Pacific Open 2026
The inaugural OSSWW coastal championship at South Ponto Beach.
Event overview
The Pacific Open is the inaugural Ocean Stone Skimming Worldwide (OSSWW) coastal championship. Athletes throw natural ocean stones across open Pacific water under the official OSSWW rulebook. Throws are scored on verified skips, distance, control, and release legality.
South Ponto Beach is the competition venue. Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas is the athlete hotel, media hub, sponsor hospitality base, and event headquarters.
Backup date: Sunday, September 27, 2026. Late September clears the peak summer crowding while keeping warm Southern California light through golden hour.
Carlsbad, California, USA
One of the wider beaches in San Diego County, with public restrooms and showers, Highway 101 along the bluff, and Batiquitos Lagoon across the road.
Day of competition
Five fields, one championship.
Played on natural stone, judged on touch.
Each athlete throws natural ocean stones from a marked release area, side-arm only. The lead foot may not cross the foul line at the moment of release.
Stones must be naturally occurring, sourced from the host coastline, with a maximum weight of 200g and maximum width of 100mm. Every stone is judge-inspected before competition.
Read the full rulebook for divisions, equipment, appeals, environmental rules, and the throwing area definition.
Read the RulesAthletes and spectators.
Arrive Friday for check-in.
- · Check-in opens Friday 15:00 at Alila Marea (welcome desk, bib, rules packet, stone inspection slot).
- · Athlete & media briefing Friday 17:00. Attendance required.
- · All athletes must complete the OSSWW safety briefing before competing.
- · Each athlete competes in qualifiers; advance through semifinals to finals by division.
Free to attend. Public beach.
- · South Ponto is a public California State Beach — free spectator access all day.
- · Best viewing windows: qualifiers (mid-morning), Finals (Saturday 17:00, golden hour).
- · Public restrooms and outdoor showers on site. Parking along Highway 101.
- · Bring water and sun protection. Respect the beach and the environmental code.
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas
Alila Marea is the official athlete hotel and event headquarters. Sponsor hospitality and the media hub also operate from Alila for the duration of the championship weekend. The resort sits a short coastal drive from South Ponto Beach.
The closest major airport is San Diego International (SAN), approximately 45 minutes by car. John Wayne (SNA) and Los Angeles International (LAX) are alternatives from the north. A travel and accommodation packet is sent to registered athletes.
Partner with the inaugural championship.
The Pacific Open is a clean, premium, family-friendly sporting event with a strong environmental and coastal narrative. Founding partner, event partner, and category packages are available.
Sponsorship detailsGet on the line.
Tell us about you and your preferred division. We'll confirm your details and send registration windows as they open.
Covering the inaugural Pacific Open.
Press kit, boilerplate, commissioner bio, and event imagery are available on the dedicated press page.
Common questions.
When and where is the Pacific Open 2026?+
Saturday, September 26, 2026 at South Ponto Beach in Carlsbad, California.
How do I register?+
Use the Register Interest form below. We'll confirm your division and send next steps as registration opens.
Can spectators attend?+
Yes. South Ponto Beach is a public beach. Spectator areas and viewing windows for each round will be published closer to the event.
Where do athletes stay?+
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas is the official athlete hotel, media hub, sponsor hospitality base, and event headquarters.
hello@ossww.org
Athletes, hosts, sponsors, press, volunteers, spectators — we respond within five business days.