Photo by Bill Maben
Good Times for All at the 37th Annual San Clemente Ocean Festival Slap on some sunscreen and join us for the ‘Greatest Show on Surf’
Photos by Andrea Swayne
The San Clemente Ocean Festival is upon us, and we have plenty of activities planned to keep the whole family busy. Start out the day with a delicious pancake breakfast served up by our San Clemente lifeguards and their families. Stop by our vendor and sponsor booths or enter some of the athletic competitions. Enjoy crafts, games and entertainment at the Children’s Pavilion, and check out the free body surfing clinics on Saturday, hosted by the San Clemente Body Surfing Club, where you can learn about water safety and the “how to’s” of catching a wave. In the California Waterman & Waterwoman Championships, ocean lifeguards will race in multiple events to score points that go toward an overall championship worth $5,000 in prize money. Events include the Open Ocean Paddle (surf ski, paddleboard, stand-up paddleboard), Surf Race (swim sprint), National Doryman Association Race, Surf Ski Race, Paddleboard Race, International Ironman Relay, Rescue Relay and American Ironman. Top athletes to watch include former United States Olympian Mitch Kahn and San Clemente residents Rob Pelky and SUP racer Brandi Baksic. Back by popular demand, the SUP Surfing Championships, sponsored by Hobie Surf Shops, is open to all and is fiercely competitive among many world-class SUP surfers. There will be three divisions (men under the age of 39, men over the age of 39 and women) competing on the north side of the Pier throughout Saturday. For our younger, 4- to 12-year-old runners, there is the Dolphin Dash Kid’s Beach Fun Run, sponsored by Clif Kid, south of the Pier on Saturday morning. In the “Groms Rule” surf contest on Sunday, sponsored by Rip Curl, boys and girls ages 10 and under and 11 through 14 will compete for top prizes in each category. So come cheer on your favorite grom. Car enthusiasts will want to check out the Woody Car Exhibit out the on the Pier. www.sanclementetimes.com
There will be 15 different cars displayed each day of the event for all to enjoy. On Saturday, there will be a Children’s Fishing Clinic and Derby at the end of the Pier, followed by the all ages fishing derby on Sunday—both hosted and sponsored by Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. From the Pier you can also check out what’s happening in the water and on the sand, before heading back up and enjoying some of the great food available or to find your very own “treasure” at the Ocean Art Show in Parque Del Mar. Stay and enjoy the free concert featuring Millertime Boogie, sponsored by The Sheckler Foundation, on Saturday evening. There will be meals available for purchase on the beach. It’s a great way to unwind and relax at the end the day with family and friends, listening to the music and watching the sun set over Dana Point. On Sunday, around 4 p.m., the Great Rubber Duck Race marks the Ocean Festival’s Grand Finale. Sponsor a duck for a chance to win a resort weekend and golf excursions, surf board, whale-watching and fishing trips, dinners, a motorized bike and many more exciting prizes. Avoid parking hassles: There is free parking and shuttle service available from San Clemente High School, located at 700 Avenida Pico. We extend our gratitude to all who continue to support the “Greatest Show on Surf”— our awesome sponsors, 200-plus incredible volunteers, dedicated city and state lifeguards, the city of San Clemente and all of you who join us each year. We look forward to seeing everyone on the beach this weekend. Don’t forget your sunscreen and a towel. For schedule of events and additional information, please visit www.oceanfestival.org. Peggy Vance, Executive Director, San Clemente Ocean Festival Event Guide presented by
Volunteers Help Make Ocean Fest Possible Hundreds help to put on annual event at the Pier
While most locals who attend the San Clemente Ocean Festival come to take in the Waterman and Waterwoman races, the Woodies on the Pier or just to enjoy the camaraderie of several thousand other citizens, for 200 to 300 others, it’s a very different experience. For the volunteers who help to make Ocean Fest happen, preparation begins almost a year in advance. Veteran volunteer Ernie Marquez has served in multiple different coordinating positions, alongside his wife Jolinda. Ernie said that for those most involved in the event, preparation starts in September, beginning with a debriefing on the previous festival, before planning for the next event. From the logistical side, all that preparation goes into four days of work, beginning with set up that starts in earnest Thursday. Set-up, however, takes more time than tear-down, which is completed Sunday night. “It’s hectic,” Ernie said. “We meet every month all year, but it takes that long to plan.” Jolinda, who has served as volunteer coordinator the last two years, said typically, to man all the booth and events at the Ocean Festival, it requires 300 volunteers. Recruiting, she said, starts in winter, when only a few might have a pretty July weekend at the Pier on their minds. “It’s a full time job, starting in February,” Jolinda said. “That’s when we start contacting the schools, to try and get kids, before they head off for graduation.” Jolinda said children and teens make up about a quarter of the volunteers each year, primarily in the food court and children’s pavilion. Most of the remaining volunteers come from other service organizations from across the city, but many of the same volunteers come back year after year, most in the same positions. “A lot of them have been doing it for close to all 37 years,” Jolinda said. “People enjoy coming back, and they know those jobs.” Jolinda said this is especially crucial for registration and results for the athletic events. “Those people are our clients,” she said. “When people know the process it just makes it easier.” Karran Toffelmier has been involved 12 years, working in product sales and helping to run the Children’s Pavilion for many years. A friend who had been running the product sales brought her in. Jim Nielsen has been involved with the festival for five years, originally becoming involved at the encouragement of friend Gary Button, who helps put together the annual Woodie display. While his initial experience was simply helping his friend put up banners, Nielsen has gradually become more involved, and now works behind the scenes doing bookkeeping for the Festival, as well as helping to put the cars on the Pier. He’s also becoming familiar with how to put together the Woodie www.sanclementetimes.com
Volunteers Ernie and Jolinda Marquez have volunteered in various positions for a number of years. For the last two years, Jolinda has served as a volunteer coordinator, before relinquishing the role this year. Photo courtesy of Peggy Vance.
“You bring these hundreds of volunteers together and it’s just this one event. This is a big production.”
—Jim Nielsen
display in the future, should Button decide to step aside. An active volunteer for a number of organizations in the city, Nielsen said what makes the Ocean Festival a unique experience for volunteers is that there’s really only one focus. “It’s got a singular purpose,” Nielsen said. He contrasted the experience to that of another organization he volunteers for, the Friends of San Clemente Beaches, Parks & Recreation Foundation, which does several major events each year, though none as large by themselves. “You bring these hundreds of volunteers together and it’s just this one event. This is a big production.” Arlene Button, Gary’s wife, said she and her husband have been volunteers for 21 years, all of them coordinating the Woodies. What keeps the two of them coming back, she said, is the sense of a camaraderie working the festival. “It’s just a great group, and they do so many good things,” Button said, noting the number of scholarships and other programs supported by the Festival. “And they do good things like getting kids involved in activities. And because it’s a great family event. We see people we’ve seen before every single year.” —Jim Shilander
Longtime Ocean Fest Volunteers Gary and Arlene Button have put helped put together the annual display of Woodies for 21 years. Photo courtesy of Peggy Vance
NEW RESCUE RELAY ADDED TO COMPETITION Event is a part of lifeguarding tradition While many of the athletic events at the Ocean Festival test traditional life saving skills of watermen and waterwomen, there is no doubt the newest athletic event directly tests the skills of the lifeguards working the Southern California waters. The rescue relay is “steeped in lifeguarding tradition,” said Barrett Tester, who helps organize the athletic events. “It’s a true test of lifeguard ocean skills,” Tester said. The relay includes a pair of swimmers for each team. One, the “victim,” is stationed just beyond the surf line (usually 50 to 75 meters out), awaiting the rescuer, who must swim out to them with a rescue can used by lifeguards. Both then race back to the beach, in a similar fashion as a lifeguard would with real victim. The victim however, must keep both hands on the can and can only kick their way to the beach. Tester said the event is a good way to build camaraderie among the lifeguards from different areas, in addition to testing their skills. There will be two qualifying heats for the 20 teams currently set to compete. The event will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The event is often mixed, in terms of gender. Tester said many teams will include a woman as the victim, because it is often advantageous to have as light a person as possible in that role. While being a strong swimmer is a necessity for both participants, other teams opt to switch off roles in different heats. “The waves will determine everything,” Tester said. “It’s a good test of what it’s all about.” —Jim Shilander Event Guide presented by
Ocean F Event SAN CLEMENTE PIER FEATURED BOOTHS & VENDORS 1. Body Surfing Clinics (Sat Only) 1. Sand Sculpting Registration (Sun Only) 2. Storage/Changing Room - CP Stage 3. CP Stage 4. CP Shade area for Stage 5. Children’s Pavilion Crafts 6. GAME BOOTH 7. GAME BOOTH 8. GAME BOOTH
9. Ocean Institute 10. Ticket Sales 11. Casa Romantica Face Painting 12. Clif Kid 13. USSD Martial Arts/Crossfit SC/ NutriShop DPt 14. Orange Coast Women’s Medical Grp / Women’s Hospital @ Saddleback Memorial, LH
For more in visit www.ocea
For event photo visit www.sanclem
Festival t Map JULY 20-21, 2013 15. Ocean Minded 16. Swift Health Chiropractic 17. Welk Resorts 18. T-Shirt Sales 19. Volunteer Check-In / Information 20. KWVE 21. Capistrano Volkswagen 22. Free Speech 23. Fisherman’s Food Court
nformation, anfestival.org.
os and results, mentetimes.com.
24. Duck Sales 25. San Clemente Times 26. Athletic Registration 27. Results 28. Athletes’ Refreshments 29. Rip Curl 30. Saddleback Memorial Hospital - SC 31. Hobie Surf Shop 32. Main Stage & Awards
33. SUP Surf Registration (Sat) 33. Groms Surf Registration (Sun) 34. KLOS Van & KABC 35. Pancake Breakfast Ticket Sales 36. Pancake Breakfast 37. Art Show
New ‘Ariel’ Looks to Enjoy Character Junior Lifeguard Frohlich taking over role
New ‘Ariel’ Brooke Frohlich in her costume. Courtesy photo
As a girl, Brooke Frohlich loved “The Little Mermaid,” and her favorite Disney princess, Ariel. Now, Frohlich, who has spent her own fair share of time in the water as a Junior Lifeguard, gets to take on her favorite role. Frohlich, 14, is the new “Ariel,” inheriting the role from Megan Yaklyvich, who graduated from San Clemente High School last year. As Ariel, Frohlich will pose for pictures with children at the Children’s Pavilion on Saturday and Sunday. Frohlich will also lead the Mermaid Parade on Sunday, which includes a number of other girls dressed in their own Ariel costumes, along with “King Neptune.” “It’s going to be great to work with kids,” Frohlich said. “Ariel was my favorite Disney princess growing up and to have the opportunity to become her is wonderful.” Frohlich just completed her final year at Shorecliffs Middle School. Next year, she’ll be moving on to the Orange County School of the Arts in Santa Ana to study culinary arts. She has been a part of San Clemente’s junior lifeguard program for the last four years. “It’s been one of my passions since I was a little girl,” Forhlich said. “I’m most looking forward to the French cooking classes.” — Jim Shilander
Children’s Pavilion Broadening Appeal New acts reflect desire to get more age groups involved Ocean Festival Children’s Pavilion coordinator Lisa Green said this year’s events have been designed to encourage more children, of all ages, to enjoy the facilities. “We’re trying to cater beyond the 7-to-12 age group and provide more for teens and younger children,” Green said. “We don’t want teens to feel like they have hang out with adults or have to hang out with kids in elementary school.” This years performers include the Laguna Niguel band Ugly Paint, which won last year’s Orange County Music Award for Best Youth Artist. The band will be releasing an extended play disc this summer. “We feel like we can be a showcase for all the new talent,” Green said. Another area artist, DJ Ruckus, will be www.sanclementetimes.com
spinning songs the entire weekend. Sunday, the stage will also welcome performances from Rock the Autism, a San Clemente organization that uses music to encourage creativity and expression from kids who might not otherwise express it easily. “It’s a great platform for those kids,” Green said. “I’m jazzed about it.” Rocky Neidhardt of Rock the Autism said while many of the regular attendees of the group’s sessions, primarily held at the Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area, will be away from the city on vacation, a few “star kids” will be performing. The group will also have a booth set up to answer questions and provide information to the community. — JS
Bob Harlow:
The Man Behind Duke the Dolphin Whether it’s at the Pier or in supermarket aisles, it’s not hard to spot local residents sporting white Ocean Festival t-shirts from years past. Along with sandals and board shorts, the shirts have become the unofficial regalia of choice for some San Clemente residents— paraphernalia that highlights the easy-going, beachside life of the area and shows their support for the Ocean Festival. Local artist Bob Harlow has been designing the shirts since 1992. His designs have always featured a blue dolphin, often wearing red board shorts and sunglasses, partaking in different ocean activities each year. “People love the dolphin. If I would take the dolphin off, there would be a riot,” said Harlow, who’s named his creation, “Duke.” This year’s logo, once again, features Duke on a stand-up paddleboard. “I had him doing it probably three or four years ago,” Harlow said. “It’s one of the fastest growing sports. Everybody is doing it, and since the Ocean Festival has SUP events, why not put that on the shirt?” For the last three years, Harlow has also designed blue shirts featuring a “vintage surf theme” that he said rival the original design. “I came up with a more surf-inspired logo that’s a little more sophisticated,” Harlow said. “This year, it’s a longboard surfer with cracks in it to give it a vintage look.” All shirts can be purchased this weekend at the Ocean Festival. Short-sleeve shirts are $16, long sleeves $20 and child-sized shirts $10. Other Ocean Festival items for sale include hoodies and sweatshirts for $30 and hat and visors for $15. — Brian Park Event Guide presented by
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS SATURDAY, JULY 20
CHILDREN’S FISHING CLINIC & FISHING DERBY On the Pier - Sponsored by Dana Wharf Sportfishing 6:30 a.m. Registration (on the pier), clinic and derby Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult 12:30 p.m. Judging and prizes awarded
5th ANNUAL STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS 6 a.m. 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Registration/Check-in @ SURF registration booth, north of Pier Competitions
CITY LIFEGUARD PANCAKE BREAKFAST 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.
North of Pier, near Marine Safety
5th Annual “DOLPHIN DASH” Kid’s Beach Run (ages 12 and under) 7:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. 9 a.m. 9:20 a.m. 9:40 a.m.
Registration/Check-In @ Children’s Pavilion, South of Pier ½ mile run for Ages 4-6 ¾ mile run for Ages 7-9 1 mile run for Ages 10-12
CALIFORNIA WATERMAN & WATERWOMAN CHAMPIONSHIPS Main Competition Area-Northside of San Clemente Pier - featuring: 8 a.m. Event #1 5km Open Ocean Paddle - Surf Ski, Paddleboard and SUP 10:30 a.m. Event #2 Surf Race 11 a.m. Event #3 National Doryman Assoc. Race #1 12 p.m. Event #4 Surf Ski Race (Lifeguard spec) 1 p.m. Event #5 Paddleboard Sprint (10’6” spec) 2 p.m. Event #6 National Doryman Assoc. Race #2 3 p.m. Event #7 International Ironman Relay (3 person) 3:30 p.m. Event #8 Rescue Race Relay (2 person) 4 p.m. Event #9 American Ironman 4:30 p.m. Event #10 Beach Flags
A view of a classic “Woody” on the Pier. File photo
21st ANNUAL WOODY CAR EXHIBIT 8:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Displayed on the Pier
OCEAN ART SHOW 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
In Parque Del Mar, overlooking the event
FREE BODYSURFING CLINICS 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
South of the Pier, next to Children’s Pavilion Hosted by San Clemente Body Surfing Club
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES All day events: Crafts, Face Painting and Carnival Games. Plus, Ocean Institute, Clif Bar & USSD Martial Arts SC/Crossfit SC/NutriShop DP booths. 8 a.m. Ticket sales begin for crafts, games and facepainting 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Arts and crafts, Ocean Institute, game booths, face painting and relays 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Broadway Bound – performance 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Guillobel Brazillian Jiu Jitsu – demonstration 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Hula Connection performance 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. “Ugly Paint” – performance * Special presentations throughout the day
BEACH PARTY and FREE CONCERT 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Dinners available through Fisherman’s Restaurant FREE beach concert featuring “Millertime Boogie” – Sponsored by The Sheckler Foundation
www.sanclementetimes.com
Event Guide presented by
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS SUNDAY, JULY 21
“GROMS RULE” Surf Contest (ages 14 and under) Sponsored by Rip Curl 6 a.m. 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Registration/Check-In @ SURF Registration booth, north of Pier Competitions
SAND SCULPTURE TEAM COMPETITION
21st ANNUAL WOODY CAR EXHIBIT
6:30 a.m. Registration and Sculpting, south of Pier 1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Judging/viewing (depending on the tides) 2 p.m. (apx) Awards - Immediately following judging
OCEAN ART SHOW
8:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
FISHING DERBY
Displayed on the Pier
In Parque Del Mar, overlooking event
CALIFORNIA WATERMAN & WATERWOMAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
All Ages on the Pier – Sponsored by Dana Wharf Sportfishing 6:30 a.m. Registration (on the pier) and Derby children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult 12:30 p.m. Judging and prizes awarded
Main Competition Area-Northside of San Clemente Pier - featuring: 8 a.m. Event #11 5K Beach Run/Walk 9 a.m. Event #12 Biathlon (1K swim and 5K run) 10 a.m. Event #13 10K SUP Race 11:45 a.m. San Clemente Body Surfing Club Demonstration 12 p.m. Event #14 One Mile Ocean Swim 1:15 p.m. Event #15 SUP Sprint 2 p.m. Event #16 Run - Swim - Run 2:30 p.m. S.C. Marine Safety WATER RESCUE Demonstration 3 p.m. Event #17 Splash and Dash
CITY LIFEGUARD PANCAKE BREAKFAST 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. North of Pier, near Marine Safety
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES All Day Events: Face Painting and Carnival Games; plus Ocean Institute, Clif Bar & USSD Martial Arts SC/Crossfit SC/NutriShop DP booths. 8 a.m. Ticket sales begin for crafts, games and facepainting 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Ocean Crafts, Games and Relays sponsored by SC Parks and Recreation Dept. 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Mermaid Parade with King Neptune and Ariel 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. South Coast Conservatory aka MV Dance and Performing Arts - performance 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Guillobel Brazillian JiuJitsu - performance 12 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. “Rock the Autism” - performance Big sculptures like this one are a regular site at the sand sculpture comptition. File photo
*Schedule subject to change
21st ANNUAL GREAT RUBBER DUCK RACE Starts at approximately 4 p.m. Sponsor ducks are $5 each – GREAT PRIZES!
www.sanclementetimes.com
Event Guide presented by