Nappy Napoleon
By PacificNetwork.tv
Nappy Napoleon
Joseph “Nappy” Napoleon is one of Hawaii's greatest paddling legends. His name is synonymous with the best of what the sport represents. His wife, Anona Napoleon, also a paddling icon; his children, and grandchildren -- all perpetuate the tradition. "Uncle Nappy" is founder and head coach of the Anuenue Canoe Club created in 1983 behind the Ilikai Hotel. Those who join this club cannot help but be affected by Uncle's influence. Humble, dedicated, and Hawaiian. Last year the Napoleons celebrated their patriarch's 50th crossing and at the most prestigious outrigger paddling event, the grueling 41 mile Molokai Hoe. His first crossing of the Kaiwi channel was in 1958 when he was 16. Today he's 67. In this interview he says he looks forward to his 51st crossing. At his age he is a formidable competitor and mentor who proves that age is a state of mind.
For more video visit Pacific Network at http://Sports.PacificNetwork.tv/Ocean/
Life is Good
June 4th, 2009 at 4:28 am
Very cool...people like Nappy and his circle of influence make me very proud of my island home and it's people...
I think the New York Outrigger club here in Manhattan will host the NYC race on the 27th. I'll be looking out for the Hawai'ian contingent for sure. They'll bring it...
Edgy, your footage of the OC1 races on PNTV is awesome...reallly captures the spirit of the sport and the culture...
Peace & Light
June 4th, 2009 at 6:26 am
Lovely story about Nappy. A great man in Hawaii sports history. I am inspried by his energy and love of Hawai and sports.
Harry
June 4th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Hi Center,
The footage is produced and shot by Johann Bouit, our waterman with camera. When he shot Pure Light Racing Team at their first Molokai Hoe that was incredible as they are adaptive athletes. It's difficult enough to carry your own weight out of a chair but these athletes hoisted themselves into the canoe in rough open ocean, without assistance, paddling that race like other athletes. We are anxious to release this doc series and to spread the word as to what Aka Hemmings and his non profit, Pure Light, are doing to affect the adaptive athletics worldwide by way of Native Hawaiian cultural protocol and wa'a. In fact we've got an interview with two girls who flew out this year to participate in Pure Light's (once a month first Saturday) at Kailua beach because they had heard that outrigger canoe paddling is a sport in which they can participate. Thanks for your support. There's plenty more where this clip came from and we love to share especially for those of you who live abroad. Imua all you local New Yorkers!