About:

Event guide:

The Dempsey Holder Ocean Festival and Surf Contest represents the local heritage of surf competitors and surf lifestyle, born out of Imperial Beach and stretching down the Pacific coast through Baja. WILDCOAST hosts this event each year to honor the memory of legendary waterman, big-wave surfing pioneer, and lifeguard, Allan "Dempsey" Holder, our previous ocean stewards, and those who continue to protect our coast everyday. The Dempsey serves as an important community-based opportunity to educate and engage a broad audience on issues affecting San Diego County’s coastal and marine ecosystems and wildlife. Proceeds raised through the event will support WILDCOAST's efforts to reduce ocean bound plastics and sewage in the Tijuana River.