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To honor this iconic and historic race, along with the men and women who have dared to compete in it, The South Bay Boardrider’s Club has undertaken an initiative, in collaboration with The City of Manhattan Beach, to install a bronze statue near the Manhattan Beach Pier.

Presently at $130,000,
help us reach our goal of $300,000!

SBBC is a 501c3 non-profit organization
Donations are tax deductible

FOUNDERS CLUB MEMBER (DONATIONS OF $25,000 OR MORE)

Each Founders Club Member as recognition of their generous donation will receive the following:
  1. Recognition as a Founders Club Member on a Bronze Monument Plaque to be located on a wall adjacent to the stairs leading to the Catalina Classic Statue Park, or other such plaque located in the Catalina Classic Statue Park;
  2. A personally engraved 1/16” sized Bronze Statuette;
  3. A personalized Bronze Stein commemorating the Catalina Classic Race;
  4. Invited as an honored guest to the Unveiling of the statue;
  5. Recognition at the unveiling as a Founders Club Member;
  6. Recognition on Catalina Statue website and other social media platforms;
  7. Commemorative T-shirts for you and your family;
  8. Additional promotional materials as may be developed;
  9. The gratitude of the Watermen community throughout the Ocean community in being an integral part of recognizing those who have competed and finished this world class race.

MANHATTAN CLUB MEMBER (DONATIONS OF $10,000 OR MORE)

Each Manhattan Club Member as recognition of their generous donation will receive the following:

  1. Recognition as a Manhattan Club Member on a Bronze Monument Plaque to be located on a wall adjacent to the stairs leading to the Catalina Classic Statue Park, or other such plaque located in the Catalina Classic Statue Park;
  2. A personally engraved 9” X 12” bronze plaque recognizing you or your family as a Manhattan Club Member;
  3. A personalized Bronze Stein commemorating the Catalina Classic Race;
  4. Invited as an honored guest to the Unveiling of the statue;
  5. Recognition at the unveiling as a Manhattan Club Member;
  6. Recognition on Catalina Statue website and other social media platforms;
  7. Commemorative T-shirts for you and your family;
  8. The gratitude of the Watermen community throughout the Ocean community in being a significant part of recognizing those who have competed and finished this world class race.

CATALINA CLUB MEMBER (DONATIONS OF $5,000 OR MORE)

Each Catalina Club Member as recognition of their generous donation will receive the following:
  1. Recognition as a Catalina Club Member on a Bronze Monument Plaque to be located on a wall adjacent to the stairs leading to the Catalina Classic Statue Park, or other such plaque located in the Catalina Classic Statue Park;
  2. A personally engraved 7” X 9” wood plaque recognizing you or your family as a Catalina Club Member;
  3. A personalized Bronze Stein commemorating the Catalina Classic Race;
  4. Invited as an honored guest to the Unveiling of the statue;
  5. Recognition at the unveiling as a Catalina Club Member;
  6. Recognition on Catalina Statue website and other social media platforms;
  7. 2 Commemorative T-shirts;
  8. The gratitude of the Watermen community throughout the Ocean community in being a part of recognizing those who have competed and finished this world class race

ISTHMUS LEVEL DONORS (DONATIONS OF $1,000 OR MORE)

Each Isthmus level donor as recognition of their donation will receive the following:
  1. A Bronze Stein commemorating the Catalina Classic Race;
  2. Invited as a guest to the Unveiling of the statue;
  3. 1 Commemorative T-shirt;
  4. The gratitude of the Watermen community throughout the Ocean community in being a part of recognizing those who have competed and finished this world class race

OCEAN PRONE LEVEL DONORS (DONATIONS OF $500 OR MORE)

Each Ocean Prone as recognition of their donation will receive the following:
  1. 1 Commemorative T-shirts;
  2. Invited as a guest to the unveiling of the statue;
  3. The gratitude of the Watermen community throughout the Ocean community in being a part of recognizing those who have competed and finished this world class race

FOR DONATIONS AT THE ISTHMUS OR ABOVE LEVELS PLEASE CONTACT ED MCKEEGAN AT 310.613.8558

DONATIONS OF SHARES OF STOCK ARE ACCEPTED

What is the Catalina Classic?

In 1955, local lifeguard Bob Hogan, and Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Cliff Webster, joined forces to create the International Catalina Classic 32 Mile Open Ocean Paddleboard Marathon. The race began, as it does today, at Two Harbors Catalina Island, and finishes on the southside of the Manhattan Beach Pier. In its early years, this race attracted 50,000 spectators to the Manhattan Beach Pier to watch the finishers, and it eventually transformed into a 3-day event to entertain the crowds with volleyball, swimming, rowing, and other competitions (now known as The International Surf Festival). After treacherous ocean conditions in 1960, Pier construction in 1961, and the death of race co-founder/supporter Cliff Webster, the race went into hiatus for 20 years due to the lack of someone championing its annual occurrence.

Fortunately, in 1982, lifeguards Buddy Bohn and Gibby Gibson resurrected the race utilizing the same race guidelines and rules used in its original years. It has been going strong ever since and is known as the “grand-daddy” of prone paddleboard races throughout the world, with participants traveling from across the U.S. and other countries to complete this very challenging channel crossing.

Our Mission

To honor this iconic and historic race, along with the men and women who have dared to compete in it, The South Bay Boardrider’s Club has undertaken an initiative, in collaboration with The City of Manhattan Beach, to install a bronze statue near the Manhattan Beach Pier. Chris Barela, former Hermosa Beach resident, MCHS alumni, and Surfer Walk of Fame inductee, has been commissioned to build the sculpture. Chris is the sculptor who also created the Tim Kelly statue in Hermosa Beach, and the Meistrell Brothers statue in Redondo Beach.

History

  • Originated in 1955 by LACOFD Lifeguard Bob Hogan.
  • Championed by MB Chamber of Commerce Executive Cliff Webster.
  • Early years brought 50,000 observers to Manhattan Beach Pier.
  • Evolved into what is now known as the 3-day International Surf Festival.

About

  • The most rigorous race of its kind.
  • 32 miles of open ocean.
  • Prone paddleboards only.
  • Minimum age is 18 years.
  • Must pre-qualify.
  • Escort boat required.
  • 9 hours time limit to finish.
  • Held annually on the last Sunday of August.

Giving Back

  • The race serves as an excellent fundraising vehicle
  • 100’s of thousands of dollars have been raised over the years for non
  • -profits.
  • Jimmy Miler Memorial Foundation
  • Ocean of Hope – Sarcoma Alliance
  • The ALS Association Golden West Chapter
  • Wounded Warriors

WHY INVEST?

To honor this unique, iconic and historic Manhattan Beach event.

The statue will endure for decades, and inspire future generations to participate.

The statue will acknowledge all the men and women who have completed this channel crossing.

The statue will beautify and transform an empty sandlot.

or – Mail a Check to:

South Bay Boardrider’s Club
2629 Manhattan Avenue, PMB 171
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254