Marine Corps Community Services held its first Water Warrior Beach Festival as part of the Hard Corps Race Series at the Del Mar beach here Sept. 14.
“We are trying to diversify the events and try something unique for the Hard Corps Race Series,” said Jill Prichard, supervisor for the series. “We have the best beach in Southern California, so why not use it for these events.”
The event is held to promote fitness, competition and sportsmanship among service members and the community.
The festival was comprised of events such as stand-up paddleboard races, surfski races, outrigger canoes, half mile and one mile ocean swims, a 3K beach run, the Elite Amphibious Assault Stand-up Paddleboard finals and an award ceremony.
“This is a great opportunity for us to host a popular sport on the water; the stand-up paddleboards,” said Prichard.
Awards were given to the winners of the timed events in each competition.
Prichard said that around 300 participants attended, which was double the number who pre-registered.
Booths were set up at the event and provided food and drinks for purchase, a medical station, t-shirts and other commemorative items to purchase.
Prichard said the event was a success, and she looks forward to the event growing in the future.