The Gunston 500 was a world-renowned surfing contest held in Durban’s North Beach, specifically at the Bay of Plenty surf spot, from 1969 to 1999.
The event, originally called the Durban 500, attracted thousands of spectators and featured international surfing champions. It was an integral part of the world’s pro surfing circuit and evolved to include a larger festival atmosphere with other events like beach soccer, volleyball, and lifestyle exhibitions.
- Location: Durban’s North Beach, notably at the Bay of Plenty surf spot.
- Duration: The event ran annually from 1969 to 1999.
- Significance: It was South Africa’s first professional surfing event and a major part of the international pro circuit for many years.
- Evolution: Beyond surfing, the event grew into a multi-faceted festival with other activities such as beach soccer, volleyball, music, and a retail exhibition.
- Legacy: Many famous surfers, including Mark Richards and Shaun Tomson, competed in the Gunston 500, which is now considered part of the history that evolved into the Ballito Pro.
