Kenny Kaneko was born in Chigasaki, Japan but grew up in Southern California. With his father’s influence, he grew up surfing and playing football. Football brought Kenny back to Japan when he was 17 with a professional contract but shortly after, he tore his ACL which ended his soccer career.

Kenny’s father’s influence didn’t end there as he introduced Kenny to the outrigger canoe, which ultimately led him to SUP in 2013. Kenny has proved himself as world-class at every sport he pursues, firstly at football, now at SUP. At his home in Hayama, Japan Kenny’s trophy cabinet is bursting with accolades; he is a 4 X Japan National Champion, came 1st place in the Hong Kong International SUP championship and placed 3rd in the iconic Molokai to Oahu race in 2019.

When Kenny is not competing on the international circuit, he paddles outrigger canoe and surfs as well as spending time with his two daughters.