John John Florence’s Tribute to the Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race (Video)

If there’s a silver lining to the Channel Islands blocking swell from Southern California, it’s that it creates one helluva trip for capable paddlers.

Florence is one of the sponsors of the 47th annual Catalina Classic, which is set for Sunday, August 25. The company just released a video that’s part promo, part tribute to the prestigious race. A fitting partnership considering John John’s interest in all ocean disciplines.

“Hands in the Pacific – The Enduring Legacy of the Catalina Classic” recognizes many of the paddlers, including massively influential surfers, who have crossed the channel from Catalina Island to the mainland. There’s surfboard builder, fin inventor and paddler Tom Blake, who is credited with being one of the first (along with two Santa Monica lifeguards) to paddle in 1932. The 32-mile race from Isthmus Cove to the Manhattan Beach Pier started in 1955, and renowned watermen like Greg Noll, Ricky Gregg and Tommy Zahn were among the earliest participants.

What’s unique about this race, aside from the distance, is that there is no prize money. Paddlers endure 5.5 to 8 hours for pride and bragging rights.

“There’s no age groups, no money, it’s just a great race,” said Joe Bark, founder of Bark Paddleboards. “People do it because they love paddling, nothing more.”

For the Bark family, paddling is the definition of mixing business with pleasure. Joe Bark shows some archival imagery of his heyday as well as some behind the scenes with his son Jack, a Florence Test Pilot.

“I think the reason the Catalina Channel, and the race specifically, is such a proving ground for paddleboarders, is because of the tradition of the race, the history and the watermen and women who have paddled the channel before us,” Jack said. “I think every year no matter how many years you race the channel, it’s still a hard day no matter what. Every year I go out there I learn so much because every year is different. You may win the race but you’re not going to conquer the channel.”

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