The 50th edition of the world’s longest running professional surfing event, The Ballito Pro presented by Billabong, was mired in controversy this week when internet users globally slammed the organisers for the discrepancy in prize money between the girls’ and boys’ division of the Billabong Junior Series.
After a picture of the 2018 Billabong Junior Series winners was shared on the Ballito Pro Facebook page, negative reactions poured in, with people accusing the competition of “archaic discrimination” and “blatant inequality”.
The photo was shared thousands of times.
Rio Waida from Indonesia received R8 000, while the female winner South Africa’s own Zoe Steyn received exactly half that amount.
The prize money discrepancy is still a common occurrence in the surfing world.
At the Las Americas Pro Tenerif event, earlier this year, Mikaela Greene received $6 000 for winning the women’s event, while the men’s winner banked $10 000.
“It costs the same amount of money to travel here for the women’s and the men’s, and it’s hard to fund. So I think it would be nice to be rewarded the same as the guys,” said Greene at the time.
Also read: Jordy Smith faces crushing defeat at The Ballito Pro
The Ballito Pro issued a response on their website, stating that prize money and rankings were determined by The World Surf League (WSL).
“The Ballito Pro maintains its stance as a pro-gender equality competition, which is evident from the ongoing development of the women’s series year-on-year,” said Collette Bundy, festival organiser.
“Based on this commitment to equality, we are meeting with all relevant stakeholders to discuss how any potential discrepancies can be resolved going forward.
“We are grateful to everyone who brought awareness to this issue and we value all the contribution, comment and participation that has prompted discussions, at the highest level, for a speedy resolution.
“The World Surf League (WSL) is the sanctioning body for WSL-aligned surfing events such as The Ballito Pro. The WSL implements certain criteria to determine surf ratings and prize money, and we have formally requested a detailed outline of this process for future discussion.”
Chad D Arcy, event license holder of the Billabong Junior Series, said, “Billabong has always been actively invested in and supportive of women’s surfing in South Africa.
“We’ve proudly watched women’s surfing grow over the years, in part thanks to the host of women’s events we’ve run. For many years, we’ve sponsored a team of female athletes, nurturing their careers in surfing from an early age.
“In order for any professional surf event to be internationally accredited, it has to be sanctioned by the WSL. The WSL also determines the allocation of prize money and points for each event.
“As a brand, Billabong is, in every way, committed to gender equality and will continue to support the growth and progression of women’s surfing in South Africa.”
WSL has yet to issue a statement.
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