The shaka sign, sometimes called “hang loose” is a staple of surf culture. It originates from Hawaiian surf culture, but has become a common part of surf culture around the world. It’s used as a greeting, to show how stoked you are and to show you belong.
The origins of the shaka sign are legendary. That’s to say there’s a common legend, but there isn’t 100% agreement on the details. For a sign with so many uses, it’s fitting that the roots of the shaka sign are the stuff of legend.
Legendary Origin of the Shaka Sign
The origins of the Shaka Sign are said to be from the East side of the Oahu island of Hawaii. A fisherman lost his middle 3 fingers in an industrial accident at a sugar mill.
Here’s where the legends diverge. Either the shaka sign originated from him waving at other islanders as he passed. Or maybe he became a security guard for a sugar train and used to chase kids away. Or the kids used the shaka sign to signal that the security guard wasn’t looking.
In any case, the shaka sign spread across Oahu and to the mainland during the heyday of surf culture in the 60s.
Elements of a Proper Shaka
There are multiple ways to throw the shaka sign. However there are a few core things you should know.
You make a fist with your hand – either tightly or more relaxed. Your pinky and thumb go out and not up. You generally show the back of your hand and give a little shake. Don’t keep waving it back and forth like it’s a beauty pageant.
That’s probably good enough for starters. There are more advanced maneuvers like the two handed bangah and pointing with the shaka, but it’s good to start with at the beginning.
The shaka sign and the spirit of aloha are inspirations for Shaka Cola. We hope to spread summer vibes and do some good for our oceans with every sip.