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SURFERMAG.COM ONLINE EXCLUSIVES

For many Native Hawaiians, surfing isn’t just a recreation or a lifestyle; it’s a cultural practice, like fishing and hula. It’s a way to tap into the lines of wave riding ancestors. For Native Hawaiians to not be represented on the WCT is as degrading for the ancient Hawaiians as drilling a hole into the Ko‘olau Mountains for an “interstate freeway” (it’s impossible to drive between states in Hawai‘i.)

The entire blame does not lie within Native Hawaiian organizations’ ignorance in the sport of surfing. “I don’t think surfing is viewed as a sport by [Native Hawaiian organizations], it’s more viewed as a lifestyle or hobby,” says Shibata. “I think if those organizations were more educated about surfing history, it would totally change their outlook and there would be a lot more opportunity for Native Hawaiian surfers.”

As of press time, the Kamehameha Schools are currently reviewing a proposal to start a surf team this school year, with Shibata and Dr. Chun giving the thumbs up. This year, Native Hawaiian grom-phenom Ezekiel Lau is attending Kamehameha’s Kapalama campus in the seventh grade and is amping at the possible opportunity to compete in the interscholastic NSSA division.

The freshest crop of homegrown Hawaiian teens like 2006 NSSA Open Men’s champ Kekoa Cazimero and Hizson Lin-Kee are representing for the natives in the amateur ranks, and developing their wave riding skills for the arduous ‘QS.

Currently, 2005 World Junior Champ Kekoa Bacalso, Makua Rothman, Jason Shibata, TJ Barron and Mason Ho are the only Native Hawaiians surfing on the WQS who are actively pursuing qualification to the elite WCT. Not only are kanaka maoli the minority in their homeland of Hawai‘i, but they’re also the minority in their sport of surfing. The most feasible solution to this problem is to increase the amount of education and exposure of pro surfing to the Hawaiian community and organizations. “The more education you promote in this sport will only give it more legitimacy later,” states Shibata. Hopefully, this will instill pride and support within non-surfing Hawaiians, as well as create more funding and opportunity for Native Hawaiian surfers. In ancient Hawai‘i, when a problem arose, the people would solve the predicament as an ‘ohana (family). Now, it’s time for the surf and Hawaiian ‘ohana to come together and solve this calamity.

As the surf industry reconvenes on the North Shore of O‘ahu for the winter season and the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, it’s doubtful that there will be any protests or mainstream media coverage of the missing natives on the WCT. Just because there is no public outcry doesn’t mean the issue isn’t important. Surf culture is a direct descendant of Hawaiian culture. Localism, environmentalism and ocean prowess are shared values of surf and ancient Hawaiian communities. To remedy kanaka maoli missing from the WCT is a crisis for all of us to resolve for the good of our entire wave riding culture. [PAU]

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