August 25, 2019, will mark the 41st year of the Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race. The event is organized and conducted by the Catalina Classic Paddleboard Association, Inc., a volunteer 501c4 non-profit organization. The Association promotes a traditional and original paddleboard race from Catalina Island to the pier of Manhattan Beach, California. Established in 1955, the Catalina Classic is the oldest and most celebrated endurance paddleboard race in the world. This historic 32-mile marathon, which starts at Catalina’s Isthmus Cove and ends at the Manhattan Beach Pier; attracts paddlers from all over the world and is known as the “Grand-Daddy of all paddleboard races.” This is a race by paddlers for paddlers.
The Catalina Classic Paddleboard Association makes donations to local non-profit organizations that work with youth groups, education, and water safety. Past recipients include the L.A. County Jr. Lifeguard Scholarship Fund, The Manhattan Beach Round House Aquarium, Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, ECF Kayne Eras Center, and 1% for the planet.
Many paddlers also utilize the race to raise money and awareness for their favorite charities, including:
- The Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation, with the US Marine Corps relay team from Wounded Warriors Battalion-West
- The Ocean of Hope Campaign for the Sarcoma Alliance
- The ALS Association Golden West Chapter
