If you’ve never been to one of the fantastic events at Native Books – Nā Mea Hawaiʻi, then auwē! You have no idea what you’re missing out on. A couple weeks ago, we went to the book launch of Hawaiian Surfing: Traditions from the Past by John R.K. Clark [read our review]. It was definitely an experience to listen to this accomplished waterman talk about surfing and the interesting things he was able to uncover in nearly a century’s worth of old Hawaiian language newspapers from the 1830’s to the 1940’s.
In addition to the six traditional surf sports, Clark also shared some other interesting tidbits he’d uncovered that are mentioned in the book. For example, surfing was so important to the ancient Hawaiians they had a specified class of experts for board making and shaping called kahuna kālai papa alaia heʻe nalu. Also of note, Princess Kaʻiulani was in the first surfing film ever made. A man by the name of Burton Holmes brought a film crew to Honolulu in 1898 and was invited to attend a lūʻau lunch where the Princess and other guests demonstrated outrigger surfing. Clark said he attempted to track down the old film but found that the only surviving copy is unviewable. Still, it’s amazing to hear about the sorts of things he found.
You know how it is when you find yourself talking to someone who truly loves what they do? They speak with intimate passion and excitement to share their knowledge and manaʻo and you can’t help but get excited too? That’s what it’s like listening to Clark talk about surfing. He’s previously written eight other books, and he’s still going strong with more projects on surfing and Hawaiʻi’s beaches. So next time, you better come!
Watch this entertaining and educational video of Clark talking about the six traditional surf sports:
