Traditional Hawaiian Paddling

Hawai'i being a cluster of remote islands, it is no shocker the Ancient Hawaiians were such adept and skilled at their voyaging. Known for their talent with navigation and construction of canoes, Hawaiians have made most forms of water voyage a vital part of their culture. They reached the islands of Hawai'i using their own form of natural navigation, utilizing the position of the sun and the stars. and the current and strength of the swell, and more. Of course, they made this voyage in well-built canoes. However long voyages required a lot of manpower to keep on going. This was no easy task. Men had to work together and paddle in unison with the correct, most potent technique. A May-Day activity instructing us on this technique was a reflection of an incredibly important Hawaiian necessity.

Councilman Luke Evslin came to Island School on May-Day to tell us about his past with paddling. He has competed in many traditional Hawaiian canoe races and is quite experienced. He demonstrated correct technique and vocal commands for certain strokes of the paddle. After that, we all received a paddle of our own and formed lines in which we attempted to work together as if we were canoeing. We used commands, strategies, and techniques to win. Whichever team paddled in unison with the correct technique, understood and obeyed commands, and were the fastest, would win the race.

I feel like this activity was one too the best choices to properly portray traditional Hawaiian culture. It was very instructional as I could now handle paddling better than I could before and would be prepared if I would ever do that sport. This application of a traditional Hawaiian skill was both intriguing and a perfect way to celebrate May-Day. (1)