Word of the week: Shaka ????

The shaka sign ????—thumb and pinky extended, middle fingers folded—is a gesture widely used in surf culture, but its roots run deeper than just wave riding. It’s Hawaiian in origin and predates modern surfing altogether.

???? The origin story

The most widely accepted version traces the shaka back to a Hawaiian man named Hamana Kalili, from Laie on Oʻahu, in the early 1900s.

Hamana lost the three middle fingers of his right hand in a sugar mill accident. When he waved to local kids with his unique hand shape, they started copying him — as kids do.

What started as a simple wave evolved over time into a symbol of greeting, gratitude, and good vibes.

???? From Hamana to the lineup

As surfing grew in Hawaii and then globally throughout the mid-20th century, surfers adopted the shaka as part of the aloha spirit. It became a kind of silent surf shorthand for:

• “It’s all good” ????
• “Thanks” ????
• “Hello” ????
• “Catch you in the water” ????

⚠️ Not to be confused with…

Don’t mix up the shaka with the sign of the horns ???? (index and pinky extended, middle and ring held down). That one has a whole different vibe—traditionally used to ward off evil spirits, summon metal bands, or both. ????????

Author: The Wipeout Weekly team