The Local Dish Magazine Calendar of Events, Coupons and more for South Orange County!
San Clemente Skate & Surf Contest
By Katherine Sweet
It’s time once again for the San Clemente Open Skate & Surf Contest. Whether you’re planning to compete or watch from the sideline or sand, don’t miss the action happening on September 17th and 18th. Jam-packed with activities, this annual event offers kids an opportunity to bring their best moves to the land and sand.
The 11th annual Skate Contest takes place at the Ralphs Skate Court on the 17th. The fourth annual Surf Contest follows at the San Clemente Pier on the 18th. Sponsored by Rusty and Circa and hosted by the Beaches, Parks and Recreation Foundation, the SC Open Skate & Surf Contest gives local kids of all ages and levels a chance to showcase their board talent. Skateboarders and surfers will demonstrate their best skate run or wave (or both) in a contest to find the best “board sport” athlete in San Clemente.
“We think it is special when younger kids can compete in a healthy competition in the sports they’re learning to love,” says Don Kindred. After contestants strut their stuff, a panel of judges will rate each entrant. While all kids receive a goodie bag full of surf and skate items, the first, second and third place winners in each age category will also receive prizes. This year is the second year a “best trick” contest has been offered, which boasts cash prizes.
Beyond all the fun and healthy competition, the SC Open is also a fundraiser that makes a difference in our local community. All proceeds benefit the San Clemente Beaches, Parks and Recreation Foundation to sponsor programs such as the universally accessible playground — Courtney’s SandCastle, the Cyber Café computer lab and recreation scholarships for children in need. Last year’s event raised approximately $10,000, with roughly 100 kids participating in each event.
The event got its start in 2001, when parks commissioner Bill Thomas decided that a community contest at the then-recently opened skate park would allow San Clemente skaters an opportunity to showcase their talent, the park and the sport. After collaborating with San Clemente Recreation, Thomas’ vision became a reality. A few years later, the annual surf contest was added.
For skaters hoping to make it big – such as placing in the California Amateur Skateboard League – the SC Open is a first step and for many kids, it will represents their first competition.
Surf Heritage Day
Mayor Lori Donchak has proclaimed September 17th “Surf Heritage Day” to coincide with the first-ever San Clemente Celebration of Surf. The event will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 17th and leads in to the annual Hurley Pro of Surf which begins on Sunday, September 18th. Approximately 4,000 surf enthusiasts will enjoy a party on the lawn with live bands, an art show and exhibits at Steed Park in Rancho San Clemente.
Attendees will have a good time enjoying dinner, dancing and drinks while supporting great charitable causes. Sponsored by Hurley and the San Clemente Rotary Club, Surf Heritage Day is not just about having fun, but is also a celebration of San Clemente’s surf industry and a fundraiser benefitting more than 30 local and international programs.
The Surfing Heritage Museum will be featured at the celebration and will have shuttle service for those wishing to tour the museum’s unrivaled collection of historic surfboards, photos and other memorabilia.
To learn more, visit www.sanclementerotary.org.