Community Corner

Surfers Face Off at Santa Monica Pier Paddleboard Races

Historically high surf conditions resulted in the cancelation of several races during the 4th Annual Santa Monica Pier Paddleboard Races and Ocean Festival, Saturday. Thousands of supporters surrounded the beach and the Santa Monica Pier to cheer on competitors who braved waves as high as 10 feet for up to $20,000 in cash prizes.

“In four years of holding this event we’ve never had surf that even came close to what we saw today. I’m grateful to our race team and the water safety agencies that the entire event went off without a single serious injury,” said event director Joel Brand.    

Professional and advanced racers were the only participants permitted to compete in the dangerous surf, as decided by LA County Lifeguards and race safety officials.

The annual event benefiting Santa Monica's Heal the Bay organization and the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium featured a two-person lifeguard dory surf race, where teams rowed laps around the course on 20-foot long surf boards. 


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