LA County Lifeguard & JMMF key man, Anthony Vela, led the unlimited class with a 3H 52M finish time. 3 minutes later, Race Organizer George Loren came ashore; followed 2 minutes later by Matt Walls.
Matt Walls is a long time Body Glove team member currently selling men's swim/apparel category. Scott Daley, Body Gloves marketing Veep, skippered Matt's escort boat with son Jack acting as 1st mate. Matt and his sons are an integral part of the Jimmy Miller Surf Fiesta and ongoing Ocean Therapy projects.
"The Rock2Rock is notorious for challenging conditions. Waking up to low winds and a swell pushing toward the finish line was a huge relief," declared Walls, "I spent a lot of time in George Loren's rear view mirrors and really wanted to catch him. The pace we set from the start was pretty insane."
Hillary Kane, Body Glove's Business Development Veep, proudly participated on the first ever JMMF/Wounded Warrior relay team. The JMMF raised funds and awareness for the Jimmy Miller Foundation's work with the USMC Wounded Warrior BN West. The 6-member relay team (including Carly Rogers, Gene Boyer, Krystal Flanigan, Ryan Artuso & Ryan Allen) took turns on the board and were escorted on the crossing by Scott Alexander.
There is an indescribable bond that develops between and among the paddlers and crews. Family and friends lined the historic San Pedro shoreline to welcome paddlers as they hit the beach. It was a Father's Day celebration to remember.
The 22.12 mile Rock2Rock course begins at the Catalina Isthmus Pier and finishes at the Cabrillo Beach Bathhouse. Joe Bark established this race in 1997. It has evolved to be a rite of passage for all paddlers and serves as a qualifier for the 32 mile Catalina Classic in August.
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