REGISTER EARLY TO SAVEEarly Registration — thru 3/21Pre-Registration — 3/22 thru 5/23Late & Race Day Registration — 5/24 thru 6/10
SUP & PADDLEBOARD RACES
Tracing its roots back to the 1930’s Santa Monica Pier paddleboard races – some of the first in the world – this iconic event offers epic competition and family friendly entertainment. Courses start and finish on the sand immediately south of the Pier and there are many ways to compete - Fun Paddle, Long Course, Elite Race, SUP / Paddleboard Knockout and ocean swimming events. On the Pier Deck and beach, participants and spectators will enjoy the Ocean Festival featuring live music, Polynesian dancing, food, drinks and a one of-a-kind surf history museum. Celebrating and honoring the birthplace of Southern California's iconic beach culture through competition, awareness and entertainment. Not ready to compete? Join in on the festivities and enjoy front row seats to this incredible athletic performance! Thanks to our beautiful city and awesome sponsors, it’s FREE. USCG (United States Coast Guard) approved PFD (personal floatation device) is required of all SUP racers to participate in the Distance Race. SUP racers will not be allowed to start with out PFD. The PFD requirement only applies to SUP (per USCG law), however, prone paddleboards are not legally required to have a PFD but we highly recommend using one. Cash prizes will be a minimum of $15,000. To challenge for the money, enter the Elite Race and the Clif Bar SUP / Paddleboard Knockout. CLICK HERE for a complete breakdown of prize money.
LONG COURSE
A 5.5 mile loop that challenges our more experienced paddlers. Paddlers should be able to manage current and more difficult conditions - and be ready for a long paddle.
| Division 1 | SUP | Women's, 12'6" & under, 16-39 y/o |
| Division 2 | SUP | Women's, 12'6" & under, 40-49 y/o |
| Division 3 | SUP | Women's, 12'6" & under, Masters (50 & over) |
| Division 4 | SUP | Men's, Unlimited |
| Division 5 | SUP | Men's, 14', 16-39 y/o |
| Division 6 | SUP | Men's, 14', 40-49 y/o |
| Division 7 | SUP | Men's, 14', Masters (50 & over) |
| Division 8 | SUP | Men's, 12'6" & under, 16-39 y/o |
| Division 9 | SUP | Men's, 12'6" & under, 40-49 y/o |
| Division 10 | SUP | Men's, 12'6" & under, Masters (50 & over) |
| Division 11 | SUP | Men's, SUP Hybrid (Touring / Surfboard / Beginner Class), under 12'2” |
| Division 12 | SUP | Women's, SUP Hybrid (Touring / Surfboard / Beginner Class), under 12'2 |
| Division A | Prone PaddleP | Men's Stock, 16-39 y/o |
| Division B | Prone Paddle | Men's Stock, 40-49 y/o |
| Division C | Prone Paddle | Men's Stock, Masters (50 & over) |
| Division D | Prone Paddle | Men's, Unlimited |
| Division D | Prone Paddle | Women's Stock |
FUN PADDLE
A 2 mile loop for paddlers who are less experienced or just want to enjoy a more relaxed race with a friendly vibe. Though this race can accommodate beginners, participants should be intermediate paddlers given the nature of launching and exiting through ocean waves.
| Division 20 | SUP | Women's, 12'6" & under, 16-39 y/o |
| Division 21 | SUP | Women's, 12'6" & under, Masters (40 & over) |
| Division 22 | SUP | Women's, SUP Hybrid (Touring / Surfboard / Beginner Class), under 12'2 |
| Division 23 | SUP | Men's, 12'6" & under |
| Division 24 | SUP | Men's, 12'6" & under, Masters (50 & over) |
| Division 25 | SUP | Men's, SUP Hybrid (Touring / Surfboard / Beginner Class), under 12'2” |
| Division 26 | SUP | Juniors (12 & under) SUP Surfboard, under 12'6” |
| Division 27 | SUP | Juniors (13-16 y/o) SUP Surfboard, under 12’6” |
| Division J | Prone Paddle | Men's Stock |
| Division K | Prone Paddle | Men's Unlimited |
| Division L | Prone Paddle | Women's Stock |
| Division M | Prone Paddle | Junior's (16 & Under) Stock, under 12' |
ELITE RACE
Run concurrently with the Long Course, this is the same 5.5 mile loop and geared towards the sport’s top competitors - paddlers who have consistently placed in the top 10 in similar events. Elite Race divisions are limited to:1. Mens SUP 12’62. Womens SUP 12’63. Paddleboards Mens and Womens 12’0 Any Elite Race division that receives less than 10 entries will be merged into the appropriate Long Course division. In the case of women's divisions, entrants will have the option of racing the mens Elite Race division. Trophies and prizes will be awarded, based on registration to the top 3 finishes in each Elite Race division. Elite Race registrants who pre-register more than two weeks will receive a limited-edition race jersey and other benefits. Elite Racing Board Classes:Men Prone Distance - 12’ StockMen SUP Distance - 12’6”Men Prone PaddleCross - 12’ StockMen SUP PaddleCross - 12’6” Women Prone Distance - 12’ StockWomen SUP Distance - 12’6”Women Prone PaddleCross - 12’ StockWomen SUP PaddleCross - 12’6”
CLIF BAR PADDLE CROSS
PaddleCross is a competitive SUP & prone paddleboard race format that is completed on 500m onshore course. Starting from the sand, racers charge through the surf, rounding outside buoys then race with the waves back to the finish line on the sand. Racers advance through first round and consolation rounds to qualify for the main event final. The event races are run consecutively through the event final(s). PaddleCross starts with the race field broken into two first round heats. In each of the first round’s heats (R1) top finishing racers advance into the main event final. Non-advancing racers are given a second chance to qualify to the main event final through a consolation heat in round two (R2). Round three (R3) is the main event final race. If there are less than (8) entries for the category the event will be run as a final. The PaddleCross competition will have separate races for the following categories and board specs: Mens SUP (12’6 & Under)Men Prone (10'6" Lifeguard spec.)Women SUP (12'6" & Under)Women Prone (10'6" Lifeguard spec.) Men & WomenJunior (18 & Under)OPEN (cash prizes)Senior (40 & over)
ATTENTION
All of our races involve a “beach start” meaning that racers will have to navigate in and out of the surf zone. For everyone’s safety, we encourage all racers to make certain they have significant experience with launching from the beach through ocean waves. We encourage novice and even intermediate paddlers to take one or more classes with a certified instructor.
LIFEGUARD DORY RACES
Area lifeguards will row 2-person rescue boats in both a 1 mile sprint and a crowd-pleasing 3 lap race through surf zone. This is event is part of the race series by the NATIONAL DORYMANS ASSOCIATION
REGISTER EARLY TO SAVEEarly Registration — thru 3/21Pre-Registration — 3/22 thru 5/23Late & Race Day Registration — 5/24 thru 6/10
1.2 MILE OCEAN SWIM & SPLASH N' DASH
The Santa Monica Pier provides a breathtaking start for the athletes before they compete in the stunning Pacific Ocean. Our 1.2 mile ocean swim is a spectacular event for amateur & Masters swimmers and multi-sport athletes. This rectangular course has one left turn and three right turns, clearly marked by yellow buoys. The Splash N' Dash is a 400m swim followed by a 400m run on the beach. The Splash N' Dash is included in your 1.2 Mile Ocean Swim registration. Swimmers start on the beach, swim left around the first buoy (left shoulder). The following three buoys will be right turns (keep buoy on right), with a beach finish in front of the Santa Monica Pier. New this year is the introduction of the King and Queen of the Sea Award. The overall top male and female finishers of both the 1.2 mile swim and Splash N’ Dash will be crowned the King and Queen of the Sea!
DIVISIONS FOR THE 1.2 MILE OCEAN SWIM
Age group awards for both wetsuit and non-wetsuit divisions.13-1617-1920-2930-3940-4950-5960+SWIM ATTIRE
New this year is the introduction of the King and Queen of the Sea Award. The overall top male and female finishers of both the 1.2 mile swim and Splash N’ Dash will be crowned the King and Queen of the Sea! New this year is wetsuit and non-wetsuit divisions. The use of flotation and or propulsion aids of any kind are prohibited, including swim fins and hand paddles. All competitors are required to wear the provided swim caps supplied at check-in for safety.TIME LIMIT POLICIES
A cutoff time of 55 minutes for the 1.2 mile ocean swim is strictly enforced. Swimmers who fail to make the cutoff time will be considered disqualified non-finishers. This cutoff time has been established to ensure the safety of swimmers. Swimmers who fail to complete the required distance under the established cutoff time will be visited by a motorized safety craft. Those swimmers will be required to swim to shore immediately.SPLASH 'N DASH
This event is now included in the 1.2 mile swim registration and happens at 9:30am. Stack yourself up against your friends (and competitors) in a 400m Swim followed by a 400m Sand Run.DIVISIONS FOR SPLASH 'N DASH
Awards are given to overall top 3 male and female winners.King/Queen of the Sea.SWIM TRAINING
If you are looking to gain experience for the ocean swim, we have partnered with the best swim instructors for lessons and clinics. 
SMOG ClinicCoach Bryan Mineo will have a brief lecture with the group discussing proper ocean entry/exit through surf, how to sight properly, etc before he leads an hour workout for the group. The session will be focused on instilling comfort and confidence in a race setting, prepping everyone for the Santa Monica Pier race. Check out the SMOG group HERE, The Swim Mechanic’s INSTAGRAM, and THESWIMMECHANIC.COM 
SCAQ - Southern California Swim ClubAll swimmers are invited to come to a SCAQ workout for a free video analysis. RSVP at SWIM.net. Then start training in one of our 70 workouts in 9 LA pools or Tuesday and Thursday mornings in the ocean coached by an Olympian. Email scaq@swim.net for details. 
Tower 26Our motto is: “Be Race Ready.” If you choose to participate in a swim or triathlon event, we’ll have you fully prepared. “Be Race Ready” also captures Coach Gerry’s personal philosophy of being the best you can be, even if your objective is not to race or compete. It’s all about personal excellence, rising to meet your own potential Go to TOWER26.COM for more information!
REGISTER EARLY TO SAVEEarly Registration — thru 3/21Pre-Registration — 3/22 thru 5/23Late & Race Day Registration — 5/24 thru 6/10
BEACH VOLLEYBALL
AAU Santa Monica Ocean Festival Volleyball TournamentThe AAU Beach Santa Monica Ocean Festival June 11th tournament will feature six boys and 10 girls teams in the 18:U division. All teams will be invited by the AAU Beach commissioner’s selection committee. The boys division will serve as a “showcase” event, while the girls division will be part of the “AAU Beach Girls 18 Elite Series”. The AAU Beach Girls 18 Elite Series consists of the Santa Monica Ocean Festival, The AAU Pan Pacific Championship (Honolulu, HI), The AAU National Classic (New Orleans, LA) and The America’s Challenge (San Juan, PR). The events invite the top Girls 18:U teams to compete in the series as a prelude or as a post to the AAU National Championships and the AAU West Coast Junior Olympic Games, both of which are hosted in Hermosa Beach, CA. Medal winning teams from the Santa Monica Ocean Festival will earn bids into the West Coast Junior Olympic Games.— All athletes must have a current AAU Membership.— Check-In takes place from 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM— Tournament Meeting: 9:15 AM— Walk-Up Registration at 8:00 AM, if space is available, is $75 per team Divisions Offered:— Boys 18— Girls 18 The AAU Beach program, which began with just 32 athletes in 1994, is the largest and most comprehensive junior beach volleyball program in the country. This year the AAU will operate over 50 tournaments in 12 states and Puerto Rico for two person teams, ages 10 to 18. For more information, visit the NATIONAL TOUR SITE or the SOUTHER PACIFIC DISTRICT SITE
REGISTER EARLY TO SAVEEarly Registration — thru 3/21Pre-Registration — 3/22 thru 5/23Late & Race Day Registration — 5/24 thru 6/10
1.2 MILE OCEAN SWIM & SPLASH N' DASH
Families, kick off the summer and spend the day with us on the beach! Junior athletes and beach-lovers are invited to participate in events in the ocean and on the sand. Competitive events include the Juniors 250m Swim and the Juniors 500m Paddle Races – prizes for the top 3 in each age group. We also have games on the sand including the Kids Beach Dash and Challenge for kids 3-12 years old who want to get moving and win a day pass for the Pacific Park Amusement Park! Check out the links below for more information IT IS MANDATORY FOR PARENTS TO SIGN WAIVER FOR KIDS TO PARTICIPATE.*It is ok for minor to be accompanied by another adult, but must have waiver signed by legal guardian.
JUNIORS 250 SWIM
A loop swim from the beach, through the surf zone out near the end of the pier and back in. Swimmers start on the beach, swim around the two buoys and finish on the beach. Must be at least 8 years old to participate. Registration includes a T-shirt, goodie bag with samples, lunch, and access to all the day’s entertainment. Plus there are trophies and passes for Pacific Park for top 3 male and female finishers in each division (8-10; 11-13; 14-16). This swim is open water through the shore break. Junior Swimmers must be comfortable in waves and the open water. We recommend that all swimmers be capable of swimming swim 500m in the pool without stopping. Time Limit Policies - A cutoff time of 20 minutes for the 250m swim is strictly enforced. Swimmers who fail to make the cutoff time will be considered disqualified non-finishers. This cutoff time has been established to ensure the safety of swimmers. Swimmers who fail to complete the required distance under the established cutoff time will be visited by a motorized safety craft. Those swimmers will be required to swim to shore immediately.
JUNIORS 500M PADDLEBOARD RACES
A short loop course out to near the end of the pier and back in through the surf and onto the beach. Must be at least 8 years old to participate (leashes required for those 13 years and under). Registration includes a T-shirt, goodie bag with samples, lunch, and access to all the day’s entertainment. Plus there are trophies and passes for Pacific Park for top 3 male and female finishers in each division. If any age group division has less than 3 athletes, that division will be combined with the other age group division.
| Division Y1 | SUP | Youth, 8-11, 12’6” and under |
| Division Y2 | SUP | Youth, 12-14, 12’6” and under |
| Division Y3 | Prone | Youth, 8-11, 12’6” and under |
| Division Y4 | Prone | Youth, 12-14, 12’6” and under |
KIDS BEACH FESTIVAL
Kids of all ages are invited to play on the sand at our Beach Festival from 9am to noon with free activities including an obstacle course, beach flags*, limbo, hula-hooping and other non-competitive activities that will keep children entertained and moving throughout the morning. Come for all the activities or just drop in for an hour. Events take place on the sand below the Pier. Children must be supervised by a parent at all times. Schedule of Events8:15 am – Kids Beach Festival and Challenge day-of registration opens9:00 am – Kids Beach - Obstacle Course10:00 am – Kids Beach Dash (1/2 mile or 100 yards on the soft sand)10:30 am – Youth Beach Flags (must be 8-12 to participate - there will be an alternate activity for younger children who wish to participate in the Challenge!)*11:00am – Family Yoga with Ivviva11:30am – Pacific Park Passes released to the Kids who completed the Challenge!12:00 am – Kids Beach Festival closes * Beach Flags is a beach running event that is akin to Musical Chairs. The event is laid out on soft sand and the course can be up to 25 yards long. Competitors check in with Beachmaster/Race officials to receive seeding order and final start instructions. Participants line-up (laying down) facing away from the placed flags. Upon the starter’s instructions & whistled start, athletes will race down the course to grab a flag. There will always be less (1) flag per athlete in the heat contested… and this sequence will repeat until there is a winner.
KIDS BEACH DASH AND CHALLENGE
KIDS BEACH DASH (10am)Come run on the sand with us at the Kid Beach Dash. We have 1/2 mile and 100 yard options available for runners 3-12 years old. Registration fee of $10.00 includes entry into the run and a t-shirt! TAKE THE CHALLENGE!Kids, if you like roller-coasters you’ll like this! Kids who register for and complete the Kids Beach Dash (1/2 mile or 100 yard distance) and then complete 2 of the following activities - Beach Flags, Obstacle Course, or Family Yoga with Ivviva - will earn a day pass for the Pacific Park Amusement Park (passes will be distributed at 11:30am. While supplies last)
BEER & RUM
Stop by the legendary Pier Paddle beer and rum garden and enjoy a refreshing adult beverage!