Aaron Napoleon, Secrets of the Man, the Legend

Stories of his family heritage in the world of outrigger canoes and talks of his son crossing the treacherous Molokai channel and surfing deadly waves on the North Shore of Hawaii, all help to paint the true and impressive picture of this legendary waterman, Aaron Napoleon. But there is much more to the legend than meets the eye.

Aaron Napoleon leaving the water at the Big Island during the final leg of the stand up paddle board world surf tour.

NORTH SHORE, Hawaii – If you are in the realm of stand up paddle boarding and haven’t yet heard about Aaron Napoleon, a bit of educating is in order. Napoleon comes from a highly revered line of outrigger canoe paddlers in Hawaii, the details of which shall not concern us right now. It suffices to say that outrigger canoe paddling for Hawaiians is more than a mere pastime during the weekends, offering relaxation, exercise, and camaraderie. For them, outrigger canoeing is a way of life, a reminder of their history as a people, and an activity that connects Hawaiians to their Polynesian and Tahitian roots. With so much meaning riding on this watersport, it is no surprise how the Napoleons have become legends in those precincts, including Aaron and his son Riggs. Following in their family footsteps, they have become paddlers extraordinaire, excelling in multiple water disciplines.

Here are two tale-like feats of this father-son duo. The Hawaiian Ka’iwi Channel, also known as the Molokai Channel, is considered one of the world’s most treacherous bodies of water. It connects the North Shore of the island of Molokai to the South Shore of the island of Oahu, stretching 32 miles long. Maximum depth reaches 2,300 feet, swells of 30 feet are commonplace, and gale-force winds (30-60 mph) can blow erratically. The Molokai Channel has claimed many lives, fishermen  and canoe paddlers alike, including even legendary waterman Eddie Aikau. Aaron and Riggs have clocked some hours in the channel. Rumors have it that Riggs, at a very young age, would man the supporting boat solo during his father’s channel crossings. Then just recently, while still in his early teens, the two crossed the channel, but this time both on paddleboards, in the Molokai-2-Oahu Race. (Check out Rogue SUP Boards Aaron paddles.)

Now add Sunset. As one of the world’s heaviest and biggest waves, Sunset Beach on the North Shore of Oahu is no kid’s playground – well, not until Aaron and Riggs decide to play in it. Here is a short account from February 2011.

Waves at Sunset are so high that they are closing what’s typically a fairly reliable channel. Lifeguards on jetskis are assisting the few stand up paddlers out in the surf. It’s a surf contest and competitors are getting in and out of the water as if cycling through a washing machine. Now time is up for Aaron to enter the water. Leaving the comfort of his shade, he puts his beer aside, reaches for his board and paddle, and off he goes. Heat after heat, round after round, he advances past a thick field of young athletes, later catching one of the most remarkable rides of the event. The wave jacks up like a multi-story building, Aaron drops down the face of the wave in a free fall but makes it, carving deep inside the pocket and working his backside masterfully all the way down the line. A few minutes later, it’s Riggs’ time. His early teen build seems frail in light of the bone-crushing waves. But following in the footsteps of his father, the young Napoleon muscles his way through the waves and defies everyone’s preconception that he wasn’t mature enough to handle that powerful lineup. (See performance Rogue SUP surfboards used in contests.)

Now as legend-building as these stories may be, nothing beats the grandiosity of the Napoleons’ generosity and, as they say in Hawaii, “Aloha Spirit.” Some of you might have heard about these stories, but what many probably don’t know is what was happening on the beach while the surf was firing. Aaron and Tasha, his wife, were feeding virtually everyone on the beach, sharing beers with them, and showcasing an openness of heart that underscores the greatness of that family. This, of all the impressive Napoleon stories, is the most grand of them all. This is the Napoleon secret. And perhaps, it is this grander than life approach, arms and heart wide open, that drives Aaron, Riggs, Tasha and the rest of the Napoleon family to navigate through legendary lines. 

Do you have a Napoleon story to share? How important is attitude in the sport?