JACK BARK SET TO DEFEND THE CATALINA CLASSIC TITLE
Photo: Tony Wodarck
In 2024, Jack Bark etched his name in Catalina Classic history with a record-breaking performance across the 32-mile channel from Catalina Island to Manhattan Beach. Besting the 25-year channel record Tim Gair held with a time of 4:54. This year, the defending champion returns for his 15th Classic, aiming to prove last year’s victory was no fluke, and ready for another battle against some of the sport’s best.
“My mindset is that I want to go out there and back up my win,” Bark says. “Last year I was locked in — every day was focused on the race: eating, training, sleeping, visualizing. This year’s been busier with work and travel, but I still want to go out there, put out a great paddle, and win. I’m excited to be racing the boys again."
Photo: Tony Wodarck
Training Adjustments
Jack’s buildup to 2025 started earlier than usual, thanks to his appearance at the Moloka’i 2 O’ahu.
“I started training two months earlier this year because of Moloka’i,” he says. “I’ve been swimming more, which I don’t really enjoy, but I know it’s good for me. I paddled about the same total miles as last year, but spread them out differently. Last year I think I over-paddled because I wanted to know I was doing the work. This year I went more off feel — resting when I felt worked, instead of pushing through every time.”
Confidence vs. Pressure
With a record-setting win behind him, Bark knows he’s the one everyone’s chasing.
“I definitely feel the target on my back,” he admits. “I also feel more confident knowing I can win, but it’s never easy. This year I’ve been battling in a lot of races with guys like Lance Lerum and Tristan Sullaway, and I know it’s going to be a dogfight out there.”
Photo: Tony WodarckCatalina’s Unique Challenge
Jack’s preparation for Moloka’i included more choppy afternoon paddles, downwind sessions, and sprint work to sharpen his quick-twitch muscles for chasing runners. But Catalina demands something different.
“Catalina is just a long paddle — you can’t fake it,” he says. “You can try to hang with the fast guys for 10 miles, but if you haven’t put in the work you’re not gonna be there at the R-10. Trust me, I’ve paddled it off the couch a few times and it’s brutal.”
With the race just around the corner, Bark is ready to put his adjusted training to the test, defend his title, and once again take on the channel that’s been a part of his life for over a decade.
Photo: Tony Wodarck
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