Joe Bark: Prone Paddling + Building Boards + Building Community and an Amazing Family Right in the Middle of it
Joe Bark is an absolute legend in the traditional (prone) paddling world and the nicest and most humble guy you will ever meet. He has made the majority of prone paddleboards on the planet and has been racing them for over 40 years. His name is synonymous with the sport of prone paddling. And it’s a family affair; all are accomplished water-people, his kids make boards, surf, fish, dive and they paddle, FAST. Joe tells the story of his entry into paddling, his life in the ocean, his family and their paddling exploits, his business – Bark Boards, and everything else you’ve wanted to know about the accomplished, humble and humorous icon, Joe Bark.
Time: 0:56
Catalina Classic Starts Back Up
Time: 0:45
Why Catalina?
Time: 0:59
The Barks
Time: 0:37
Growth of Prone
00:00 – Storytelling podcast revealing unknown, personal details.
07:37 – Surfing childhood memories at Kahana Bay.
11:25 – Paddled from Catalina on borrowed boards.
19:55 – Juggled fire department, harbor patrol; couldn’t continue.
23:14 – “Inspired by paddlers, I began building paddleboards.”
30:47 – 1996 classic race on old, storied board.
32:32 – Inexperienced paddler learns discipline and nutrition.
38:20 – Paddling together builds strong community connections.
44:10 – Competitive progression requires qualifying and dedication.
50:42 – Community fun fuels challenging channel paddle.
55:38 – Guys customized, labeled, and tracked boards.
1:03:03 – Precision matters; modern methods ensure consistency.
1:06:59 – Family passion: kids shaping boards together.
1:14:36 – Documenting race; capturing unexpected special moments.
1:24:07 – “Liz is an amazing paddler and friend.”
1:26:52 – Sponsorship boosts visibility, attracting new participants.
1:29:58 – John Florence’s Florence Marine X excites the community.