37th Annual Catalina Classic

The 37^th annual Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race, being held on Sunday, August 26^th, will be sponsored by Body Glove for the 2^nd year. The 32-mile race which spans the channel from the Isthmus, Catalina to the Manhattan Beach Pier is the most historic paddleboard race in the world. Body Glove co-founder, Bob Meistrell, will lead the race in his boat, the Disappearance, for the 25^th consecutive year. Bob’s grandson Jamie Meistrell and great nephew Daley Meistrell will carry on the family heritage by participating in the race for their first time. The race starts promptly at 6am at the Isthmus where all 85 paddlers will test their ability and endurance against the elements as they paddle across one of the Pacific’s deepest and busiest channels.  The Disappearance will be live tweeting updates so make sure to follow @catalinaclassic for the latest information.

South Bay Dozen SB12 7/7/12

South Bay Dozen SB12 7/7/12
Waterman/Waterwomen Competition Torrance Beach CA
12 events Men & Women with a "Bakers Dozen" 13th Event with a mix of everything & everyone at the end of the day...All proceeds go to The Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation JMMF...

A beautiful day at Torrance Beach, couldn't ask for better weather

Hard at work representing the "Any hand, Anywhere..."

Baby Girl Finn Murphy having a fun time with the Body Glove hands

JMMF Intermission to let the families know why we are there, and to give thanks to all the sponsors 

The "13th" event

Lifeguard Tom Seth's board repping Body Glove

Body Glove HS Team Rider Rachel Tominaga participated in the days events...




A great day of sun & family fun!!!! Thanks SB12 & JMMF for letting us be apart for your awesome event!!

Strong Rock2Rock finish for Body Glove / Jimmy Miller Foundation FAMILY

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.