Skateboard races to roll again

The year was 1977 and the sport of downhill skateboarding racing was still in an embryonic stage.  The modern equipment, skateboard wheels and board design were just coming into their own to where the dare-devilish expertise seen in many of today’s skateboarders was beginning to be possible.

For some time, skateboarders from the mainland had been eying he hills of Catalina similar to the way ocean surfers viewed the giant waves at Mavericks in Northern California with a nearly spiritual awe.

The year was 1977 and the sport of downhill skateboarding racing was still in an embryonic stage.  The modern equipment, skateboard wheels and board design were just coming into their own to where the dare-devilish expertise seen in many of today’s skateboarders was beginning to be possible.

For some time, skateboarders from the mainland had been eying he hills of Catalina similar to the way ocean surfers viewed the giant waves at Mavericks in Northern California with a nearly spiritual awe.

The hills around Avalon seemed perfect to launch a series of world-class skateboard races. And so they did, drawing a small group of elite downhill skaters that took over the Island to participate in the original Catalina Classic.

While the first Catalina Classic was deemed a success by the standards of the day, it did not seem to have the legs necessary to be continued on an annual basis. However, last year, 35 years later the first set of races, the Catalina Classic was back.

Last year’s races brought a little excitement, nostalgia and a bump in the number of visitors to the Island who spend money within the Island’s local tourist economy. The event also gave an unexpected treat to spectators who were already visiting Catalina, putting a shine on their time spent and ensuring some would be back again some time.

With the overall success of last year’s event, the skateboard races will return May 4 and 5 for a weekend long island skate invasion featuring a 1.2 mile, invitation only downhill race event with a cash purse of $7,500.

 According to Riviera Skateboards, the event’s main sponsor, the race will take place “with a huge nod of respect to the originals of downhill skating.”

As a follow up to last year’s Catalina Island Classic, the festivities will include a weekend- long skateboarding extravaganza featuring downhill skateboarding, ramp ripping and live music.

The competition is by invitation only, for skaters. However, spectators are welcome and there is no admission fee to watch the races.

For more information, visit www.catalinaislandclassic.com.