OCEANSIDE, Calif. — More than 500 athletes rushed the shoreline in droves Monday morning for the 95th Annual Oceanside Pier Swim, tackling the mile-long route around the pier.
“It is true, open ocean so you have the currents, you have the waves, you have those natural elements, but today we had really good conditions,” said Race Director Sabrina Houston, who told CBS 8 it was especially important to hold the event this year.
“It’s a big year for the Oceanside Pier because it was on fire earlier this year, so we really wanted to have it and make it special," said Houston.
While the end of the pier remains closed due to damage from the fire in April, 80% of it is currently open to the public.
“If they had shut this down, look at all this money that would’ve gone away," said 20-year resident Rony Godinez. "This is the main center of Oceanside. This is what keeps the whole City healthy, right?”
Surfers and beachgoers enjoyed the water, which was about 73 degrees Fahrenheit Monday.
While it’s no secret that the beach in Oceanside has a nice, family-friendly vibe, some of the locals want to keep it under wraps as best they can.
“Hopefully we keep it a secret a little longer because we don’t need too many people coming out here and crowding it up, but it’s living like in paradise for sure,” said Godinez.
“No, Oceanside sucks, don’t come here," said surfer Melissa Marquardt. "Just kidding, it’s great, the waves are fun and great place for families to hang out.”
WATCH RELATED: San Diego crowds celebrate Labor Day at local beaches