Durban has big surf ambitions
The South African Maritime Safety Authority is hoping to put Durban firmly on the tourism map. This week the Authority’s upbeat ambassadors, all surfers and skiers, started luring the public to attend the biggest beach extravaganza of the year and encouraging people from previously disadvantaged communities to get involved in water sports and promote environmental awareness.
SAMSA partnering with the Durban Stars is hosting the weekend extravaganza in Durban as a revitalisation of KZN's oldest surfing competition, the Gunston 500. The competition, established in 1969, lasted four decades until Durban lost its status as host city.
This week SAMSA’s own brand ambassadors started their publicity drive for the SAMSA-Durban Stars Surfing and Jet Ski competition, to be held on May 25-26, 2013. SAMSA is hoping to cement Durban’s place on the marine tourism map.
Ayanda Mngadi, Executive Head: Centre for Corporate Affairs at SAMSA said: “The Samsa-Durban Stars surf and jet ski competition will reignite the legendary culture of the Gunston 500 event. We hope this sporting event will gradually grow and ultimately regain its legendary status by the end of our five-year strategy (2014–2018). From year two it will revert to a seven-day competition and international competitors will be invited to participate. Attempts will be made to preserve most characteristics associated with the original event."
Already surfing bodies such as the KZN Surfing Association, SA Surfing Federation and SA Jet Ski Association have sanctioned the competition. eThekwini Municipality also embraced the initiative and promised to assist where possible.
“This does not only promotes tourism, but also the economy of the city. The surfing fraternity and the maritime industry view this initiative as a catalyst in the development of athletes and the manufacturing of associated equipment,” said Mngadi.
South African Maritime Safety Authority
(File Photo:Gallo Images)
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