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2015 San Clemente Ocean Festival
July 18th & 19th
The San Clemente Ocean Festival is celebrating 39 years of lifeguard competitions and fun in the sun on July 18th & 19th.
“The Greatest Show on Surf” is an opportunity to compete in or cheer on your favorite athletes in the American and International Ironman competitions, One Mile Swim, 5K Beach Run, Rescue Relay, Biathlon and ever-popular Dory Boat races. Back by popular demand, the Sport of Kings SUP Race takes place on Saturday. Witness this exciting competition as stand-up paddlers race from the beach to outside buoys, then catch waves back to the finish.
As you head down the hill, stop by the Ocean Art Show in Parque Del Mar, featuring a variety of artwork created by local artisans. Stroll along the wooden planks above the rolling surf on San Clemente Pier and check out the 23rd Annual Woody Car Exhibit, displaying 15 different cars each day of the event. Fishermen of all ages are welcome to register for the Fishing Clinic and Derby at the end of the Pier on Saturday.
South of the Pier, the younger crowd can make their way to the Youth Pavilion where loads of entertainment happens on both event days. The lineup includes hula dancers, jiu-jitsu demonstrations, musical performances and more! Complimentary Kid ID’s are available, plus crafts and games for a nominal fee. Don’t forget to sign up for the Dolphin Dash Kids Beach Run (ages 4-12) on Saturday or the Groms Rule Surf Contest (boys 14 and under and girls 17 and under) on Sunday morning. Both of these events fill up quickly so you’re encouraged to pre-register at EventBrite.com.
New this year, the 1st sto p of the Special Olympics Torch Run takes place on Sunday, when runners head to the end of San Clemente Pier for a brief ceremony before moving north on their journey up the coast to Disneyland.
Saturday evening, pull up a towel or beach chair with friends and family to enjoy a free concert featuring The Cholulas. Watch the sun set over Dana Point while you listen to this local San Clemente band’s outlaw country-inspired rock.
The fun continues to pile up with sand sculpting competitions on Sunday. Categories include Creatures, Castles and Things, Family, and Open categories for those who wish to let their creativity run wild. Bodysurfing clinics, to help swimmers of all ages learn more about the ocean, how to watch for rip currents, and how to ride the waves, are also offered just south of the Youth Pavilion. The weekend’s activities come to a close with The Great Rubber Duck race. For only $5, you can “sponsor” a duck and cheer it on to be one of the lucky ducks to win a prize if yours swims ashore.
There’s no need to eat breakfast or pack a meal before heading down to The Ocean Festival. San Clemente lifeguards will be grillin’ up pancake breakfasts from 7 to 11 a.m. on both days of the event. Bring your appetite for plenty of other tasty items from corn on the cob, hamburgers, and turkey legs, to strawberry shortcake and shaved ice.
To register for athletic events and to view course maps and rules, please visit OceanFestival.org or call 949-440-6141 for more info.
Complimentary parking and shuttles from San Clemente High School run from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Metrolink train also stops right at the San Clemente Pier.