PARKING is free on both sides of Avila Beach Dr. at Old Port Beach.

Old Port Beach is a small stretch of harbor beach just up the road from Avila Beach.  All access from north or south will be off Highway 101.  From the North, exit San Luis Bay Drive and head west to the area of Avila Beach and continue until you reach Old Port Beach, approximately 3.75 miles from Highway 101.  From the South, exit Avila Beach Drive and head west to the area of Avila Beach and continue until you reach Old Port Beach, approximately 3.70 miles from Highway 101. 

• Start and finish at Old Port Beach Boat Ramp Area. 
• Race direction is counterclockwise on diagram below.
• Pass Harford Pier with the pier remaining on your starboard (right) side.
• Turn left is approximately 90 degrees rounding Smith Rock.
• Head straight across San Luis Obispo Bay to Fossil Point (Boat or marker will be here for a turn around and first recorded race prime). Pass and turn on your left shoulder returning in the opposite direction towards Avila Beach Pier.
• Pass the end of the Avila Beach Pier on your starboard (right) side. Slightly turn north towards the headland of Cal Poly Pier. A boat and marker will designate the pass through the pier pilings.
• As you pass the Cal Poly Pier marker, you will be headed parallel to the beach bear the buoy line straight back to the start finish area.
• Short distance paddlers will finish at start-finish area. Long distance paddlers will repeat and finish back at Dog Beach.

LOOKING FOR LODGING? 

We highly recommend you get on your planning since this community has limited locations on and near the beach.  Go get on it!

• Flying Flags Campground
• Lighthouse Inn and Suites

Post race ceremony on the beach, a word about Open Water, awards, and then raffle.  Also, please hang out, got to Mersea’s on historic Harford Pier, and enjoy the place!