Ventura Lifeguard Kabris Wins Paddleboard Race

George Kabris, a Ventura lifeguard, won the Catalina Classic paddleboard competition Sunday, paddling from Catalina Island to Manhattan Beach in 5 hours, 23 minutes--two minutes behind the record.

“I’m always amazed I can do it. My first goal every year is to finish,” said Kabris, 32. “It’s an added bonus to finish first. And cream of the crop to almost break a record.”

Kabris has been a lifeguard at San Buenaventura State Beach for 15 years, plenty of time to build up the strength and stamina to be a top contender in the annual 32-mile race through open seas.

The paddleboard used in the race, which dates back to 1955, is an 18 1/2-foot customized version of the rescue boards used by lifeguards. This year’s competition featured 69 paddlers, including record-holder Gene Rink, a Los Angeles County firefighter who dropped out after 2 1/2 hours.

Kabris is a standout because of his near-tireless training, said fellow San Buenaventura beach lifeguard James Harmon.

“George is very experienced and very skilled on how to use the paddleboards. And that puts him at an advantage in the competition,” Harmon said.

“He trains more than anyone I know,” he added.