What is the Shaka? – Origins and Meanings

The surf culture is here to stay and has built up its own characteristics and individualities. Just as there is a typical language for surfers, surfers and fans of the speciality, the way surfers greet each other in general also has its own special way.

It is called Shaka and is also known as “hang loose”; it is the characteristic salute in the world of surfing and is executed by extending the thumb and little finger, while the other fingers remain closed.

In Surfcanarias we offer you the best destination for surfing, where you will experience the best sensations that Famara Beach provides.

What is the Shaka?

This way of waving, so popular among surfers and people in general, has been used for a long time by surf lovers and surfers.

Little by little it has spread all over the world and nowadays we often see people who have nothing to do with surfing doing this characteristic salute.

It consists of holding the index, middle and ring fingers closed or curled while the thumb and little finger are extended.

Famous people all over the world such as sportsmen and women, actors, singers and even politicians have made this gesture their way of greeting in a colloquial way in front of crowds.

Even former President Barack Obama has been photographed performing the Shaka on occasion.

How did the Shaka or Surfing Salute originate?

There are several theories about the popular Shaka or surfer’s salute as to its origins or who first performed it.

According to a Hawaiian newspaper, the first performer of the Shaka was Hamana Kalili, who had lost three of his fingers, namely the index, middle and ring fingers during an accident at work.

Children began to imitate it and it gradually became a popular form of greeting.

Another theory about the origin of the Shaka relates it to the Spanish explorers and conquistadors.

These apparently folded their fingers and put their thumbs in their mouths as a gesture of friendship, representing the sharing of a drink with the island natives they encountered on arrival on the islands.

Other theories say that it was the gesture made by whale fishermen when they succeeded in catching one of these giants of the sea.

Some say it is a representation of the letter W, which is part of the word Hawaii, and others say it is the shape of the lip of a wave falling into a tube.

With all these theories, the most widespread, however, is that the Shaka derives from the position of the hands used by Polynesian explorers and seafarers to orient themselves by the stars while sailing.

How should the Shaka or Surf Salute be executed?

Being such a popular greeting, everyone does the Shaka in their own way, but we must tell you that there is a correct way to do the surf salute.

For this you must:

1. Hold your hand in a fist.
2. Extend thumb and little finger in opposite directions.
3. It is a rule that the back of the hand must point to the recipient of the greeting; in addition, the gesture is executed with a slight movement or swaying of the hand.

Where does the name Shaka come from?

Shaka derives from a very popular advertisement from the 1960s. Lippy Espinda, a car salesman, used the gesture and uttered the phrase “Shaka Bradah”.

Others believe that Shaka comes from “Shark eye”. The gesture of opening the hand with the outstretched thumb and little finger was a representation of the shark’s head.

As the shark is one of the most respected animals in Hawaii, saying “Shark eye” or “Shaka” was considered a compliment and an honour.

What does the Surfing Salute or Shaka stand for?

Beyond the possible theories about the origin of the gesture and the name of the greeting, the most important thing is what it means and what it conveys.

Friendship, Understanding, Compassion and Solidarity are expressed in the raising of the thumb and little finger while the other fingers remain closed.

In Surfcanarias we have 24 years of experience in the field of surfing. That’s why we want you to be part of this unique experience, either because you are a fan of this sport or because you have simply decided to try it for the first time.

We are located in Famara Beach, Lanzarote (Canary Islands) where you can enjoy and experience the true concept of Famara Surfing, thanks to its location on one of the best beaches in Spain.

In our centre we have the best professionals in this sector, who will provide you with the best knowledge if you decide to venture into one of the famara surf camps that we offer in our surf school.