62mile Water Ski Race - Long Beach to Catalina & Back

Greetings!

The Catalina Water Ski Race, which takes place this Saturday, July 17, may not be well-known, but it has a long history and a strong following among water skiers, some travel around the globe to compete in the event.

The top racers, who can finish the 62 mile course in less than an hour will reach top speeds of up to 90 mph. This is nothing like skiing on a lake or river, It is completely different trying to ski with the waves, plus the speeds. One difference is the grip of the line. For this competition, racers use what's called an Australian wrap, in which they wrap the line over themselves and hold it on their backs with one hand, while they control the tightness of the line and make hand signals with the other.

Since 1949 The Catalina Water Ski Race has challenged athletes from around the globe who dare to endure the unpredictable waters across to Avalon and back to Long Beach. There are classes for all ages, skill levels and boat types. Anyone can form a team then come enter the World's Greatest Ski Race. Whether you ski, drive or observe... it will be an experience you will never forget.

All people who love water skiing, boating, racing, and more. We want all families, friends, groups, and clubs. We want to enter you in this race whether you are big, small, short, tall, young, old, fast, not-so-fast, a serious competitor or just to achieve the unimaginable.

For more information about the race, or to watch it online on race day, go to: www.catalinaskirace.net.

Prediction: Todd Haig ( probably spelled wrong ) will finish first

That is Badazz, Safe race to them.

Are you the turn boat again Nort? Get some pics?

Isn't this this the race that Chuck Stearns won so many times?Always wore the polka dot swim trunks?Is Chuck still around,I always followed his wins,but that was long time ago.

Up Here we Call that Trolling LOL

I'd do it in a heartbeat if it wasn't 2000 miles a way. Great history with this race. For those of you who have not seen ski racing check out some videos. I think it would be fun to do a ski race the Sunday after a poker run. It would give poker run attendees another reason to run. For those of you who like to ski buy a Majerajah Long Board Ski and a 150' foot rope and take a ride at 50mph. Nothing like it. Real peaceful and the view and the sound of the boat is awesome.

I have always thought that race was a really cool event and have been intrigued by it. I could never be the guy on the ski but I could drive the boat ! Maybe I will call that guy who went barefoot behind us at Turks and Caicos ! LOL
All the best to the participants.
Bob

A friend of mine who is now 84 has a trophy from 1958. At that time they had a water skiing contest around Grand Island NY. The distance around the island was 28 miles and the boat at the time had a top speed of about 28 MPH. He completed the round trip in just over 1 hr. Pretty cool story when he tells it.

It's fun to cover the distance when you're the only one on the water practicing, but raceday is a whole other story. I attempted the race when I was writing for Powerboat and when 100 boats are headed for the Queen's Gate opening all at once to start the race, the water conditions are nothing short of hellacious. I wound up with a partially separated shoulder and cut my cheek on the tip of the ski. Have to admit that it felt pretty good covering the distance in practice and it was definitely interesting to learn that the rollers I went over when there were no boats around were caused by a submarine.