TOA PERE: LOCKED IN FOR THE 2025 CATALINA CLASSIC
Photo: Tony Wodarck
In less than two weeks, some of the world’s best paddleboarders will take on the 32-mile grind from Catalina Island to the Manhattan Beach Pier in the historic Catalina Classic. Among them is 16-year-old phenom from Hawaii, Toa Pere, a rising force who’s already shown he can hang with the fastest in the sport.
Coming off a tight battle for second in last year’s Classic and another nail-biting fight for second at the 2025 Moloka’i 2 O’ahu, Toa’s mindset this year is clear: keep learning, keep building, and keep pushing toward the top of the podium.
“I’m feeling pumped for this year’s Classic,” Toa says. “We’ve got a great field of competitors, and I’m excited to challenge the channel again. My sights are set on the podium — maybe even winning.”
Photo: Tony Wodarck “I’ve learned that I can hold a battling pace for the entire 32 miles,” Toa explains. “Going head-to-head with guys like Davy Thomas, Harry Stone, and Ethan Story has been huge for my growth. Every race teaches me something new, and I just keep adding to that knowledge so I can be more prepared next time.”
Photos: Shane Grace
Catalina vs. Moloka’i
While both races test endurance, strategy, and grit, Toa approaches each differently.
“Moloka’i has more downwind sections, while Catalina is a different kind of challenge,” he says. “But everything I train for in Moloka’i transfers over — the mileage, the pace work, the mental game. This year I’ve been hammering laps in front of my house on the North Shore. No glassy water, just up-and-down conditions to work on my glide and pace. Those laps add up.”
Photo: Tony Wodarck
The Goal
With his training peaking and confidence growing, Toa is ready to make a run at the top.
“This year is about taking all my learnings from past battles and using them to go faster. I can’t wait to line up and give it everything.”
Photo: Tony Wodarck
The 2025 Catalina Classic kicks off soon — and if Toa has his way, he’ll be crossing the Manhattan Beach Pier finish line not just with a podium spot, but with his name at the top.
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