2016 San Clemente Ocean Festival Turns The Big 4-0

“The Greatest Show On Surf” celebrates its 40th Anniversary the weekend of July 16th and 17th. Exciting water action and fun in the sun return to the Pier for what is sure to be yet another epic San Clemente Ocean Festival.

Saturday hosts an action-packed day of lifeguard competitions that include the National Doryman Association’s 2-man lifeguard boat races, Rescue Relays, International and American Ironman competitions, and the Stand-Up Paddleboard contest. If swimming is your thing, register for the 1-mile ocean swim. If you’d like to lay some tracks, join in the 5k Beach Run on Sunday. The Groms Rule Surf Contest is also on Sunday for girls (12 & under) and boys (14 & under). For a description of all athletic events, course maps and rules, visit OceanFestival.org.

Art aficionados can stroll through the Ocean Art Show in Parque Del Mar all weekend. The 24th Annual Woody Car Exhibit will be out on the Pier, displaying 15 different cars each day of the event. Check out the Fishing Clinic and Derby on Saturday, at the end of the Pier, for all ages. 

Come hungry each morning for a hot-off-the-griddle pancake breakfast prepared by San Clemente lifeguards from 7 to 11 a.m. Fisherman’s Restaurant will offer plenty of other delicious fare near the Pier, from corn on the cob, hamburgers, and turkey legs to strawberry shortcake, shaved ice, and more. You’ll also want to stop by the sponsor booths for fun games, prizes and information about local businesses and services. 

The Ocean Festival’s Youth Pavilion will be located on the south side of the Pier, packed with crafts, face painting, games, demonstrations and performances for all ages to enjoy. A Dolphin Dash kid’s beach run for ages 12 and under (all participants will receive an Ocean Festival medallion) takes place on Saturday. If you’d like some information on the best way to catch waves and water safety, stop by the Body Surfing clinics just south of the Youth Pavilion.

Don’t miss Saturday evening’s free concert on the sand, featuring Gary Roach’s Stones Review. Bring your towel and chairs down to the shore as the sun sets on the first day of the festival. On Sunday, head south of the Pier in the morning for the sand sculpting competition with Creatures, Castles and Things. There will be family and open categories, so come design your best sculptures. The weekend’s activities will close with The Great Rubber Duck Race. For only $5, you can “sponsor” a duck, and cheer it on as the entire flock is released and heads for shore! 

The San Clemente Ocean Festival has grown into a tradition for many within the community, the inland empire, and as far-reaching as the East Coast, Hawaii, Australia & New Zealand. Net proceeds from the Festival provide support for worthy local organizations such as San Clemente Lifeguards, Ocean Institute’s Adopt-A-Class program, Summer Beach Concerts and scholarships for local students.

Avoid parking hassles by taking the Metrolink train to the Pier, or if you are driving, take advantage of the free parking and shuttle service from The Outlets at San Clemente (101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa) 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 information on how to register for athletic events, volunteer or become a sponsor, please visit OceanFestival.org.