Paddling Hero

3 06, 2020

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!

9 08, 2019

Legendary Waterman Mike Doyle

August 9th, 2019|

The Catalina Classic family will be dedicating our 2019 race this year to legendary waterman, Mike Doyle. Mike Doyle was a true waterman in every way... and a really nice guy too! Mike paddled the Classic in 1960. He was a extraordinary surfer, paddler, Lifeguard, artist, and all around lover of life. Mike inspired so many people to live their lives to the fullest. Our hearts go out to Annie and the rest of the Doyle family and friends. This year, paddler Tom Horton, will be fundraising and paddling to raise awareness of the devastating affects of ALS. There will be " Live to Surf, Surf to Live" T-shirts for sale at the finish line. All proceeds from these T-shirts will go towards defeating ALS. A paddle out is scheduled at the Hermosa Beach Pier on October 20th at 10:30am.  Please contact Tom to see how you can get involved. tom@southbayboardriders.com  

24 05, 2019

Catalina Classic Race Dedications

May 24th, 2019|

Over the years, the paddling community has been inspired by so many extraordinary paddlers. We have been honored to have had most all of them race in the Catalina Classic. They are as follows: Year dedicated: 1999:  Brendan Sullivan 200?:  Tom Zahn               2004:  Jimmy Miller               2007: Gibby Gibson   2009:  Jeff Johnson   2013:  Bob Meistrell Bob & Bill Meistrell                   2014:  Mike " Bones" Bright 2015:  Mike Eaton                 2016:  Bob Hogan Bob Hogan the original founder of the Catalina Classic in 1955.                                

24 10, 2017

NOTE to our Catalina Classic Family

October 24th, 2017|

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 the Manhattan Beach pier’s “Walk of Fame”. He was enshrined in the Volleyball Hall of Fame in 1993. Mike grew up on Hermosa Beach’s 17th street and [...]