It’s a weekend filled with fun in the sun and in the surf, a beach festival that puts a spotlight on the sea.
The annual San Clemente Ocean Festival features serious competition along with lighthearted fun for all ages in the form of a two-day coastal community tradition that kicked off in the 1970s.
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Ian Pruitt, back, and Dale Adama, plow over a wave during the National Doryman’s Association race at the San Clemente Ocean Festival on Saturday, July 16, 2022. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Boston Williams, left, and Hunter Hay, push through heavy surf during the National Doryman’s Association race at the San Clemente Ocean Festival on Saturday, July 16, 2022. After getting knocked over a few times they eventually bowed out. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Dane Deboer flexes his muscles after winning the the National Doryman’s Association race with partner James Bray, at the San Clemente Ocean Festival on Saturday, July 16, 2022. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Ian Pruitt, left, and Boston Williams embrace after competing in the the National Doryman’s Association race at the San Clemente Ocean Festival on Saturday, July 16, 2022. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Ian Pruitt, left, left, and Dale Adama, go airborne during National Doryman’s Association race at the San Clemente Ocean Festival on Saturday, July 16, 2022. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Kelsey Cummings comes in first in the Women’s Surf Ski Race during the San Clemente Ocean Festival on
Saturday, July 16, 2022. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG) -
Kelsey Cummings comes in first in the Women’s Surf Ski Race during the San Clemente Ocean Festival on
Saturday, July 16, 2022. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG) -
Dale Adama holds tight while competing in the the National Doryman’s Association race at the San Clemente Ocean Festival on Saturday, July 16, 2022. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Ryan Gates is a few paddle strokes away from a crashing wave as he competes in the Men’s Surf Ski Race at the San Clemente Ocean Festival on Saturday, July 16, 2022. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
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Ian Pruitt, left, left, and Dale Adama, sale over a wave during National Doryman’s Association race at the San Clemente Ocean Festival on Saturday, July 16, 2022. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
It all started when Sheridan Byerly, a captain with the Marine Safety department, wanted to increase participation in the Orange County Beach Games, as it was once called. The lifeguard contest drew competitors from around the region, but organizers also wanted to include the general public, with hopes of engaging lifeguards and families in activities on the beach.
The Orange County Beach Games evolved into the San Clemente Ocean Festival with the help of publicist Dorothy Fuller, considered the “Mother of the Ocean Festival.” She dubbed the event “The Greatest Show on Surf” in 1981, a slogan that stuck.
The event attracts nearly 50,000 people each year, including competitors from as far away as Australia.
The festivities kicked off Saturday with a Grom’s Rule surf contest, a fishing derby hosted by Dana Wharf Sportsfishing on the wooden pier, a Dolphin Dash beach run and lifeguard competitions. Beefy waves made for an exciting day, and crowds formed for the Dory boat races as the vessels navigated the surf and got tossed around in the shorebreak.
The day was capped off with a beach party and free concert on the sand.
The festival continues Sunday, with another full day of fun planned, including a 5K beach race, open ocean paddle races and swims, teams building sand sculptures and the 28th annual rubber duck race.
More information: oceanfestival.org
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