News

NOTE to our Catalina Classic Family

The Catalina Classic mourns The Passing of Legendary Waterman, Mike “Bones” Bright 11/3/1937 – 9/22/2017   Mike was a multiple record holder in the Catalina races of the 1950’s. He was winner of the Diamond Head race and numerous national and international paddleboard races. The legendary Tom Zahn claimed, “Bones” was the fastest paddler he’d every seen. Mike was a L.A. County Ocean Lifeguard and a top ocean athlete, dominating many lifeguard paddling events. He was a member of the USA lifeguard team invited to compete in the first International Surf Lifesaving Carnival, held in conjunction with the 1956 Melbourne, Australia, Olympic Games. Bones and fellow team members introduced the Aussies and the world to the modern balsawood and fiberglass surfboard, now called a Mal, slang for Malibu. This truly international exchange of equipment, training, competitive events, and organizational strategies advanced ocean life saving worldwide. Mike’s athleticism went beyond his ocean skills. He was an All American Basketball player at Mira Costa High School and an Inductee into El Camino College’s “Basketball Hall of Fame”. Bones is probably best remembered for his legendary volleyball skills. An All American from 1960-1964, he was a member of the USA National Volleyball team in 1960, competing at the World Championships in Brazil. In 1963 he earned a silver medal at the Pan Am Games. He was a two-time Volleyball Olympian, 1964 and 1968. In beach volleyball he competed in 44 Open Tournaments from 1958-1970. He was a 5-time winner of the Manhattan Beach Open, and is remembered with a plaque on [...]

October 24th, 2017|

All Time Conditions Make for a Fast Race

Buddy Bohn summed it up best by calling it one of the top five years he's seen for overall weather and ocean conditions at this year's Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race.  For those who don't know, Buddy Bohn has been at every race for the last 31 years - since it's reincarnation from the 20 year hiatus during the 60's and 70's.  And it's no wonder that a record fell as the ever-so-humble Kelsey O'Donnell broke "Queen" Reen Corbet's record for the fastest women's time - a record that stood for 20 years.  The overall stock record was in jeopardy as Steve Shlens was only seconds away from breaking Gary Fortune's 1999 stock record. This year's overall champion was 2010 Champ Adam Buckley, who was on the verge of not racing in early August but fortunately had a change of heart and entered this year's race with his wedding just a few weeks away.  Good thing he did because Bud Light ponied up Caribbean cruises for the top finishers.  In addition to Bud Light's prize, Joe Bark shaped beautiful 10' guns for each winner, Maui Jim awarded prizes to the top finishers in each field, DaKine sent the top 3 in each class home with travel bags, and Vertra Element Protection is making sure those top finishers are well protected for their intense training with sunblock packages. Finishing is the ultimate prize for all the racers, whether first or back of the pack.  This year was special as everyone who entered completed the race in well under the 9 hour cut-off.  In fact, [...]

August 27th, 2012|

Registration Deadline is Today, August 10th, 2012

Paddlers, be sure to register for the Catalina Classic as today is the deadline!  Please fill out the registration info and then return to the registration page to pay using paypal.  We will update all paddlers early next week with race information.  Have a great weekend and see you in the water.   Race Director

August 10th, 2012|