joubert
Hometown : Mossel Bay
Born and raised on the raw power and shark infested waters of the Southern Cape, Shaun Joubert is no stranger to risk taking and it’s exactly this attitude that makes him a standout on the professional circuit.

Fearless, futuristic and powerful with an affinity for big, hollow waves, Joubert is set to make a name for himself on the international circuit. With a fierce competitive edge Joubert has been hailed the next big name to emerge from Jordy Smith’s shadow.

A multiple SA Champion and Billabong Pro Junior Champion, Shaun’s’ free surfing is where he also excels and his highly acclaimed section in Billabong’s international film, Still Filthy, not to mention numerous magazine cover spreads and video sections have gained him both and international respect as one of the worlds top up and coming surfers.

Dale Staples
Hometown : St Francis
Few could forget Dale’s perfect 10 barrel ride in 8-10ft Ballito at the inaugural Mr Price Pro Ballito 2009. Arguably one of the most naturally gifted surfers to emerge from the South Africa Pro Junior surfing ranks, Dale exudes exceptional style and barrel riding to boosting and continues to turn heads both locally and internationally.

A revered competitor on the international pro junior tour, Staples has proved exceptional consistency and can be proud of his impressive equal 3rd in cooking Keramis at the international World Juniors in Bali last year.