Jeffreys Bay Surftrips

A tutorial of the legendary SHAKA sign;)

The shaka sign (the unmistakable pinky and thumb salute), is commonly known as “Hang Loose”, a hand gesture often associated with Hawaii and the surfer culture.

The shaka sign was popularized among locals in Hawaii through its use by surfers and in surf culture in the 1960s. It has remained a salutation of friendship used by the local culture at large from then on.

Depending on the context, it can be used to communicate notions such as “thank you”, “hi”, “howzit”, “hello”, “goodbye”, “till next time”, “take care” or “all right”. The shaka gets a lot of use on the roads as an effective drivers sign language and in photographs to communicate a distant greeting.

How to Make a Shaka?

To send a shaka: make a fist with either hand. Extend the thumb and pinky while keeping the middle fingers curled under. Face your thumb and pinky away from your body and draw an invisible “j” in the air. Give your shaka a shake and you’re communicating Hawaiian-style!

Use the shaka sign wherever and whenever you want to spread a little aloha, say thanks for letting you cut in on the road, or along with aloha as hello or goodbye. The shaka sign is more than just a nonverbal communication. When you use it, you acknowledge the true concept of aloha, and participate in the synergistic heartbeat of Hawaii.

Shaka to you all from J-Bay Surftrips.

Thanks to puravidalodge.com