The world famous Santa Monica Pier and Honolua Surf Co. will kick off the summer of 2012 with the 3rd Annual Santa Monica Pier Paddleboard Race and Ocean Festival, featuring paddleboard races, an ocean swim, dory competitions, hula dance groups, live music and a surfing, lifeguard and paddleboard history exhibition.
Historic exhibits will feature antique surfboards, paddleboards, lifeguard equipment and vintage automobiles tied to local beach culture. Paddleboard racing was a popular Santa Monica sport in the 1940s with two paddleboard clubs headquartered on the pier.
On the pier deck, manufacturers will show off the latest in paddleboards and equipment. Hula dancers will perform throughout the day. Live music and an awards ceremony will follow the completion of the races for the top finishers in each of the divisions.
The all day event takes place Saturday, June 9, 2012 and is a benefit for Heal the Bay and its public marine education facility, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. For more information, visit www.pierpaddle.com.
