I've done this race twice, in May '08 and May '09.  Have done two other sprint tris, both twice (the Boy Scout Mission Bay mini-sprint and the Camp Pendleton sprint).  This one's not too crowded; moderate to easy course.  Lake swim is a bit more fun than Pendleton's ocean entry through the surf.  Bike is mostly flat with one moderate to steep hill at the end, but I did it, even as a beginner.  The run has some slight ups and downs but nothing too hard, mostly flat.  I'd also recommend this as a nice start to doing sprint triathlons.  Organization improved from '08 to '09.  Again a nice event. 

This was my 2nd Sprint Triathlon following my 1st in Chicago with 9,000 entrants! I travelled to Cali and entered the Dam Sprint with my friend and 1st time triathlete. THIS IS A GREAT EVENT- it is challenging (the hill on the bike is pretty tough for newbies) well run and a really enjoyable day- my wife and daughter were able to follow me through the transitions and along the course- swim was really fun through the morning mist and the bike and run keep you interested with changing scenery- I recoomend this triathon to all comers, especially first timers....I hope to be back next year- THANK YOU!