2018 San Clemente Ocean Festival

July 21-22

Summer is here, and the San Clemente Ocean Festival is ramping up for its 42nd year of fantastic ocean and beach events, entertainment and activities for everyone to enjoy. Bring your sunglasses, sunscreen and appetite for food and fun to the San Clemente Pier on July 21st and July 22nd for “The Greatest Show on Surf.”

Come hungry and have a hot-off-the-griddle pancake breakfast prepared by San Clemente’s very own lifeguards from 7 to11 a.m. on both days. All proceeds benefit the efforts of local lifeguards. Fisherman’s Restaurant will offer plenty of delicious fare available near the Pier, from corn on the cob and turkey legs, to strawberry shortcake, shaved ice, and much more! Stop by the sponsor booths for games, prizes and information about their various products and services.

Saturday’s Lifeguard Competition includes the Surf Race, Rescue Relay, Surf Ski, Paddleboard Rescue Relay, International & American Ironman’s, and 10’6” Paddleboard Sprint. Check out the exciting National Doryman Association Races, where two-person teams paddle 300 lb. fiber glass boats through the crashing surf. Also included in Saturday’s line-up is the push-in division of the Groms Rule Surf Contest (7 and under), plus the SUP Surfing Championships where participants showcase their style, speed, and athleticism.

Sunday offers exciting and fun-filled ocean swims, beach runs, biathlons (run-swim) and SUP/Paddle races for everyone. The premiere event is the One Mile Ocean Swim, which is now officially sanctioned by the Global Swim Series (GSS). New this year is a team championship trophy for highest scoring club in the One Mile Ocean Swim. Also featured for the first time at the Oceanfest, qualified Marine and Navy personnel will compete in The Marine Raider Boat Challenge – with six person boat teams vying in a challenging ocean and beach course. For a description of all athletic events, course maps and rules, visit OceanFestival.org.

Looking for family fun? Head south of the Pier to the Youth Pavilion, packed with crafts and games, plus demonstrations and performances for all ages to enjoy. The popular Dolphin Dash kid’s beach run, for ages 12 and under (all participants will receive an Ocean Festival medallion), takes place on Saturday. On Saturday, stop by the Body Surfing Clinics, just south of the Youth Pavilion, for information on how to identify rip currents, and for instruction on body surfing.

Don’t miss the Ocean Art Show in Parque Del Mar, overlooking the event’s activities north of the beach entrance, to find that special piece to take home. Car enthusiasts can walk down the San Clemente Pier to check out the gorgeous automobiles in the Woody Car Exhibit. Fifteen different cars will be displayed each day of the event. On Saturday, the kiddos will have a blast at the Kid’s Fishing Clinic and all ages Derby at the end of the Pier.

Saturday evening, drop your towel on the sand, and enjoy a completely free concert, featuring MoonShine, as the sun sets on the first day of the festival. Meals will be available on the beach for purchase. On Sunday, south of the Pier, get your creative juices flowing and participate in the sand sculpting competition. The Great Rubber Duck Race rounds out the weekend’s festivities on Sunday afternoon. For a mere $5, you can “sponsor” a duck for a chance to win a prize as the entire flock is released and heads ashore.

As a 501(c)4 non-profit organization, the San Clemente Ocean Festival works in partnership with the City of Clemente and has become a tradition for many within the community, the inland empire, and as far reaching as the East Coast, Hawaii, and Australia. Proceeds from product sales and the generosity from sponsors allow the Festival to support worthy local organizations such as San Clemente Lifeguards, Ocean Institute Adopt-A-Class program, Summer Beach Concerts, and scholarships for local students.

ADMISSION IS FREE.
Avoid parking hassles by taking the train (it stops right at the Pier). If you’re driving, take advantage of the complimentary parking and shuttle service from Outlets at San Clemente (101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente) to the event 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 detailed information regarding event schedules, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, and to register for athletic events, visit OceanFestival.org.