San Clemente Ocean Festival

On July 18th & 19th the San Clemente Ocean Festival
will be celebrating 39 years of fun in the sun, and lifeguard competitions!

Join us for “The Greatest Show on Surf” where you can register to compete, 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 on event on Saturday will surely make things a little more exciting when stand-up paddlers race from the beach, around outside buoys, then catching waves back to the finish. For a description of all athletic events, course maps and rules, you can visit our website listed below.

As you had down the hill, stop by the Ocean Art Show in Parque Del Mar, overlooking the beach. There will be a variety of artwork that you can purchase for your home (or as a gift for that special someone). 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. Like to fish? There will also be a Fishing Clinic and Derby on Saturday at the end of the Pier for all ages.

For our younger crowd – head south of the Pier, and visit the Youth Pavilion that has loads of entertainment lined up both days of the event, including hula dancers, jiu-jitsu demonstrations, performances, music, and more! Free Kid’s ID’s, plus crafts and games available for a minimum charge. Don’t forget to register for the Dolphin Dash Kid’s Beach Run on Saturday morning (fun run for ages 4-12) or the “Groms Rule” Surf Contest on Sunday morning (for boys 14 and under & girls 17 and under). Space for these events fill up quickly! You can pre-register through the Ocean Festival website or www.eventbrite.com.

Afraid of the water? There will be Bodysurfing clinics to help you learn more about the ocean, how to watch for rip currents, and how to ride the waves – just south of the Youth Pavilion.

FREE parking and shuttles from San Clemente High School (700 Avenida Pico, SC 92672) from 6:30am – 8:30pm on Saturday, and 6:30am – 5:30pm on Sunday. And, don’t forget, for those who might be traveling from outside our area, to check out the Metrolink train schedule, which stops right at San Clemente Pier.

And, there’s no need to eat breakfast or pack a meal before heading down to the event with our own San Clemente lifeguards on the grills from 7-11am both days of the event cooking up great pancake breakfasts, and oatmeal. In addition, there will be plenty of other delicious items available near the Pier, from corn on the cob, hamburgers, and turkey legs, to strawberry shortcake, shaved ice, and much, much more! You’ll want to stop by the sponsor booths that will include games, prizes and information about their products and/or services.

Saturday evening, pull up a towel or beach chair with friends and family to enjoy a FREE concert featuring “The Cholulas”, while watching the sun set over Dana Point.

And, WOW – Check it out! On Sunday we will host the 1st stop of the Special Olympics Torch Run, when the runners make a stop @ the end of San Clemente Pier for a brief ceremony before heading north on their journey up the coast to Disneyland!

There will be a sand sculpting competition on Sunday, with Creatures, Castles and Things, Family and Open categories for those who wish to really play in the sand! The week-end’s activities will 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 swim ashore from the surf line, and win a prize! Events and schedules are subject to change.

The Ocean Festival is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization that is funded through our product sales, and the generosity and support from our sponsors. Each year, a portion of the proceeds from the Festival provides funds for worthy local organizations and scholarships for students. Funds have been granted to the Junior Life Guard program, Ocean Institute Adopt-A-Class program, Boys & Girls Club, and other charities.

Our volunteer board works in partnership with the City of San Clemente and 200+ volunteers to produce “The Greatest Show on Surf” each year. For information on how to volunteer or become a sponsor, a list of products for purchase and where they can be found, a copy of our complete event schedule, or to register for athletic events, please visit our website @ www.oceanfestival.org or call us @ 949-440-6141. We hope to see you on the beach – don’t forget your sunscreen and a hat!