Thousands to Gather for Santa Monica Pier Paddleboard Race and Ocean Festival

SANTA MONICA, California - Hundreds of competitors and thousands of spectators are expected at the 8th annual Santa Monica Pier Paddleboard Race and Ocean Festival. This free event has become one of the preeminent paddle board races in the world, with its celebration of surf and ocean culture and its historic pier location.

In addition to the racing, music, arts and history have been a consistent draw to the thousands of non-paddling spectators who come to enjoy the event. This year, the afternoon musical offerings on the main stage include up-and-coming jazz duo The Matteson2 and headlining reggae artist Hirie. Although Hirie is currently on tour across the US, she is making a special stop for the Paddleboard Race and Ocean Festival.

The all-day ocean festival takes place Saturday, June 10th, 2017 beginning at 8 AM on the beach south of the Santa Monica Pier. Last year’s competition saw incredible athletic performances as paddlers, swimmers and lifeguard dory racers fought it out in their respective events. The 2017 event will see a minimum of $15,000 in cash prizes awarded to finishers, plus numerous other prizes in events such as lifeguard dory racing and run-swim-run. This is third year beach volleyball is included as an event.

The Santa Monica Pier Paddle Race in 2016. | Photos: Jeff Berting

The ever-popular pop-up waterman’s history museum is growing this year. In addition to perennial exhibits like Jeff Ho’s Zephyr Surf and Skateboard museum, and lifeguard history displays, the museum will also feature a special exhibit of Santa Monica Muscle Beach items and some of the original Muscle Beach athletes. Acroyoga will also be demonstrated and taught to anyone interested.

Food and drink offerings include the signature Mai Tais and a special menu from The Albright, as well as a beer garden sponsored by Kona Brewing Company.

The event is free and open to the public due to our partners: T-Mobile, Boxed Water, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, Whole Foods, KROQ, and K-Earth, and benefits the Surfrider Foundation and the Bay Foundation. The Surfrider Foundation is a global non-profit with decades spent fighting for coastal access and environmental issues.

For more information, visit www.pierpaddle.com.

About the Santa Monica Pier Corporation:

The Santa Monica Pier Corporation (SMPC) is a non-profit, public benefit corporation dedicated to preserving and enhancing the Santa Monica Pier experience for all visitors. For more information click here.

About CLIF BAR & COMPANY:

Clif Bar & Company is a leading maker of nutritious and organic foods and drinks, including CLIF® Bar energy bar, LUNA®, The Whole Nutrition Bar for Women®; and CLIF Kid®, Nourishing Kids in Motion®. Focused on sports nutrition and snacks for adventure, the family and employee-owned company is committed to sustaining its people, brands, business, community and planet. For more information on Clif Bar & Company, please visit www.clifbar.com, check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/clifbar and follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/clifbar.