Prior to enjoying time with his family on Father’s Day, Richard Kamikawa was hard at work on Saturday helping his paddling ohana at Manu O Ke Kai extend its undefeated streak.

Kamikawa, a father of four whose wife, Alana, also competes with the Haleiwa-based club, was part of the victorious senior men’s crew that completed the 1½-mile, five-turn race in 12 minutes, 56.65 seconds and finished nearly a minute ahead of runner-up I Mua. After emerging from the winning canoe, the third-year paddler referred to by teammates as Richie joined his crew in running through the victory tunnel formed by outstretched arms of clubmates on the beach.

“We come out, do our best as a crew and have fun,” said Kamikawa as one of his daughters playfully filmed his conversation with the Star-Advertiser on a cell phone. “We try to stay humble and remain close-knit as we blend throughout the season.”

Alana’s women’s 40 crew appeared to win its race as well but was later disqualified by race officials for being over the line as the race started.

“It’s all about family, and my wife is the ‘hammer of the house,’ so we all support each other as we try to keep the Manu name in a good light,” said Kamikawa. “I’m blessed to be able to get off of work every day and paddle with the boys, it’s like an extended family here.”

Manu O Ke Kai claimed the Na ‘Ohana O Na Hui Wa‘a outrigger canoe paddling organization’s Windward Kai Regatta at a wind-whipped Kailua Beach and the dominant victory extended the club’s undefeated run of 17 consecutive regatta victories that dates back to 2017.

The two-time defending Hui Wa‘a AAA Division (25-plus events) champion took home its third consecutive large division trophy of the season with 125 points, thanks in part to a regatta-best 18 victories, and held off Na Keiki O Ka Mo‘i (52 points) — winners of six of the past nine Hui Wa‘a championships. Manu established a commanding 76-30 advantage over Ka Mo‘i through 27 races stemming from 13 wins during that span, and padded the lead as the regatta progressed.

This was the first Windward Kai Regatta in three years that wasn’t affected by a concurrent event. Two years ago, Polynesian voyaging canoe Hokule‘a made its return to Hawaii from the Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage, and a throng of paddlers skipped the regatta to attend the historic homecoming. Last year, a host of paddlers were preoccupied with attempting to purchase Bruno Mars tickets — some eschewed competing that day in pursuit of the opportunity to see the “24K Magic” experience.

‘Alapa Hoe won three of the day’s final four races to claim the AA Division (13-24 events) with 49 points, and held off Kaneohe (40 points) and Ka Mamalahoe (32 points).

Waikiki Yacht Club took home the A Division (up to 12 events) title with 22 points, while the Waikiki Beach Boys (19 points), Haleiwa Outrigger (15 points) and Kai Poha (14 points) were next in the small-club division.

Paddlers enjoyed mostly clear skies and calm ocean conditions, while steady breezes provided some respite from the heat.

Nearly 1,400 competitors ranging in age from 12-and-under to 65-and-above represented Hui Wa‘a’s 19 clubs in 43 races spanning ¼ mile to 1½ miles. Winning crews earned 5 points toward the team standings, while second-, third- and fourth-place finishers were awarded 3, 2 and 1 points.

In addition to vying for medals in individual races, crews collected points to qualify for the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association State Championship regatta slated for Aug. 3 at Hanalei Bay on Kauai. The top three crews from each Hui Wa‘a event are in line to earn automatic berths in the state races based on cumulative point standings.

Hui Wa‘a crews return to action on Saturday at Haleiwa Beach Park for the Haleiwa Outrigger Regatta. The Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association continues its season today with the traditional Father’s Day Regatta at Nanakuli Beach Park.