Gunston 500
Professional surf contest held in South Africa from 1969 to 1999, originally called the Durban 500; a world pro circuit mainstay in the '70s, '80s, and part of the '90s.
The inaugural Durban 500 was South African surfing's first pro event, and was billed as a team match between South Africa and Australia. Sponsor Gunston Cigarettes put up a 500-rand first-place award; other prizes included a motorcycle and hi-fi set. The two-day event was organized by Durbanites Ernie Tomson, Ian McDonald, a...