Canoeing at the 1980 Summer Olympics – Men's K-1 500 metres

The men's K-1 500 metres event was an individual kayaking event conducted as part of the Canoeing at the 1980 Summer Olympics program.

Heats
The 21 competitors first raced in three heats on July 30. The top three finishers from each of the heats advanced directly to the semifinals. Four competitors did not start. The rest competed in the repechages.

Repechages
Taking place on July 30, the top three finishers from each repechage advanced to the semifinals.

Semifinals
The top three finishers in each of the three semifinals (raced on August 1) advanced to the final.

Final
The final was held on August 1.