San Clemente Ocean Festival

2013 San Clemente Ocean Festival

The Ocean Festival makes a splash at the San Clemente Pier on July 20th & 21st when ocean athletes from the sports of surf lifesaving, surfing, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), paddleboard, surf ski (ocean kayak) and mulit-sport (swimming, triathlon, running) will compete in the California Waterman and Waterwoman Championships. Top athletes to watch include former U.S. Olympian Mitch Kahn and San Clemente residents Rob Pelky and SUP racer Brandi Baksic.

Back by popular demand, the Stand-up Paddleboard Surfing Championships will take place on Saturday. Competition is open to all and is fiercely competitive among the many world-class SUP surfers who hail from Orange and San Diego counties.

This annual event welcomes families to enjoy its wide range of activities and exhibits. Car enthusiasts should definitely zip over to the Classic Woody Cars displayed on San Clemente Pier. Afraid of the water? Visit the Bodysurfing Clinics on Saturday where information on how to watch for rip currents and how to ride the waves will be presented just south of the Children’s Pavilion. Don’t forget to check out Saturday evening’s free concert on the beach, featuring Millertime Boogie, as the sun sets over Dana Point.

The younger crowd can dive in to loads of fun at the end of the Pier including the Children’s Fishing Clinic and Derby. At the Children’s Pavilion, located south of the Pier, hula dancers, jiu-jitsu demonstrations, and live performances by Ugly Paint and Rock the Autism will be on hand. Crafts, face painting and games – available for a nominal charge will keep the kiddos entertained all day. Don’t forget to register your young runners (ages 4-12) for the “Dolphin Dash” kid’s beach run on Saturday morning or the “Groms Rule” surf contest on Sunday morning (ages 14 and under). Space for these competitions is limited and fills up quickly.

The Ocean Art Show in Parque Del Mar, overlooking the beach, will offer a variety of artwork for purchase. Start both mornings with a hearty Pancake Breakfast, prepared by our own incredible team of San Clemente lifeguards who will be on the grills from 7 to 11 a.m. cooking up a delicious way to begin the day. Plenty of other tasty items to tempt your taste buds will be available throughout the day, such as rice bowls, hamburgers, turkey legs, corn on the cob, strawberry shortcake and shaved ice.

Sunday’s Fishing Derby is open to all ages and prizes will be awarded for the top two heaviest game fish and heaviest shark or bat ray. For those who don’t mind getting a little dirty – join in on the fun and enter the Sand Sculpting Competition. Awards will be presented for the best in the following categories: Creatures, Castles & Things, Family, and Open categories. The weekend’s activities will close with The Great Rubber Duck Race. For a mere $5, you can “sponsor” a duck and cheer it on to swim ashore from the surf line – and win a prize!

Complimentary parking and shuttles will be available at San Clemente High School (700 Avenida Pico) from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. For those of you traveling from outside the area, check out the Metrolink train schedule which stops right at the San Clemente Pier.

For more information on registration, event schedules, or how to become a volunteer or sponsor, visit www.OceanFestival.org or call 949.440.6141.