Annual Catalina Ski Race

One of Long Beach’s oldest annual traditions is the annual Catalina Ski Race. Operated by the Long Beach Boat & Ski Club since 1949, the race has become one of the most prestigious of its kind, drawing elite athletes from around the world to compete at our Aquatic Capital of America.

The shockingly fast race is no casual morning on the water. An average of 40 skiers compete in the 63-mile course that loops from the Long Beach Harbor to Catalina Island and back in as fast as 45 minutes. Skiers on single skis are pulled by high-speed race boats, reaching speeds of up to 100 miles per hour on the open water. To put it in perspective, the speedy catamaran ferries that take visitors to Catalina Island take about an hour - one way - to traverse these same waters.

How To Watch
This summer, spectators can watch the race start & finish in-person, or via streaming on the Long Beach Boat & Ski Club Facebook page. The race leaves the Long Beach Harbor at 9 AM, weather permitting, with racers usually crossing the finish line anywhere from 45 min to hours later with a race cutoff at 12 PM. For those attending in person, the Long Beach Boat & Ski Club recommends watching the starting line for free from Junipero or Alamitos Beach areas, and watching the finish line at the mouth of the Los Angeles River, directly across from the Queen Mary along the bike path that extends towards Grissom Island. The view from the decks of the Queen Mary is ideal, but note the ship charges a fee for entry.

Get Involved
The Long Beach Boat & Ski Club is always looking for new members and can connect skiers, drivers, navigators, and observers with one another, keeping this long-running tradition alive for years to come. The club is 100% volunteer-based and is organizing race season activities right now. Those interested in competing in the race or looking to start a team can visit catalinaskirace.net for information and entry forms.