"32 Miles" Is A Documentary Worth Watching

 

I just rediscovered prone paddling on June 7th (2025), when a friend talked me into signing up for R10 Race hosted by the South Bay Boardriders Club (SBBC). The race has two courses and 8 mile course for the more experienced paddlers and a 2 mile course for newbies like me. I finished first in division in the 2 Mile R10 race and was immediately hooked.  I signed up for the next race the South Bay Paddle and again hosted the SBBC. There was a 15 mile course and another 2 mile course. I did the 2 mile course and again placed first in my division. I got a relay team and did the Rock to Rock, then the Velzy-Stevens 2 mile, then the 2 mile Catalina Cup.

I swept the season and got first in every 2 mile race in my division (12' stock adult male). Over the season I became friends with so many prone paddlers. I took lessons with Kurt and DJ at Oceans Prone. I try to learn something from every paddler I met, even new paddlers had insights that I found incredibly useful. Right after the Catalina Cup race I stayed on the beach at the Manhattan Beach pier and watch amazing athletes finish the Catalina Classic, their 32 miles. I kept running into friends and telling them they are my hero for finishing those 32 miles. 

A few weeks later I got a call from Tom Horton, the president of the SBBC and was invited to go watch a film about Paddling the Catalina Classic.  The film 32 Miles was showing at the Mann's Chinese Theater in Hollywood as part of the Silicon Film Festival. We all met up in El Segundo and took a party bus to downtown. It was awesome! The conversations, the vibes, the whole trip there was so comfortable and fun that I almost wished the drive was longer. 

Watching the film on the big screen was a sight worth seeing. I really felt like I was there in the water on this 32 mile journey with my friends. The story unfolded and it was a wild ride. Everything from the ocean conditions, the pain and joy. I'll admit that on more than one occasion my eyes teared up. I have a deep respect for the men and women that have slayed the 32 miles from Catalina to Manhattan pier. The film 32 Miles really showcases what prone paddling is about, its deep history and its beautiful future. 

So here you go, check out the film here and get inspired to get in the ocean and experience what it's like to prone paddle.

32 Miles

Black Line Logo

"32 Miles" is a documentary that intertwines two compelling narrative arcs, showcasing the resilience and determination of athletes and organizers alike. In one narrative, viewers are thrust into the heart of the action as athletes gear up and tackle the legendary Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race. Spanning 32 miles from Catalina Island to the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier, this grueling race is the ultimate test of endurance for paddlers from across the globe. Through breathtaking cinematography and intimate interviews, audiences witness the physical and mental challenges these courageous competitors face as they battle fierce ocean currents and unimaginable fatigue to reach the finish line. Simultaneously, the film delves into the behind-the-scenes effort of the South Bay Boardrider's Club and the City of Manhattan Beach to honor the rich history and legacy of the Catalina Classic. With meticulous attention to detail, the organizers navigate bureaucratic hurdles and logistical obstacles to erect a monumental bronze statue at the base of the Manhattan Beach pier. As they confront numerous setbacks, their unwavering commitment to preserving the spirit of the race and celebrating its participants shines through. As both storylines converge, "32 Miles" captures the essence of perseverance in the face of adversity. Whether battling the unforgiving waters or bureaucratic red tape, the protagonists of this documentary demonstrate the power of passion, teamwork, and sheer determination to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Ultimately, the film serves as a tribute to the indomitable human spirit and the enduring legacy of the Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race.

SBBC R10 2 Mile Short Course Paddleboard Race

 

Up to the day of the SBBC R10 Paddleboard Race I had only paddled on a prone paddle board 3 times in the last couple of decades. On top of that I had never even paddled on a 12' stock board. My friend had a 12' stock board he said I could barrow for the race and told me that I could either sign up for the 8 Mile or the shorter 2 Mile course. I thought it over and after weighing the Pro's and Con's of each course, the possible weather conditions and my own lack of experience I decided to do the 2 Mile course. 

I picked up the board from my friends house the night before the race. I checked the weather and surf forecast for the 100th time and felt a little better about the 2 Mile course. It would start to Torrance beach and run north to around Avenue C and back. At 7:30 am the hard core paddlers started the 8 Mile race to the R10 Buoy from Torrance beach. Just before 8:00 am the announcement went out to get in the water line up at the starting line for the 2 Mile.  I was suited up and as ready as I was going to be.

I grabbed the 12' Bark stock board by Surftech that my friend let me barrow. I jumped on the board for the first time and paddled thru the surf. All the competitors formed a line at the red buoy and we waiting for the starting horn to sound. At 8 am sharp the horn rang out. Everyone began paddling, sprinting and the pack started to spread out. I was trying my best to stay with the top 5 others and that was not easy. The three leading paddlers kept adding distance. I held my pace, stroke after stoke making progress towards the buoy a mile from the starting line.  

I rounded the buoy and sprinted another 100 yards. I regained some lost ground and began catching up to the person in the 4th position. Another half mile down the beach I finally passed him, holding my pace, never letting up and not looking back. I made the final left turn at the starting buoy and headed for the sand. Digging deep I caught a small wave but fell off to the side. Luckily my board stayed near me. Quickly, I jumped back on and paddled the rest of the way to the shore line. My wife, sister and nephews all cheered me on as I sprinted up the sand bank to final finish line. 

I was stoked to discover that I had finished 4th overall and I was first in my division (18 to 49 years old on 12' stock paddle board). Shortly after 2 mile the race Matt Walls started the awards ceremony. He called out the the top three finishers for each division and handed out metals to each winner. Matt called my name and cheers rang out as he handed off the blue ribbon first place metal to me. I felt so accomplished. I definitely expanded my comfort zone by doing something I had never done before. Now I'm really excited to enter the next race and see if I can do even better. This is definitely the type of event any new paddleboarder should try out.