The San Clemente Ocean Festival will have its first ever stand-up paddle surfing contest on the north side San Clemente Pier on Sunday, July 20. 

Stand–up paddle surfing, known as SUP, is a sport that has enjoyed a rebirth in recent years. Surfing breaks across the country are now seeing explosive growth of this traditional sport that combines surfing and paddling.

Utilizing a paddle that is specifically designed for SUP, surfers maintain an upright position while paddling out to the lineup, paddling into the waves, and then surfing them to shore. The paddle is not only a tool for navigating the lineup, but is also critically employed throughout the surfer’s maneuvers on the wave.

Stand-up paddle surfing first surfaced on the shores of Waikiki back in the 1940s and ‘50s. The original Waikiki Beachboys blended their favorite sports of outrigger canoe paddling and surfing, utilizing a canoe paddle to both paddle and surf while standing. It was an adaptation made for convenience as it afforded the Beachboys a better view of the Waikiki surf lineup, where they assisted tourists in learning to surf and took their photos while doing so.

The concept for this year’s event was developed by Barrett Tester (athletic director) and Jack Sutter (surf competition director) who want to showcase the SUP community at the San Clemente Ocean Festival.

“Stand-up paddle surfing has brought the biggest injection of energy to the surf industry in at least 15 years,” says Barrett Tester.

“Clearly we are seeing a whole new sport out in the lineup and we want to make sure that the sport is part of the events at the Ocean Festival.”

The Stand-up Paddleboard Surfing Championships is an event open to everyone. Judging will be based on progressive & classic maneuvers and style (50%-50%). Use of paddle is part of the judging criteria. All contest rules and regulations will be posted at the event site.  There are 24 openings, all in the open category (includes both men & women).  San Clemente Ocean Festival medals will be awarded for 1^st thru 6^th.

Entry forms available at www.oceanfestival.org or contact Jack Sutter at:

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Entry information:

All events are open to the public and registration begins 6:00 A.M. at the San Clemente Pier.  Entry fee of $40 includes commemorative San Clemente Ocean Festival t-shirt and surfing rash guard.

Contact info:

Jack Sutter, Surf Event Director

(949) 481-1205

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San Clemente Ocean Festival

P.O. Box 1373

San Clemente, CA  92674

Tel: (949) 440-6141            

www.oceanfestival.org