Rip Tide Warning

As spring approaches, the beaches of Southern California will again begin to fill with visitors looking to catch a few rays and play in the surf.  But as you make your way to the carefree, sandy shores of places like Mission Beach and Pacific Beach in San Diego, remember to recognize the danger posed by rip currents.

Rip currents are powerful currents that pull swimmers out from the beach and into the open ocean.  They do not drag people underwater, but they do carry a swimmer very quickly straight out to sea.  Rip currents are created when strong crashing waves reside next to weaker waves.  The result is a flow of water that moves away from the beach at fairly high speeds and with enormous strength.

Rip Tide Strategies

There are easy strategies to recall if you happen to be caught in a rip current.  First, acknowledge and understand that you are in a rip current and that it will not pull you under, but will take you away from shore.  Attempting to fight the current and swim directly back to shore is never your best option, as it will exhaust you waste energy.  Instead, stay afloat and try to move perpendicular to the shore. The rip current will eventually dissipate, so  if you can manage to stay afloat and you will be able to escape when the rip current ends.  The rip current will not extend incredibly far out into the ocean, averaging around a few hundred yards from shore. Once the current has given way, you will be able to swim in a straight line back to shore–as long as you’ve acted wisely and saved your energy! If you are able, attempt to wave for help when caught in the current to gain the attention of a lifeguard or fellow swimmer.

Strategies for a Rip Tide

If anyone in your group is a poor swimmer, be very careful, and heed lifeguard warnings.  A rip current is dangerous, even for the best swimmer. If someone cannot tread water and stay afloat, surviving a rip current episode can be difficult.  If there is any doubt as to the swimming ability of a member of your party, avoid areas with rip currents, and keep your eyes open for warnings.

Recognizing a rip current area can help avoid the danger.  Rip currents move away from shore and are typically made of choppy water that is a different color from surrounding water.  In general, you may be able to recognize a channel moving away from the shore, cutting through the incoming waves.

Visualizing Rip Tide

Now that you know the dangers of rip currents, how they form and what they look like, here are a few tips to take to the beach for safety, courtesy of Ocean Park Inn located on Pacific Beach in San Diego.

• Swim with Others
• Only swim at Lifeguard protected beaches
• Don’t fight the current
• Float and Tread Water
• Swim parallel to the shore to escape, do not attempt to swim directly back into shore
• Wave for Help if caught in a rip current

The beautiful Pacific Ocean can be a fun and exciting place to spend your vacation in San Diego, and keeping these tips in the back of your mind guarantees that you will enjoy a safe and sunny day at the beach!

Visualizing Rip Tides

(0 Comments)

Over 3,400 Collegiate, Junior and Master athletes will return to Mission Bay on April 2-3, 2011 for the 38^th annual San Diego Crew Classic. These athletes hail from more than 100 universities, clubs and high schools across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and they will compete in a total of 90 races over the two-day event.

San Diego Crew Classic

While rowing is often seen as a sport exclusive to the East coast, this event has become the marquee regatta of rowing in the West since its establishment in 1973. Even current and future Olympians travel to San Diego to compete in the Crew Classic each year. The Masters is the fastest growing sector of the sport, but the regatta also provides an opportunity for rowers of all levels and ages, from 14-84, to compete in various divisions.

In this year’s competition contestants will race across seven lanes, starting at Sea World and heading North along the 2,000 meter course through Mission Bay. The race will finish at Crown Point, where spectators can gathered to cheer on family, friends and fellow teammates.

Whether you’re attending as a competitor or a spectator, you won’t want to miss out on this iconic rowing event. Spectators will have a wide variety of amenities available to them as they watch the races from start to finish on a massive Jumbotron located at Crown Point. Tent Row will line the sandy shores of Mission Bay and provide a wide range of food, merchandisers, a beer garden on the beach and entertainment for all ages.

The Crew Classic brings in a large, and spirited crowd every year and guarantees a fun-filled weekend. Book your stay at Ocean Park Inn, located on beautiful Pacific Beach and only minutes from the action. If you are interested in getting involved in the classic sport of rowing just ask your Ocean Park Inn concierge who will be happy to recommend some of San Diego’s best rowing organizations! There are a variety of groups that offer non-competitive rowing for those solely interesting in the tranquility and exercise of the sport.

For more information on the event and a detailed schedule of race times and daily activities, please visit www.crewclassic.org.

(0 Comments)

When you come to San Diego to visit OPI this fall it’s the perfect time to hit the water and go sailing. Whether you are a regular visitor to sunny San Diego, or a first-timer, nothing is more cathartic than setting sail in the bay and cruising out into the open ocean. You will see a vast array of boats while you’re out sailing, from mega-yachts parked in the Marriott Marina to aircraft carriers and battleships that make San Diego a military stronghold. The feeling of the cool fall breeze blowing across your face as you glide swiftly through the waters of the Pacific Ocean is the quickest way to leave your worries behind and escape into a state of bliss.

With an average wind speed of 7 mph and an average temperature of 74 degrees the conditions are consistently ideal for a casual sail. San Diego offers waters that are perfect for beginners looking to learn, and easily manageable for sailing veterans who have been on the water for years.  Sit back and relax with a glass of wine and a plate of your favorite local cuisine and sail until the sun goes down over the gorgeous Pacific Ocean. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the infamous green flash just as the sun dips below the horizon. If you’re in need of a vessel to fulfill your sailing desires, check out one of these boat rental spots conveniently located near the Ocean Park Inn:

Seaforth Boat Rentals: 1641 Quivera Rd, San Diego CA 92109

Mission Bay Sports Center: 1010 Santa Clara Place, San Diego, CA 92109

Shelter Island Sailing: 2240 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92106

These great shops allow experienced sailors to rent a boat and hit the water, or captain services for those who want to purely enjoy the ride, and even sailing lessons for interested novices looking to get their sea legs. So the next time you’re visiting us at the OPI we’d recommend you pack a lunch, grab your family and set sail on the deep blue!

(0 Comments)

San Diego Skyline

San Diego has always been a hot spot for travelers of all shapes and sizes, and this is due in large part to gorgeous scenery, amazing hotels, and a long list of varied, and cost-effective activities to fill up your stay! If you’re vacationing on a budget this year, look no further than the centrally located and affordable Ocean Park Inn to call home during your visit. No matter who you’re traveling with, or what you’re looking to get out of your vacation, San Diego has a fun and free activity for you!

Just ten minutes north of Pacific Beach sit the gorgeous La Jolla Coves, an idyllic location to spend an afternoon during your stay. A sunny stroll through La Jolla will greet you with sparkling blue water, pristine beaches, and the unique experience of watching seals come out to play in their natural habitat.

A few miles in the opposite direction will bring you to scenic Seaport Village, a great place to spend the day window-shopping and watching yachts pass by in the San Diego Bay. Just a stone’s throw away is Mission Bay Park, a great spot for family vacationers looking to enjoy the breezy weather with kite-flying, a game of catch, or a relaxing picnic in the sun. If you’re looking to catch a bit of exercise during your stay, Mission Bay Park also boasts over 20 miles of attractive jogging paths which are sure to make your workout out more enjoyable.

Don’t forget to make a pit stop at Balboa Park, where you can enjoy free live music at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. This venue features one of the largest outdoor pipe organs in the country, and has been a notable landmark since 1914.

Finally, for the history buff in your crew, don’t forget to stop by the celebrated Old Town San Diego district, where you can stroll through town and view notable buildings such as Seeley Stables, the Steward House, and the oldest schoolhouse in San Diego.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive but memorable getaway this spring we at the Ocean Park Inn would love to recommend a journey out to San Diego. With countless free, fun, and picturesque activities available, we’re sure you won’t regret your choice!

(0 Comments)

Belmont Park is located only a few minutes from the Ocean Park Inn, and sits just across the street from the beach. The main attractions include the wave machines, arcade, midway games, glow in the dark miniature golf, and the lazar maze. The highlight of these attractions is the wavehouse, which includes the FlowRider® and FlowBarrel®. The FlowRider® attraction is a simulated wave machine that creates a perfect wave, resembling the shape of an average ocean wave. This attraction is perfect for beginners, and houses a large open face which allows riders to move freely. For the more experienced surfer Belmont Park boasts the FlowBarrel®, which is a hollow tube with a nice steep face, and resembles the type of waves that surfers travel the world looking for. And don’t worry if you fall, the surface beneath the water is padded for the protection of beginners.

When it’s time to take a break for food you’ll find that there are many options to choose from. If you are on the go, look into Chipstix, North Shore Café, The Sweet Shoppe, and Beach Treats, to satisfy your hunger. The most popular stop from this list is Chipstix, which serves classic amusement park favorites like corndogs, hotdogs, chicken tenders, and slush puppies. If you are looking to sit down, and relax in the ambiance of Belmont Park, then we would suggest the Wavehouse Bar and Grill. This place is open seven days a week, and is the ultimate family dining stop. The environment this place creates is laid-back, and encourages you to enjoy the San Diego sun and surf. The Wavehouse Bar and Grill includes an exciting array of outdoor Tiki bars, fire pits, hammocks, tropical palms and lounging sand pits. This particular restaurant is sure to please your taste buds, and your affinity for beach living!

When the family is full and ready to continue their exciting trip to Belmont Park, we would suggest a stop at some of the region’s premier retail shops. First, try Sun Diego, where they strive to bring customers the best selection of surf, skate, snow apparel and related equipment, safety gear, and accessories. Next, stop by Wings to peruse a large assortment of high quality clothing, swimwear, shoes, souvenirs, and beach accessories at affordable prices. Then, for a unique and creative experience, check out Henna Heaven, which originated in India. The tattoos here are top quality, and best of all temporary. The last stop is Beach and Resort Wear, where you can stock up on all beach necessities such as sandals, towels, swimsuits, bodyboards and more.

As your adventure comes to an end, all of us at the Ocean Park Inn would like to wish your family an amazing stay in beautiful San Diego.

(0 Comments)