Santa Monica Pier Paddleboard Race & Ocean Festival

The world famous Santa Monica Pier and the Honolua Surf Co. will kick off the summer of 2011 with the Santa Monica Pier Paddleboard Race and Ocean Festival, featuring paddleboard races, dory competitions, outrigger canoes, live music and a surfing, lifeguard and paddleboard “museum for the day.”

The all-day event takes place Saturday, June 11, 2011 and is a benefit for Santa Monica-based Heal the Bay and its public marine education facility, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. Heal the Bay will receive a portion of net proceeds from the event.

The “museum for the day” on the pier deck will feature antique surfboards, paddleboards, lifeguard equipment, including a fully restored Pete Peterson-crafted dory, as well as exhibits about the historic pier. Paddleboard racing was a popular Santa Monica sport in the 1940s with two paddleboard clubs headquartered on the pier.

Participation in the race is limited and early registration is encouraged. For more information visit www.pierpaddle.com.

Event partners and sponsors include: Honolua Surf Co., Quickblade Paddles, Heal the Bay, ZJ Boarding House, Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica Daily Press, Positive Existence and the National Doryman’s Association. More sponsors will be announced soon.