Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race 2020 Archives - Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race

8 01, 2021

Catalina Classic Commemorative Statue

January 8th, 2021|

Happy New Year, Catalina Classic Family! We're excited to share news with you about plans for a Catalina Classic Commemorative Statue! As you may have heard, The South Bay Boardrider's Club (SBBC) has undertaken an initiative, beginning in 2016, to have a life-sized bronze statue installed near the Manhattan Beach Pier: The Catalina Classic Commemorative Statue. The statue will be a salute and acknowledgement to all the women and men who have dared paddle the 32 miles from start to finish of this historic and iconic race since 1955. The 1st Place winners of each class will have their names listed near the statue, with additional space made available for future winners. The statue will certainly inspire others to explore prone paddle boarding with many with the intent to enter the race in the future. The Manhattan Beach City Council Members unanimously approved the design concept and now it's time to fund the creation of the statue by commissioned sculptor, Chris Barela. Chris is a former Hermosa Beach local and Surfer Walk of Fame inductee who sculpted and installed the Tim Kelly statue in Hermosa Beach, as well as the amazing Meistrell Brothers statue in Redondo Beach. The cost of the bronze statue and its installation is $300,000 with over $125,000 already pledged from various donors. SBBC, a 501c3 non-profit, is now broadening its outreach to seek tax deductible donations, both large and small, to raise the remaining $175,000. Any size donation is appreciated and large donors ($5000, $10,000, and $25,000) will be acknowledged on a plaque near the statue. Donations can be made online to South Bay Boardrider Club at www.catalinaclassicstatue.org , or checks (made payable to SBBC) mailed to: SBBC 2629 Manhattan [...]

2020 Catalina Classic

August 31st, 2020|

Greetings Paddlers, Today, August 30th, would have been the 41st Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race… an epic & traditional paddleboard race of world class paddlers that race 32 miles of open water from the Isthmus on Catalina Island to the Manhattan Beach Pier. Unfortunately, 2020 was the first time in 38 years, due to circumstances beyond our control we were forced to officially cancel the race. If the race could have been permitted & safely executed, we would have held it…especially knowing that it would offer encouragement, hope, and a healthy goal for all those struggling to make sense during these challenging times. However, between the importance of standing in solidarity and showing respect for our first responders and the reality that the County made it abundantly clear that no event permits would be issued, we had no choice but to cancel this year’s race. Apparently some individuals chose to paddle the channel anyway and created an unsanctioned event of their own. We want to make it perfectly clear that the “official” Catalina Classic Race organizers did NOT condone or have anything to do with this event. It's our hope that the non-permitted actions of these paddlers won’t jeopardize the future of our County “sanctioned” permitted race in 2021. We want you to know that we’re all anxious to be back next August, stronger than ever , creating the 2021 Catalina Classic , dedicated to Paramedic & Rescue Boat Captain, and all around great human, Steve Troeger . Stay healthy, keep paddling….watch out for one another. Yours in paddling, Buddy

CATALINA CLASSIC PADDLEBOARD RACE 2020 CANCELLED

June 3rd, 2020|

6/2/20 UPDATE: The 2020 Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race has been CANCELLED due to COVID-19. We tried our best to make the Catalina Classic Paddleboard race happen this year, but we’re unable to obtain the necessary permits. It's a huge disappointment for all of us to cancel for the first time in 38 years! Stay strong during these challenging times and be good to one another.We'll post updates about 2021 as it feels relevant. Keep paddling and we hope to see you racing in next year’s race, August 29, 2021!