L.A. County lifeguard and former Olympic medalist Chad Carvin claimed the 2008 Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race last Sunday in Manhattan Beach. Chad managed to finish the 32 mile journey in a near-record time of five hours, four minutes and sixteen seconds.
Joe Bark, one of the best paddleboard shapers today and two time Catalina Classic champion (88-89) completed his 25th crossing along with a few other past champions.
This year's race was also marked by the presence of a Mako shark, who was believed to be harassing competitors at about 10 miles into the race.
The Catalina race was founded in 1955 by LA County lifeguard Bob Hogan and after being canceled in 1961 due to "dangerous conditions" was revived by lifeguards Gibby Gibson and Buddy Bohn in 1982. They played a big role in bringing more competitors to the race and raising awareness and demand for the sport and equipment. The event is considered today, one of the most historic paddleboard races in the world.
Joe Bark (no shirt), Keoni Watson (blue), Chad Carvin (bottom right) and other competitors
Results:
Unlimited
1 - Chad Carvin - 5:04:16
2 - Kyle Power - 5:17:42
3 - George Plsek
4 - John Engel - 5:30:20
5 - Keoni Watson - 5:32:05
6 - Jay Miller - 5:38:59
Stock
1 - Michael Carr - 5:57:35
2 - Bryan Szymanski - 5:58:36
3 - Tito Bourget- 6:02:19
4 - Brian Spear - 6:07:30
5 - Bert Charlton - 6:11:03
6 - Steve Reinsch - 6:17:31
Women
1 - Jo Ambrosi - 6:34:25
2 - Cori Raffielli - 6:46:43
3 - Jane Cairns - 6:48:05
4 - Shannon Delaney - 6:53:17
5 - Edessa Foster - 7:12:21
For additional info and complete results, log on to catalinaclassicpaddleboardrace.org or www.paddleboard.com.
