The Shaka, which is done by extending thumb and little finger while the other fingers are bent, is rooted in the world of surfing: but over time it has become part of the popular imagination

The Shaka, an iconic surfers’ gesture made by extending the thumb and pinky finger with the other fingers of the hand closed, is rooted in Hawaiian and surf culture. From California beaches to social media, this gesture is celebrated by athletes, celebrities, and everyday people, embodying a relaxed lifestyle and connecting different cultures with a simple hand motion.

What are the origins of the Shaka

The origins of the gesture are shrouded in legend, but one of the most widely accepted theories concerns a man named Hamana Kalili, a sugar plantation worker in Laie, Hawaii. The story goes that Hamana, after losing three fingers due to a work accident, began using the Shaka gesture to salute.

Hawaiian culture played an important role in the spread of the Shaka gesture, which represents the spirit of aloha, friendship, and goodwill; soon, it was adopted by surfers, who saw in the gesture a reflection of the values of solidarity and respect for the sea and others. The Shaka then spread from the Hawaiian Islands to beaches around the world.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Shaka also began to gain popularity among California surfers, thanks in part to the influence of surf rock music and surf movies, until it became synonymous with surf culture and a symbol of belonging and identity for surfers.

The spread of the Shaka gesture was fostered by surfers’ travels in search of the best waves-this is how it became a universal language among surfers. Today, the Shaka is recognized not only as a symbol of surfing, but also as a gesture that embodies the spirit of friendship and positivity.

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Shaka: meaning of the gesture

Shaka can take on different meanings depending on who is using it.
For example, in California, it serves to express a sense of brotherhood and team spirit among surfers. Similarly, in other parts of the world, the gesture has been integrated into the ways of surfers. It represents the “hang loose” or “stay relaxed” mentality, a fundamental principle for the surfing community that values mutual respect and enjoyment of time spent on the board.

Surfing aside, the Shaka has been adopted in numerous other spheres. In the sports world, it is used by soccer players and professional skateboarders to celebrate victories or express joy: players such as Neymar or Ronaldinho have often celebrated goals and victories with this gesture. In politics and popular culture, the gesture has also found its place: public figures such as Barack Obama, who was born in Hawaii, among others, have contributed to its popularity. The influence of the Shaka gesture also extends to the media and popular culture.

In surfing competitions, the Shaka gesture is often used to celebrate achievements and to wish good luck to other participants-this happens in small and large surfing events. Athletes use the Shaka not only to greet each other, but also to express appreciation and recognition for the good performances of other athletes.

The symbol has appeared in numerous films, music videos, and commercials.The cross-use of the Shaka demonstrates its strength in conveying a universal message of positivity and friendship.

Shaka today: by whom and why it is used

Shaka is a gesture that continues to be very popular: as mentioned, it is now a global symbol of relaxation and positivity, used not only by surfers, but also in other areas of sports and everyday life.

In social media, the Shaka gesture has found a new audience among the younger generation. Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok are filled with images and videos of people communicating messages of friendship, support, and good humor through the Shaka gesture. The gesture is often accompanied by hashtags such as #shaka and #hangloose, which facilitate the sharing and dissemination of positive content related to this symbol.

The fashion world has also “embraced” the Shaka. Many clothing brands, especially those related to the surfing and outdoor lifestyle, use the Shaka symbol in their designs.

Read also: Everything you need to know about surfing rules (even the unwritten ones)

In conclusion

The Shaka gesture is more than just a sign of greeting; it is a symbol that defines the identity of the surfing community. Through the Shaka, surfers manifest a deep connection to Hawaiian culture and the values of respect, solidarity, and love for the ocean. This symbol has stood the test of time and continues to be an important landmark in surf culture; moreover, it has transcended the boundaries of the sport to become in common use not only among other disciplines, but also in the world of fashion and even politics.

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Takeaways

• The Shaka, a distinctive gesture of surfers, has its origins in Hawaiian culture and represents the spirit of aloha-friendship and goodwill. The most credited legend links it to Hamana Kalili of Laie, Hawaii, who, having lost three fingers in an accident, allegedly began using this gesture to salute. Shaka thus symbolizes not only a greeting, but also an expression of friendship and solidarity;
• From the Hawaiian islands to California beaches and beyond, the Shaka gesture spread globally thanks to surfers who traveled in search of the best waves. Over time, the gesture became an integral part of surf culture, celebrated in music, film, and media related to the sport;
• In addition to the world of surfing, the Shaka has been adopted in many other sporting and cultural spheres. Sports figures such as Neymar and Ronaldinho use it to express joy and brotherhood, while figures such as Barack Obama have contributed to its popularity. The Shaka is now a global symbol of relaxation and positivity;
• The Shaka appears frequently in movies, music videos, and advertisements, becoming an icon of relaxed lifestyle and friendship. In social media, the gesture has found new popularity, becoming a symbol through which younger generations express support and good humor, often accompanied by hashtags such as #shaka and #hangloose;
• Today the Shaka is not only a sign of membership in the surfing community, but has become a cross-cultural gesture used in numerous contexts, including fashion and politics. This symbol of friendship and positivity continues to evolve, maintaining its cultural roots while adapting to new contexts and generations.

Frequently asked questions

What are the origins of the Shaka?

The origins of the Shaka gesture are shrouded in legend, but one of the most widely accepted theories concerns a man named Hamana Kalili, a sugar plantation worker in Laie, Hawaii. It is said that, having lost three fingers in a work accident, he began using the Shaka gesture to salute.

What is the significance of the Shaka gesture?

The Shaka can take on different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In California, for example, it is a symbol of brotherhood among surfers. Globally, it represents the “hang loose” or “stay relaxed” mentality, embodying the values of mutual respect and enjoyment of time spent on the board, as well as being a symbol of friendship and positivity.

By whom and why is Shaka used today?

Today, the Shaka is widely recognized and used globally as a symbol of relaxation and positivity, not only among surfers, but also in other sports and everyday life. In social media, it has become a popular sign to communicate friendship, support, and good humor, often associated with hashtags such as #shaka and #hangloose.