San Clemente Ocean Festival

2012 San Clemente Ocean Festival

Don’t miss the 36th annual San Clemente Ocean Festival happening Saturday, July 21st and Sunday, July 22nd. “The Greatest Show on Surf” promises fun for the entire family and an opportunity to test your skills in an array of contests.

Feeling competitive? Take your pick from a variety of events: the American and International Ironman competitions, the 1 Mile Swim, the 5K Beach Run, the Biathlon, or the popular Dory Boat races. For you stand-up paddlers, check out the newest match-up — the Surf Race to Victory SUPCross. Visit www.OceanFestival.org for details on all athletic competitions, course maps and rules.

Kids can get in on the action too! The Ocean Festival offers a Dolphin Dash Kid’s Beach Runon Saturday (fun run for ages 4 to 12) and the “Groms Rule” Surf Contest on Sunday (ages 14 and under). Space fills up quickly, so register early.

For those budding anglers, check out the kids-only fishing clinic and derby on Saturday. On Sunday, all ages are invited to participate in the fishing derby where there’s an opportunity to win great prizes as well.

Hula dancers, Jiu-Jitsu demonstrations, Zumba, yoga, music, plus more can be found at the Children’s Pavilion. Additional crafts and games will be available for a nominal fee.

Can San Clemente’s lifeguards make pancakes as well as they save lives on the beach? See for yourself when they cook breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. both mornings. Bring your appetite and enjoy a healthy serving of cakes and sausages to start your day.

Other areas to visit at the festival include the Ocean Art Show and the vendor booths in Parque Del Mar. Brush up on your bodysurfing skills at a clinic that teaches you how to spot rip currents and ride the waves. Then go back in time at the 20th annual Woody Car Exhibit on the pier.

Looking for a totally tripendicular time? Set out your beach chair or towel and enjoy the sunset and a free concert by the 80’s tribute band,“Flock of 80’s,” on Saturday evening.

If you’re an artist and don’t mind getting sand in your pants, the sand-sculpting competition on Sunday is just the place for you. Select your teammates, choose a category and sign up at the Ocean Festival’s website.

The weekend’s festivities will close with the Great Rubber Duck Race. Sponsor a duck for a mere $5 and if it swims ashore from the surf line, you’ll win a prize.

Free parking and shuttle service will be available at San Clemente High School (700 Avenida Pico) from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. You can also get to the festival via the Metrolink which stops right at the San Clemente Pier.

For a complete schedule of events, to register for a competition or to volunteer or become a sponsor, visit www.OceanFestival.org
or call 949.440.6141.