Surf's up! Registration is open for all San Clemente Ocean Festival events. Click here to register now!
ATHLETIC EVENTS
SURF'S UP!
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR ALL
SAN CLEMENTE OCEAN FESTIVAL EVENTS
Visit our event sign-up page to register for all our beach and ocean athletic events
Saturday
Pier Bowl Surf Classic
Jr. Lifeguard Competition
Dolphin Dash
International Lifeguard Competition
Sunday
Groms Rule Surf Contest
5K Beach Run/Walk
Ocean Multi-Sport Challenge
Ocean Paddle Series
PIER BOWL SURF CLASSIC
Saturday, July 18, 2026
First Heat: 6:30 AM
Step into the lineup and compete in one of Southern California’s most iconic surfsettings at the San Clemente Ocean Festival Pier Bowl Surf Classic.
Open to surfers of all ages and skill levels, this contest brings together local talent and visiting competitors for a full day of high-performance surfing just north of the San Clemente Pier.
EVENT DETAILS
Location: North side of the San Clemente Pier
Start Time: 6:30 AM (first heats)
Divisions: Men & Women, age-group based
Boards: All surfboard types welcome
JUDGING CRITERIA
Surfers are scored on:
Wave selection
Maneuvers and performance
Length and quality of ride
Style, sportsmanship & stoke
ENTRY INFO
Open to all competitive surfers
Registration closed July 17 or when full
All participants receive an official event T-shirt
AWARDS
Division Champions:
Receive official Pier Bowl Surf Classic trophies
Finalists (Top 6):
Awarded commemorative San Clemente Ocean Festival medals
WHY COMPETE?
Classic waves. Iconic pier backdrop. Pure surf culture.
Whether you’re chasing a title or just the perfect ride, the Pier Bowl delivers.
All events subject to change due to conditions
JUNIOR LIFEGUARD COMPETITION
Saturday, July 18, 2026
7:45 AM - 4:00 PM
Future lifeguards take center stage at the San Clemente Ocean Festival Junior Lifeguard Competition—a full day of action, skill, and fun in the surf and on the sand.
Open to boys and girls ages 9–17 with ocean experience, this competition challenges young athletes across multiple ocean disciplines as they race for individual medals and overall age group championships.
EVENTS
Beach Flags (speed, reaction & elimination format)
Surf Race (approximately 300-yard ocean swim)
Run-Swim-Run (100y run • 200y swim • 100y run)
Paddleboard Sprint (10’6” boards & under)
ENTRY INFO
Open to the public
Location: North side of the San Clemente Pier
Check-in & registration: Begins at 7:00 AM
Register online in advance or onsite day-of
Includes official event T-shirt
FORMAT & EVENT DETAILS
Beach Flags: Fast-paced, single-elimination “musical chairs” on the sand
Surf Race: Swim through the surf and back (~300 yards)
Run-Swim-Run: A true lifeguard-style test of speed and endurance
Paddleboard Sprint:
Boards must be 10’6” or under (USLA standard)
Participants must bring their own boards
Event rules and course maps will be posted onsite
All events are subject to ocean conditions
AGE GROUPS
12 & Under (Boys & Girls)
13–17 (Boys & Girls)
AWARDS
Medals awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each event & age group
Overall Champion Trophies awarded to top point scorers:
Boys & Girls (12 & Under)
Boys & Girls (13–17)
WHY COMPETE?
Build confidence. Test your ocean skills. Race alongside the best junior guards in the region—and be part of one of Southern California’s most iconic beach events.
All events subject to change due to conditions
DOLPHIN DASH
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Races Start at 9:00 AM
The Dolphin Dash is the perfect introduction to beach racing—fun, fast, and built just for kids. Young athletes ages 4–12 will race across soft sand in a safe, exciting environment as part of the San Clemente Ocean Festival.
Whether it’s their first race or they love to run, every participant gets the full race-day experience—start line energy, cheering crowds, and a big finish.
RACE DETAILS
Location: North side of the San Clemente Pier
Check-in & Registration: 7:30 AM – 8:45 AM
Race Start: 9:00 AM
DIVISIONS & START TIMES
9:00 AM – Ages 4–6 (½ mile)
9:20 AM – Ages 7–9 (¾ mile)
9:40 AM – Ages 10–12 (1 mile)
HOW TO ENTER
Pre-register online by Friday, July 17 @ 11:59 PM (space is limited)
Day-of participation subject to availability
Entry includes official event T-shirt
Parent or legal guardian must be present for all participants
AWARDS
All finishers receive a special Dolphin Dash medal
Celebrate the finish with smiles, photos, and beachside fun
WHY JOIN?
A great first race. A memorable beach experience. And a chance to be part of oneof Southern California’s most iconic summer events.
All events subject to change due to conditions
INTERNATIONAL LIFEGUARD COMPETITION
Saturday, July 18, 2026
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Elite lifesavers from across California and around the world go head-to-head in one of the most exciting events of the weekend. The International Lifeguard Competition is a true test of ocean skill, speed, and endurance—where every race counts toward the overall title and prize purse.
Athletes earn points in each event (1st–10th place), with scores combined to crown the overall men’s and women’s champions. Compete in one event—or all of them.
EVENTS LINEUP
Surf Race
Rescue Relay
Surf Ski Race
National Doryman’s Association Race #1
International Ironman & Ironwoman
Paddleboard Rescue Relay
National Doryman’s Association Race #2
Paddleboard Race (10’6” boards)
Landline Rescue Relay (no points awarded)
ENTRY INFO
Open to the public | All ages welcome
Location: North side of the San Clemente Pier
Check-in: Begins at 7:00 AM
Pre-registration deadline: July 17, 2026 @ 11:59 PM
Enter as many events as you like
Includes official event T-shirt
FORMAT & SCORING
Points awarded in all events (men & women), except Landline Rescue Relay
Unlimited event entries—your top performances build your overall score
Double points events (Relay points split evenly between teammates):
Dory Races (#1 & #2)
Rescue Relay
Paddleboard Rescue Relay
EQUIPMENT & RULES
No wetsuits in swim events
Paddleboards: USLA regulation (10’6” & under)
Surf Skis: USLA lifeguard spec
Dories: NDA spec (open to men’s & women’s teams)
Full rules and course maps available onsite
AWARDS & PRIZE MONEY
Overall Champions, Men & Women:
$500 | $400 | $300 | 4th $200
Event Highlights
NDA Dory Races (1 & 2):
1st $300 | 2nd $200 | 3rd $100
Landline Rescue Relay:
Winning Team: $400
Special trophies awarded to overall point champions
Prizes awarded to individual event winners
EVENT NOTES
All divisions are OPEN (Men & Women)
Schedule and events subject to ocean conditions
All events subject to change due to conditions
GROMS RULE® SURF CONTEST
Sunday, July 19, 2026
First Heats: 6:30 AM
The Groms Rule Surf Contest is all about fun, style, and catching waves—whether you ride a shortboard, longboard, or anything in between! Young surfers of all levels are welcome to compete, show off their skills, and have a blast on the iconic San Clemente waves.
DIVISIONS
Boys: 10 & Under | 11–14
Girls: 10 & Under | 11–14
Groms Rule Push-In (Ages 7 & Under)
Boys & girls combined, adult assisted
Limited spots available
EVENT DETAILS
Location: North side of the San Clemente Pier
Start Time: 6:30 AM (first heats)
Boards: All surfboard types welcome
JUDGING CRITERIA
Surfers will be scored on:
Wave selection
Maneuvers and performance
Length and quality of ride
Style, sportsmanship & stoke
ENTRY INFO
Open to all youth surfers
Registration closed July 18 or when full
All participants receive an official SCOF event T-shirt
AWARDS
Top 6 finalists in each division receive commemorative SCOF medals
WHY SURF GROMs RULE?
Ride your board, your style—fun comes first
Iconic San Clemente Pier waves
Perfect introduction for young surfers to compete safely and show off skills
All events subject to change due to conditions
5K BEACH RUN/WALK
Sunday, July 19, 2026
8:00 AM Start
Experience one of the most unique races in Southern California at the San Clemente Ocean Festival 5K Beach Run/Walk.
Run or walk right at the water’s edge along San Clemente’s iconic coastline—where the sand is firm, the ocean is your backdrop, and every step comes with a view.
Whether you’re racing for a PR or enjoying a scenic morning walk, this event is perfect for all ages and abilities.
EVENT DETAILS
Location: North side of the San Clemente Pier
Check-in: Begins at 7:00 AM
Race Start: 8:00 AM
ENTRY INFO
Open to the public | All ages welcome
Pre-register online by July 18 or sign up race morning
Includes official event T-shirt + sponsor goodie bag
Children must be accompanied by an adult
DIVISIONS
Men & Women:
14 & Under
15–19
20–29
30–39
40–49
50–59
60–69
70+
AWARDS
Custom medals awarded to the top 3 finishers in each age group
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT
One of the only true shoreline 5Ks in Southern California
Scenic, flat course along the ocean
Perfect for runners, walkers, families, and first-timers
Course details and final event rules will be posted onsite.
All events subject to change due to conditions
OCEAN MULTISPORT CHALLENGE
Sunday, July 19, 2026
9:00 AM Start
One Mile Ocean Swim | Biathlon | Run-Swim-Run | Splash & Dash Relay
Four dynamic races. One iconic coastline.
The Ocean Multisport Challenge at the San Clemente Ocean Festival delivers the ultimate test of surf, sand, and endurance. From open water swimming to fast-paced run/swim formats, athletes can race solo or team up for an unforgettable day at the beach.
EVENTS
Biathlon
1KM Swim • 5KM Run
One Mile Ocean Swim
Classic open water swim along the San Clemente pier & shoreline
Run–Swim–Run
Run 200m • swim 300m • Run 200m
Splash & Dash Relay
Runner: 100m • Swimmer: 300m (2-person teams)
EVENT DETAILS
Location: North side of the San Clemente Pier
Check-in & Registration: Begins at 7:00 AM
First Start: 8:00 AM
Open to the public | All ages welcome
Compete in one event—or take on multiple races
ENTRY INFO
Pre-register online by July 18, 2026 @ 11:59 PM
Day-of registration available based on capacity
Includes official event T-shirt
FORMAT & RULES
All events take place in the surf zone and on the sand on clearly marked courses
No wetsuits allowed in any swim events
One Mile Ocean Swim cutoff: 45 minutes
Final course maps and event rules will be posted onsite
DIVISIONS
Individual Events (Biathlon, One Mile Swim, Run–Swim–Run)
Men & Women:
14 & Under
15–19
20–29
30–39
40–49
50–59
60–69
70+
Splash & Dash Relay
2-person teams (1 runner + 1 swimmer)
Age divisions: TBD
AWARDS
Commemorative medals awarded to the top 3 finishers in each age group
Team recognition for relay competitors
WHY RACE?
Multiple race formats for every level
Unique ocean + beach racing experience
Set against the backdrop of one of Southern California’s most iconic coastal events
All events subject to change due to conditions
OCEAN PADDLE SERIES
Sunday, July 19, 2026
9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Distance or speed—choose your challenge.
The Ocean Paddle Series at the San Clemente Ocean Festival brings together endurance paddlers and sprint racers for a full day of competition along one of Southern California’s most iconic coastlines.
From a demanding 5.5-mile open water race to explosive short-course
sprints, there’s a race for every level.
EVENTS
Open Ocean Paddle ~5.5 Mile Course
A true test of endurance and ocean skill. Racers start and finish on the sand,
navigating multiple laps around West Reef and Seal Rock.
Disciplines:
SUP
Prone Paddleboard
Surf Ski / Ocean Kayak
SUP & Paddleboard Sprint Races~500 Meter Course
Fast, technical, and spectator-friendly. Sprint from the beach, power through the surf, and race to the finish.
EVENT DETAILS
Location: North side of the San Clemente Pier
Check-in & Registration: Begins at 7:00 AM
Events run throughout the day (starting at 8:00 AM)
Open to the public | All ages welcome
ENTRY INFO
Pre-register online by July 18 @ 11:59 PM
Day-of registration available based on capacity
Includes official event T-shirt
FORMAT & RULES
All races start and finish on the sand
Courses take place in the open ocean and surf zone
SUP competitors must carry a personal flotation device (PFD) in the distance race
Final course maps and rules will be posted onsite
BOARD CLASSES
Open Ocean Paddle
SUP: 12’6” & under, 14’ & over
Paddleboard: 12’ & under, 14’ & over
Surf Ski: Lifeguard spec
SUP & Paddleboard Sprints
Boards must be 14’ & under
DIVISIONS
Open Ocean Paddle (Overall Categories)
18 & Under
19–39
40–49
50+
SUP Sprint Divisions
Junior SUP: Boys & Girls (15–18)
Men & Women: 19–39 • 40–49 • 50+
AWARDS
Commemorative medals awarded to top 3 finishers in each division
Poseidon Award
Special trophy awarded to the overall SUP points champions (Men & Women)
Combined results from:
Open Ocean Paddle
SUP Sprint Race
WHY RACE?
Challenging open ocean course with iconic landmarks
Sprint and distance options for all paddlers
Competitive, fun, and deeply rooted in SoCal ocean culture
All events subject to change due to conditions