The 46th Year of the Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race is Almost Here

The historic 32-mile paddleboard marathon, the Catalina Classic, which physically and mentally challenges participants, will cross the Catalina Channel on August 27.

By: KATHERINE M. CLEMENTS

CATALINA ISLAND — Mark your calendars for August 27 in preparation for the 46th year of the Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race. This event is considered a historical paddleboard event by participants and is organized and conducted by the Catalina Classic Paddleboard Association, Inc.

Since 1955, this 32-mile paddle- board race has challenged humans from all over the world to cross the Catalina Channel in this historical and challenging race. Paddlers will depart from Isthmus Cove at 6 a.m. and paddle 32 miles to the Manhattan Beach Pier on paddle boards between 12-19 feet long. Racers must use only their hands to propel them through the water as they battle against swells, currents, and wind. The race must be completed in 9 hours to qualify for completion.

The first paddleboard crossing through the Catalina Channel was completed in 1932 by three men— Pete Peterson, Wally Burton, and Tom Blake. The race was influenced by Tom’s efforts to promote his new paddleboard design.

Please see CATALINA CLASSIC, PAGE 15

Catalina Classic

From page 14

According to the National Museum of American History, Blake introduced the patented hollow paddleboard in 1931, cutting the board weight in half and fueling the first boom in surfing as the lighter boards made surfing more accessible.

This board became a standard piece of life-saving equipment that went on to be used by lifeguards worldwide. In 1935, Blake’s second innovation was the stabilizing fin. Although it did not catch on in Hawaii for another five years, this advanced design inspired future board designs and became a board standard in 1940.

This original event was only held five times from 1955 to 1960. The event was canceled due to the pier’s construction and again in 1961 due to dangerous ocean conditions. After the death of Cliff Webster, who was the driving force and most significant promoter of the race, the city decided to end the race. As a result, marathon paddleboard racing went on a hiatus.

In 1982, LA County Lifeguard Lieutenant Karl “Buddy” Bohn was approached by the Manhattan Beach Historical Society to find and donate a 1950’s style paddleboard for their museum’s exhibition. While searching for a good rac-