At 26, Kiva is considered the next generation of ocean pioneers. With Buzzy Kerbox as his mentor, it isn't a surprise that Kiva excels in all water
sports and is a fierce competitor with a great Hawaiian-style, positive outlook.
He is definitely carving his mark in the water as a champion longboarder, amazing shortboarder and overall talent as a well-rounded waterman.
Kiva is also a great paddler and proved this in the recent Molokai race (a grueling 32-mile race and true test for the serious waterman) where he took
second place in his respective team stock division.
With deep family roots in the island culture, Kiva is active in the community with kids through his family history and his father's literature seminars,
and plays a major role in sharing his love for the water with others.
When Kiva isn't in the water, you might see him in a magazine as a successful model, but his true passion remains close to
home where he can take advantage of the ocean and all it has to offer.
Kiva's talent, energy, and positive vibe are the true testament of an authentic waterman, and are the fundamentals of the Honolua
Surf Co. brand philosophy.
KIVA RIVERS INTERVIEW: Catalina Race 2008
Honolua: How many years have you been doing Catalina & what's your best race/describe?
Rivers: I've never done the Catalina race before, so I'm really looking forward to competing in it this year!
My best race would be either the Molokai race last year, battling it out with Keoni was really fun!, the Maliko race is
really fun too because it's in my backyard, and everyone from all over the world gets to experience what the glides are
like over here on Maui, it's fun to hear the feed back from everyone on the Maui bumps. The difference between paddling
in Hawaii compared to California is: there are a lot more bumps here in Hawaii, with 15-30 mph. winds just about every
day, there's always something to glide on, not to mention the warmer water feeling a lot better to paddle in ( you can
still feel your hands) . Where as California winds tend to be a lot lighter, and instead of having the bumps pushing
with you, the Catalina race (from what I've heard) the winds are either not there or there blowing in your face. So it's
more of a mental game that you play with your self in believing that your indeed catching glides into the wind. Which
you are, but it just doesn't feel like it. And of course the water is a lot colder, so that can be a challenge within
it's self for paddlers coming over from Hawaii.
Honolua: Does Joe make the boards you race for the Catalina different than in Hawaii, and How? Rivers: The differences between my boards for Maui compared to California are: there's a bit more rocker
in the front of the board for catching those big glides that were use to over here on Maui, where as in California the
boards have a lot less rocker in the nose for the flatter water to be able to plain more, and not push against the water
as much. Joe Bark does shape my boards, he's an incredible shaper!
Honolua: Do you think paddling and racing etc, can spread across America to inland places lakes rivers? Rivers: Yes, I do be live that paddle boarding could be enjoyed in lakes across the world. It's a great
way to stay in shape during off season from any other sports you might play, or just being able to get a good work out
while staying wet. Take Hood River in Oregon for example, there is a ton of wind there for paddle boarding. You could
drop a car off on one side on the lake and then paddle down wind to the other side for fun and while at the same time
it's great work out.
