“S
ometimes you have real- ly rough seas and some- times you have really calm and fantastic seas
where everything is going in the right direction. Sometimes you have to paddle up against the wind and the waves. And that’s the challenge in life,” said Outrigger Canoe Club paddler, coach, and father, Ikaika Kincaid. “There’s a lot of metaphors that we bring into teaching our kids and our family about the ocean and life. There’s similarities in good days, bad days, awesome days, and really crap- py ones. Sometimes it’s about the voyage and getting there and going through all of it. And doing that with a family that has the same mentality is pretty cool,” he continued. It’s the im- portance of family that is at the core of paddling for Ikaika, who has count- ed on both—family and paddling—to see him through good days and bad, which is a lesson he has passed on to his growing keiki, now in their teens. Kincaid is a member of a larger ‘ohana of championship-winning paddlers. Though they are spread across Maui and O‘ahu, the family’s love of paddling is the bond that keeps them close. A sport that is a weekend hobby for many is a way of life for the three generations of Kincaid kin. They regularly paddle together—it’s their version of quality family time. Together, they talk story, crack jokes, learn from one another, and stay in
From left: Anolani Leafchild, Kamana Napoleon, Liz Kincaid, Pi‘illani Napoleon, Mehana Leafchild, Jimmy Kincaid, Ikaika Kincaid, Cash Kincaid,
Alii Napoleon and Pa‘ahana Kincaid.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022 | AMA 13
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