Catalina Classic Commemorative Statue

01/29/2024

We can’t wait for you all to see the results of a 2 year collaboration between and to make the film, “32 Miles”. What initially was intended to be a 10-15 minute piece describing the process of creating the statue, turned into a 50 minute film about the Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race and statue.

The film had a private screening last week to paddlers and their non-paddler significant others, and everyone applauded the film. It will be shown to a broader audience at some time in the future and we will let you know. Stay tuned!!

12/30/2023

We recently learned that Carol Hogan, pictured here cutting the red ribbon, passed away a little while ago. Carol was Bob Hogan’s wife, the co-founder of the Catalina Classic, and we are soooo happy that she was able to take part in the statue’s ribbon cutting before she passed away. RIP Carol 🙏🏼

12/25/2023

This is an amazing piece of artwork and gift for Catalina Classic paddlers! Look closely at all the details!

11/26/2023

Don’t forget to send in your photos of the statue for a chance to win a portion of the $1000 in prizes. Winners will be announced in December 7th edition.

📷 Homer Hernandez

11/26/2023

Send your photos of the statue in ASAP for a chance to win $1000 in prizes. Check out the fantastic photos sent in so far:

A photography contest whose sole subject is the Catalina Classic Commemorative Statue at the Manhattan Beach pier is being hosted by the South Bay Boardriders Club, Paul’s Photo and Easy Reader.

10/18/2023

Stop by Gallery 208 to visit the legendary Bark family and check out product.

09/15/2023

.photo are sponsoring a photo contest of the statue. Prizes include $500, $300, $200 gift cards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place. Details in 📷

09/04/2023

Has everyone recovered from last Sunday? This statue is dedicated to all of you who finished the crossing whether you finished before or after the 9 hour cutoff. Garrett, Type 1 diabetic, who finished in 11 1/2 hours, you are the HERO of the day given what you went through to make it to MB Pier. We honor you!

As the pain and PTSD wear off, the thoughts of doing this race again next year become easier to swallow with dreams of not just better conditions, but 1999-like conditions: “the conveyor belt year”.

We have already heard from some young bucks who heard about conditions this year and are so impressed with hearing the stories that they want to give it a go next year. Let’s welcome, nurture, and help develop the next generation to continue this historic tradition.

Who’s doing another 32 miles at in October? See you there!

Cheers to you all! ❤️🤙🏼💪🏼👊🏼

09/01/2023

Great article from Hawaii Tribune about our sculptor, Chris Barela: https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2023/08/24/hawaii-news/hawi-artist-completes-beach-cities-hat-trick-18-foot-sculpture-to-be-unveiled-today-in-manhattan-beach-calif/

08/28/2023

The first 2 photos show the miserable conditions yesterday during and the 3rd photo is a picture of conditions this morning…….a day late. What the heck!!!

08/26/2023

What a great event yesterday celebrating the installation of the long awaited Catalina Classic Commemorative Statue! Great turnout with magnificent special guests Bing Copeland, Roy Bream, Sam Elliott and Katherine Ross!

Thank you for helping us make it happen and thank you to everyone who supported us financially and politically along the way as we navigated the 7 year journey to install this beauty.

We still have a plaque to install that describes the race and acknowledges various people, as well as place the names of all the champions over the years. Stay tuned for that!

08/23/2023

offered to host a post-ribbon cutting event at their Manhattan Beach location on MB Blvd. is providing poke and is providing empanadas of course! Have a beer and grab some grub to continue celebrating the statue!!!