Scenes from Ballito, South Africa

How ’bout that Mr Price Pro, Ballito? Ever seen so many top shelf surfers dragged into a country, for the sole purpose of competing in a non-world tour event? While serving as a good reminder how sorely missed the Billabong Pro, J-Bay is, the Mr Price Pro is also as good a viewing as you’ll get from a non-WCT event. Recent years have seen the place light up with some really, crazy good waves. Not yet this year, but it’s early days. Yesterday, day one of the event, saw big dogs Jordy Smith and Julian Wilson (both pictured below) shot to round three. Conner Coffin, pictured immediately below, wasn’t so lucky but shall swing again in round two. And Mason Ho, above, will surf in the day’s first heat when competition resumes. Conner Coffin. Photo: Mr Price/Kelly Cestari Julian Wilson. Photo: Mr Price/Kelly Cestari Jordy Smith. Photo: Mr Price/Kelly Cestari