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San Clemente Ocean Festival

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Thank You San Clemente

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DEAR OCEAN FEST FRIENDS,

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elcome to San Clemente and the 48th annual San Clemente Ocean Festival — the Official Ocean Games.

For one unforgettable weekend every summer, our beach town becomes the center of the ocean world. The beach is our stadium. The Pacific is our playing field. And everyone is invited.

For nearly five decades, athletes, lifeguards, surfers, paddlers, swimmers, runners, families, artists, volunteers and beach lovers have gathered on the sand to celebrate everything that makes this place so special. Some come to compete. Some come to cheer. Some come to carry on a family tradition that began years ago. No matter what brings you here, we’re so glad you’re here.

There’s something magical about San Clemente. It’s where neighbors become teammates, visitors become friends and every July our community comes together to celebrate the ocean that’s shaped our town for generations.

Growing up in Hawaii and now calling San Clemente home, I’ve always believed that the best memories are made near (and on) the water. Watching the sun rise over the San Clemente Pier. Hearing the starting horn. Crossing a finish line. Sharing pancakes after a race.

Listening to live music with the ocean in the background. These are the moments that stay with you long after the weekend is over.

Whether you’re competing, volunteering, cheering from the sand or simply soaking in all the action, I hope you discover something new, make a few memories and fall in love with this incredible tradition.

On behalf of our SCOF Board of Directors, volunteers, athletes, sponsors, the City of San Clemente, Marine Safety Services and everyone who works behind the scenes to make this weekend possible, thank you for being part of the Ocean Festival family.

Enjoy every moment, and welcome to “The Greatest Show on Surf.”

Sea You Soon, Summer Strauch Executive Director San Clemente Ocean Festival 2026

All event guide photos by Chris Grant.

San Clemente Ocean Festival

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INTERNATIONAL LIFEGUARD COMPETITION KEEPS OCEAN FESTIVAL’S ROOTS ALIVE

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hile the San Clemente Ocean Festival has expanded over the years, its foundation remains the same as when the event began nearly five decades ago: celebrating lifeguards and water safety.

Back in 1976, Sheridan Byerly, a marine safety captain for San Clemente Lifeguards, sought to increase participation in the Orange County Beach Games beyond lifeguards. It was her hope to engage locals in fun beach activities. With the help of publicist Dorothy Fuller, the San Clemente Ocean Festival was born. Fuller, known as the “The Mother of the Ocean Festival,” created the “The Greatest Show on Surf” slogan in 1981 and trademarked the King Neptune logo in ’83.

Since then, volunteer organizers have continued adding new events while preserving the competition that helped establish the festival’s identity. This year’s Ocean Festival will introduce the Pier Bowl Surf Classic while hosting returning favorites like the Dolphin Dash and International Lifeguard Competition. The latter competition offers a chance for visitors to better understand the physical and technical demands placed on professional ocean lifeguards.

“The training that lifeguards go through is unlike any other sport,” said Summer Strauch, San Clemente Ocean Festival Executive Director. “They’re saving lives, and there’s also a protocol on how to do it on top of a fitness level that’s unlike anything else.”

San Clemente Ocean Festival

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While the lifeguard competitions remain a highlight of the weekend, there are events designed for participants of all ages and skill levels. For first-time spectators, Strauch recommends taking in the lifeguard games and its ever-popular dory boat races, while also checking out the Groms Rule Surf Contest, where local pros Crosby Colapinto and Kirra Pinkerton once made their mark.

As Byerly strived for 50 years ago, said one of the festival’s biggest goals this year remains encouraging more people to participate.

“We want everyone to know that anyone can compete,” Strauch said.

Beyond the competitions, this year’s Ocean Festival is adding a new entertainment stage on the south side of the San Clemente Pier. The stage will feature performances throughout Saturday and Sunday by local musicians and bands.

Families can also visit the Beach Break Kids Club for games and face painting, while the Mermaid Parade, appearances by King Triton and the Ocean Festival Art Show at Parque Del Mar return to this year’s festivities. Organizers noted there will not be a Saturday night concert this year, with entertainment instead taking place throughout the day on both festival days.

“We want to make sure everyone knows there are competitions on the north side of the Pier, and then there’s full family fun and entertainment on the south side,” Strauch said. “The experience is the whole beach.”

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DEDICATED

FROM GROMS TO GREATS, LEGENDS ARE MADE AT THE PIER

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urfers of all ages and skill levels will step into the San Clemente Ocean Festival lineup at the iconic San Clemente Pier this weekend for a duo of contests celebrating the local stoke.

New to the festival, the Pier Bowl Surf Classic welcomes adult surfers — from first timers to celebrated competitors — for a day full of high-performance competition. Held on Saturday, the inaugural event will showcase the local talent, camaraderie and culture landing San Clemente on the legendary surf destination map. This legacy takes the global stage in 2028, when Lower Trestles — just miles

TO GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND

south of the Pier — hosts surfing events for the LA28 Olympic Games.

On Sunday, the Groms Rule® Surf Contest returns for its 17th year of unforgettable rides. The Menehune-style contest for young surfers of all abilities is all about having fun, showing off your style, engaging in good sportsmanship and building confidence in the water.

From the contests’ first heats to the medal stand, the Ocean Festival’s surf events capture the spirit of San Clemente. Here, community comes first, each wave an adventure and every young contender already a local surf legend.

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611 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente 92629 • 949.498.6390 • thefishermansrestaurantsanclemente.com THEFISHERMANS_RESTAURANT San Clemente Ocean Festival

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San Clemente Ocean Festiva EVENT MAP

1. Beach Break Kids Club (Dolphin Dash Registration Sat) 2. Shark Lab 3. Sunscreen Demo (Sat); Sandcastle Registration (Sun) 4. Sponsor: Realm 5. Sponsors: Gilded Ora (Sat); OCTA (Sun)

San Clemente Pier July 18-19, 2026

Dolphin Dash

Lifeguard Tower

5K Beach Run 2

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Fisherman’s Rest.

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Fisherman’s Bar

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Avenida Victoria

San Clemente Ocean Festival

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Featured Booths & Vendors 6. Adopt a Duck: Great Rubber Duck

14. Sponsor: Cohn Health Institute 15. Sponsor: Hot Products

Race Design 7. Entertainment Stage 8. Fisherman’s Food Court 9. Sponsor: Hoag

16. Awards 17. Athlete Stage 18. Pancake Breakfast 19. Ocean Art Show

10. SCOF Merch Sales 11. Volunteer Check-in 12. Registration 13. Sponsor: Zico

20. Shuttle Dropoff & Pick-up 21. Sponsor: Belle Moi 22. Sponsor: C4 23. Sponsor: Crumbl 24. Woodies (Sat); VWs (Sun)

San Clemente’s No. 1 Source for Local News • Features • Opinion • Entertainment Sports • AND MORE

FREE EVERY THURSDAY STAY CONNECTED

900 GLENNEYRE STREET SUITE B, LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651

Beach Events

PHONE: 949.388.7700

rd Competitions, Pier Bowl Surf Classic, Groms Rule® Surf Contest & More

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Stage 17

SANCLEMENTETIMES.COM

Marine Safety Restrooms

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Shuttle Stop

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Ocean Art Show

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 6:30 AM | PIER BOWL SURF CLASSIC Location: North side of the San Clemente Pier 6:30, 6:45, 7:00 AM | Mens 39 and under 7:15, 7:45, 8:00 AM | Mens 40 over 8:15, 8:30, 9:00 AM | Women’s open Semi-Finals 1:00 PM, Finals 4:00 PM, Awards Ceremony 4:30 PM All surfboard types welcome. Awards following finals.

SATURDAY, JULY 18

9:00 AM | WOODIES ON THE PIER Location: Parque Del Mar Parking Lot A showcase of beautifully restored classic wood-bodied automobiles displayed along the historic San Clemente Pier.

9:00 AM | GREAT RUBBER DUCK RACE: DESIGN A DUCK Location: South of Pier Buy a duck and design it then watch as lifeguards launch hundreds of rubber ducks into the ocean and cheer them toward the finish line on Sunday.

7:00 AM – 11:00 AM | CITY LIFEGUARD PANCAKE BREAKFAST Location: North of Pier near Marine Safety Start your Ocean Festival morning with a hearty breakfast served by the San Clemente Lifeguards.

9:00 AM | ENTERTAINMENT STAGE OPENS Location: Entertainment Stag

7:00 AM | JUNIOR LIFEGUARD COMPETITION CHECK-IN Location: North side of the San Clemente Pier

9:20 AM | DOLPHIN DASH AGES 7–9 (¾ MILE) Location: North side of the San Clemente Pier

7:00 AM | INTERNATIONAL LIFEGUARD COMPETITION CHECK-IN Location: North side of the San Clemente Pier

9:40 AM | DOLPHIN DASH AGES 10–12 (1 MILE) Location: North side of the San Clemente Pier

7:30 AM – 8:45 AM | DOLPHIN DASH CHECK-IN & REGISTRATION Location: North side of the San Clemente Pier

10:00 AM | SATI (SOLO) Location: Entertainment Stage 11:00 AM | HULA CONNECTION Location: Entertainment Stage

7:45 AM – 4:00 PM | JUNIOR LIFEGUARD COMPETITION Location: North side of the San Clemente Pier 7:45 AM | Event #1 Beach Flags NOON | Event #7 Run-Swim-Run Beach Flags • Surf Race • Run-Swim-Run • Paddleboard Sprint Boys & Girls 12 & Under and 13–17 divisions competing throughout the day for individual medals and overall championships.

NOON | WORLD SURFING CHAMPION SHAUN TOMSON Location: Athlete Stage. Presented by the San Clemente Lifeguard & Jr. Guard Foundation. Hear stories, lessons and inspiration from one of surfing’s most respected champions and ambassadors.

NOON | THE HAND ME DOWNS Location: Entertainment Stage

9:00 AM | DOLPHIN DASH AGES 4–6 (½ MILE) Location: North side of the San Clemente Pier

12:45 PM | PILLOW TALK Location: Entertainment Stage

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | INTERNATIONAL LIFEGUARD COMPETITION PRESENTED BY ZICO Location: North side of the San Clemente Pier 9:00 AM | Event #2 Surf Race 9:30 AM | Event #3 Rescue Relay 10:15 AM | Event #4 Surf Ski Race, 10:45 AM | Event #5 NDA Race #1 11:30 AM | Event #6 International Ironman / Ironwoman, 12:30 PM | Event #8 Paddleboard Rescue Relay 1:30 PM | Event #9 NDA Race #2, 2:30 PM | Event #10 Paddleboard Race 3:30 PM | Event #11 Landline Rescue Relay Surf Race • Rescue Relay • Surf Ski Race • NDA Race #1 • International Ironman/Ironwoman • Paddleboard Rescue Relay • NDA Race #2 • Paddleboard Race • Landline Rescue Relay.

Elite lifeguards from across California and around the world compete for titles, prize money and bragging rights.

2:30 PM | KIDS THESE DAYS • HALF PICKLES • PETRICHOR Location: Entertainment Stage 4:00 PM | STILL SUMMER Location: Entertainment Stage 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM | DINNER AVAILABLE THROUGH FISHERMAN’S RESTAURANT ON THE BEACH Location: Fisherman’s on the Beach. Enjoy dinner and ocean views following a full day of Ocean Festival activities.

9:00 AM | OCEAN ART SHOW Location: Parque Del Mar. Featuring local and regional artists showcasing paintings, photography, sculpture, mixed media, jewelry and coastal-inspired artwork.

San Clemente Ocean Festival

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 6:30 AM | GROMS RULE SURF CONTEST Location: North side of the San Clemente Pier 6:30, 6:45, 7:00 AM | Boys 11 to 14 7:15, 7:30, 7:45 AM | Boys 10 and under 8:00, 8:15, 8:30 AM | Girls 11 to 14 8:45, 9:00, 9:15 AM | Girls 10 and under

9:00 AM | OCEAN ART SHOW Location: Parque Del Mar. Featuring local and regional artists showcasing paintings, photography, sculpture, mixed media, jewelry and coastal-inspired artwork.

9:00 AM | VW BUSES & WOODIES ON THE PIER Location: Parque Del Mar Parking Lot A collection of vintage Volkswagen buses and classic wood-bodied automobiles overlooking the Pacific.

1:00 PM | FINALS Push in first heats should start around 11:00 AM Young surfers take center stage with Boys & Girls 10 & Under and 11–14 divisions plus the Groms Rule Push-In Division for ages 7 & Under.

9:00 AM | GREAT RUBBER DUCK RACE: DESIGN A DUCK Location: South of Pier. Buy a duck and design it then watch as lifeguards launch hundreds of rubber ducks into the ocean and cheer them toward the finish line at 4pm.

6:30 AM | SAND SCULPTURE TEAM COMPETITION REGISTRATION & SCULPTING BEGINS Location: South of Pier

9:00 AM | ENTERTAINMENT STAGE OPENS Location: Entertainment Stage

6:30 AM – 2:00 PM | SAND SCULPTURE TEAM COMPETITION Location: South of Pier Teams transform sand into incredible creations in one of the Ocean Festival’s most beloved traditions.

9:30 AM | TEMÍ KROVBLIT Location: Entertainment Stage 10:30 AM | MERMAID PARADE Location: Entertainment Stage. A colorful parade of mermaids, sea creatures and ocean magic kicks off Sunday’s festivities.

7:00 AM – 11:00 AM | CITY LIFEGUARD PANCAKE BREAKFAST Location: North of Pier near Marine Safety Start your Ocean Festival morning with a hearty breakfast served by the San Clemente Lifeguards.

11:30 AM | TREEHOUSE ESCAPE Location: Entertainment Stage

7:00 AM | OCEAN MULTISPORT CHALLENGE CHECK-IN Location: North side of the San Clemente Pier

12:45 PM | ETHAN KALBERG Location: Entertainment Stage

7:00 AM | OCEAN PADDLE SERIES CHECK-IN Location: North side of the San Clemente Pier

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM | SAND SCULPTURE JUDGING Location: South of Pier

8:00 AM | 5K BEACH RUN / WALK Location: North side of the San Clemente Pier Run or walk along San Clemente’s beautiful shoreline in one of Southern California’s most scenic beach races.

1:30 PM | SCHOOL OF ROCK Location: Entertainment Stage 1:30 PM APPROX. | SAND SCULPTURE AWARDS Location: South of Pier

8:00 AM | OCEAN MULTISPORT CHALLENGE – DAY 2 Location: North side of the San Clemente Pier 9:00 AM | Event #14 Biathlon (1K Swim, 5K Beach Run) 11:30 AM | Event #16 One Mile Ocean Swim 2:30 PM | Event #18 Run-Swim-Run 3:15 PM | Event #19 Splash & Dash Relay Biathlon • Hoag Presents The One Mile Swim • Run-Swim-Run • Splash & Dash Relay. Athletes can compete in one event or challenge themselves across multiple disciplines.

2:45 PM | SAN CLEMENTE MARINE SAFETY DEMO Location: North side of the San Clemente Pier Ocean This preserves every word of your original schedule and only inserts the new heat/event times as highlighted additions.

3:30 PM | FINAL AWARDS CEREMONY Location: Athlete Stage Join us as we celebrate the athletes, artists, teams and volunteers who make the Ocean Festival possible.

All events subject to change due to ocean, weather and surf conditions.

8:00 AM | OCEAN PADDLE SERIES Location: North side of the San Clemente Pier 9:15 AM | Event #15 Open Ocean Paddle (5.5 Miles) 12:30 PM | Event #17 SUP & Paddleboard Sprint Race Open Ocean Paddle Race featuring SUP, Prone Paddleboard and Surf Ski/ Ocean Kayak divisions plus SUP and Paddleboard Sprint Races.

San Clemente Ocean Festival

SUNDAY, JULY 19

3:30 PM | GREAT RUBBER DUCK RACE SALES CUT-OFF 4:00 PM | GREAT RUBBER DUCK RACE LAUNCH Location: North of Pier Watch as lifeguards launch hundreds of rubber ducks into the ocean and cheer them toward the finish line.

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THREE ARTISTS, ONE COLLECTION

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or the first time in its 48-year history, the San Clemente Ocean Festival is featuring three artists in its official merchandise collection, giving festivalgoers more ways than ever to celebrate one of the city’s longest-running traditions.

The 2026 collection showcases original artwork from Austin Lewter, Dirk Murset and Paul Graff, whose designs will appear on T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, hats and other beach-inspired merchandise sold throughout the festival weekend.

Ocean Festival Executive Director Summer Strauch said the decision to feature three artists came after organizers were impressed by the number of submissions from talented designers.

“We had so many great local designers, and we didn’t want to limit it to just one,” she said.

Murset, who’s created previous winning Ocean Festival designs, highlighted the inaugural Pier Bowl Surf Classic with the San Clemente Pier in the background.

Another winning design offers a modern

interpretation of the festival through abstract shapes and graphics, while a third celebrates a signature festival tradition, the Great Rubber Duck Race.

For decades, Ocean Festival merchandise has become a collectible for residents and visitors alike, with many returning each year to add another shirt to their collection. She said organizers have spotted vintage Ocean Festival shirts being worn around the world, creating a sense of nostalgia for those who have attended the event over the years.

“This is our 48th year, which is just insane,” Strauch said. “Our designs have changed throughout the years, but the spirit of Ocean Fest and the community stay within the shirt.”

The entire 2026 merchandise collection will be available throughout Ocean Festival weekend just north of the San Clemente Pier from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Merchandise is also available locally at Denault’s Ace Hardware, Mikii’s on Del Mar and The San Clemente Store.

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San Clemente Ocean Festival

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