How To Enter a San Clemente Ocean Festival Athletic Event

by Lani Johnson

Overview

What started as an athletic competition for Southern California beach lifeguards has become the San Clemente Ocean Festival, attracting 50,000 spectators and competitors. Although surfers and racers come from around the world to participate in "The Greatest Show on Surf," many contestants are moderately skilled, making this a great opportunity to test your expertise. Events such as surfing, relay races, sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboard surfing, sand sculpture, fishing, swimming, dory racing, surf skiing and running offer something for every participant. Families attend in great numbers, competing or enjoying two days on Southern California beaches. Festival profits benefit education, marine safety and area service charities. The weekend's final event is the Great Rubber Duck Race, in which thousands of decorated duckies are released at the surf break level to float ashore. The fastest earn prizes for their owners.

All photos courtesy of the author

Step 1

Obtain a brochure by mail, phone or computer download. San Clemente Ocean Festival, P.O. Box 1373, San Clemente, CA 92674 (949) 440-6141 www.oceanfestival.org/index.htm

Thousands of people enjoy a weekend outdoors as spectators, shoppers or contestants
Step 2

Decide in which events you wish to compete.

Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the events.
Step 3

Register, including payment. For a single fee, you may enter as many events as appeal to you.

The San Clemente pier provides spectating. The Pacific Ocean provides waves.
Step 4

Visit the on-site registration booth to register if you haven't made up your mind in advance but are inspired to compete on Ocean Festival weekend. The volunteers on duty are knowledgeable and cheery.

Bodysurfing demonstration team
Step 5

Check in at the athletes' table, double-check your starting times and cheer on contestants in other events.

Great Rubber Duck Race participant and sponsor

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Weekend Lodging in San Clemente, California
Weekend Lodging in San Clemente, California
Book lodging well in advance. San Clemente's numerous tourist rooms all are occupied on Ocean Festival weekend. If you wish to camp, book even further ahead at San Clemente State Beach, San Onofre State Beach, Doheny State Beach or inland.
Book lodging well in advance. San Clemente's numerous tourist rooms all are occupied on Ocean Festival weekend.
If you wish to camp, book even further ahead at San Clemente State Beach, San Onofre State Beach, Doheny State Beach or inland.