In an attempt to resurrect the Durban beach festivals of old (when the Gunston 500 was in full swing) the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) are sponsoring a two-day event at Durban’s North Beach this weekend called ‘Durban Stars’.
The Gunston 500 used to draw a serious crowd during the 70’s, 80’s and into the 90’s.
With over R150 000 in prizemoney up for grabs, the event will feature surfing (over 250 competitors have signed up), jet-skiing and other beach activities like volleyball and beach soccer.
Of course it’s the surfing that we’ll all be interested in going to see, but as many can surely remember the beach festivals of years gone by were a great spectacle for the whole family – so if we show some support to SAMSA, then hopefully Durban Stars will grow into a week-long monster that attracts the world’s best surfers to Surf City, South Africa.
Either way, ambassadors for the Durban Stars event include Dan Redman, Davey Van Zyl, Brandon Jackson, Teal Hogg, Ntando Msibi and S’celo Zondwayo, so there’s going to be some great surfing action down at North Beach this weekend – if the waves come to the party.
Check out the official press release below, or click here to find out more.
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INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES FOR SAMSA/DURBAN STARS EXTRAVAGANZA
MAY 22, 2013, Durban, South Africa – The South African Maritime Safety Authority is expecting a massive crowd at the inaugural SAMSA-Durban Stars Surf and Jet Ski Competition at Durban’s North Beach this weekend.
SAMSA is the main sponsor for the event which takes place on Saturday and Sunday.
At least R150 000 in prize money is up for grabs across the various sporting codes, which will feature at least 600 participants as well as sporting codes like beach soccer and touch rugby.
Youth from various townships like Umlazi and Kwamashu will be bussed in to attend this non-traditional sport, as the organisers seek to make water sport more accessible to people from various backgrounds. This is an adrenalin pacing sport and people from across the spectrum are showing interest. And also fast becoming an adventure sport appealing to all.
Thousands of people are expected to flock to the event and entries from as far afield as Spain, Brazil and the UK have been received.
Head of SAMSA’s Marine Tourism and Leisure programme, Itumeleng Pooe, says they are excited to be part of an event which they hope will achieve international surfing status and grow to be as big as the legendary Gunston 500.
“People of all races are taking to water sport because becoming more accessible and viewed as an andrenalin sport,” said Pooe. She said the Durban competition was just the start of a campaign of similar events which they would initiate around the country, including inland areas where sport took place on rivers and dams.
To ensure that as many people get to participate in this weekends festivities, youth from townships like Umlazi and KwaMashu will be bussed to the beach. Eight ambassadors, all surfers and skiers have been appointed to represent the competition and can be interviewed by the media. Their pictures can be accessed by clicking on the hyperlink www.fbicommunications.com/downloads/the_ambassadors.zip . For all the current news on the information, check out http://www.fbicommunications.com
FACT SHEET FOR THE WEEKENDS BEACH EXTRAVAGANZA
PRIZE MONEY:
At least R150 000
NUMBER OF BRAND AMBASSADORS:
Eight
NUMBER OF COMPETITORS:
Surfing: 250
Jet Ski: 60
Touch Rugby: 100 competitors
Beach Soccer: 100 competitors
Beach Volleyball: 100 competitors
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
Hip Hop
Skateboarding
BMX
ENTERTAINMENT:
Popular musicians and South African household names will be performing live from the main stage at the event from midday on Saturday.
Craft and food stalls will be set up
Educational institutions like UKZN and DUT will be exhibiting their courses
Jet ski and surfing trials
Motor and Water sport equipment including Jet Skis will be on display.
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