The shaka sign, sometimes known as "hang loose" is a gesture with friendly intent often associated with Hawaii and surf culture. It consists of extending the thumb and smallest finger while holding the three middle fingers curled, and gesturing in salutation while presenting the front or back of the hand; the wrist may be rotated back and forth for emphasis. The shaka sign is similar to the letter Y in the American manual alphabet in American Sign Language. The shaka sign should not be confused with the sign of the horns, where the index and pinky finger are extended and the thumb holds down the middle two fingers.
According to the Honolulu Star-Bulletin,[1] prevailing local lore credits the gesture to Hamana Kalili of Laie,[2] who lost the three middle fingers of his right hand while working at the Kahuku Sugar Mill.[3] Kalili was then shifted to guarding the sugar train, and his all-clear wave of thumb and pinkie is said to have evolved into the shaka as children imitated the gesture.[4][5][6][7][8][9][unreliable source?][10][11]
Another theory relates the origin of the shaka to the Spanish immigrants, who folded their middle fingers and took their thumbs to their lips as a friendly gesture to represent sharing a drink with the natives they met in Hawaii.[12][13][14][15][16][17]
The late Lippy Espinda, a used car salesman and Oahu-based entertainer, has also been named as a possible creator of the shaka.[18][19] Espinda, who frequently appeared as an extra in Hawaii Five-O as well as The Brady Bunch episodes shot in Hawaii, used the term and the sign during his television ads in the '60s. Though the claim that he is the originator of the shaka sign is debatable, he is credited with increasing its popularity and that of Hawaiian Pidgin as well.[1] The shaka has achieved great popularity in Australia, primarily among teenagers on social media sites such as Instagram and Facebook.
The word shaka is also used as an interjection expressing approval, which may predate its use for the shaka sign. According to the Oxford English Dictionary the origin of the word is uncertain, but it may come from Japanese, where it is a byname for the Buddha.[20]
Residents of Hawaii use the shaka to convey the "Aloha Spirit", a concept of friendship, understanding, compassion, and solidarity among the various ethnic cultures that reside in Hawaii, lacking a direct semantic to literal translation. Drivers will often use it on the road to communicate distant greetings along with gratitude.[citation needed] A bill making it the state's official gesture passed the legislature in 2024.[3]
In coastal Brazil, the shaka sign, known as the "hang loose" (also derived from an eponymous clothing brand, which uses the shaka as a logo), is a common gesture. Ronaldinho usually celebrated the goals he scored by giving the crowd a double shaka. It is also associated with the Brazilian jiu jitsu community internationally.[citation needed]
There are several emoticon representations of the shaka sign, including \,,,/, \m/, and \,,,_. The earliest known use of the first two, with three commas or a lower case "m" corresponding to a hand's three middle fingers, is from 2006.[21] The last, similar to the first except that it represents the thumb extended horizontally (as if perpendicular to the wrist) is reported, together with the first form, from Brigham Young University in 2016.[22]
The sign can also be used to indicate the imbibing of a bottled drink, either alcoholic or non-alcoholic, as attested to below, by placing the thumb to the mouth and motioning the little finger upward as if tipping up a bottle's bottom end. A similar meaning can be achieved by pressing the thumb up against the tip of the nose with the little finger raised upwards parallel to the bridge of the nose. It is referred to as "schooies" in Australia (Australian slang for a schooner)[23][24]
Since 2015, fans of Brigham Young University (which has a satellite campus in Hawai'i and is also known colloquially as "the Y") have started using the gesture, in deference to newly hired Kalani Sitake, BYU's Polynesian head football coach, and because of its similarity with the letter Y in the American manual alphabet in American Sign Language. It is also used as a nod of respect to Hamana Kalili, a native Hawaiian Latter-day Saint who, according to locals, is the founder of the popular sign.[22]
Tired of being one in a myriad of people on the beach? Not anymore! Come make your reservation with Hang Loose Parasail to hang out around 500' over the beach in a surprisingly calm yet exciting high-flying experience!. Similar to hot air ballooning and sitting on a swing in the park, parasailing is simply a must for anyone looking for an adrenaline rush of relaxation!
Hang Loose Parasail is Wildwood's premier parasailing hookup. With United States Coast Guard Certified captain and crew, you can depend on us to make sure that your flight is a safe and satisfying experience. With flights departing hourly from our privately owned location in Wildwood, New Jersey, we are sure to find a time for you to experience parasailing in a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience.
This exhilarating experience is a must for all thrill seekers. For those unfamiliar, parasailing allows you to effortlessly drift along hundreds of feet above the ocean, enjoying a one-of-a-kind view.
Our brand new custom built parasail boats will allow a smooth and easy takeoff and landing. Each parasailer, or tandem group of parasailers, will slowly lift off of the back of the boat with ease. You will enjoy the ride in a comfortable swing-like harness in a seated position. Each parasailer, tandem, or triple, will softly land on the back of the boat in that same sitting position. A dip in the water is optional, and recommended, but you will always take off from and land on the boat.
Most people in most conditions can sit side by side (tandem). Restrictions apply. When asked, please be sure to tell the captain your correct weight. Weather, wind, sea, and weight of each flyer are all factors that play a part in the captain's decision on single, tandem, or triple flying.
The prices are all per person. Whether you fly with someone, or alone, the prices remain per person. We always do our best to accommodate your requests; however, safety is our number one priority. Our captains have the final say in flying order and single, tandem, and triple flights.
Minimum weight to fly alone is roughly 150lbs; Not exceeding roughly 400 lbs in tandem or triple. If you have any questions or concerns about the weight of your group, just give us a call so we can work something out for you. (The captain may change these safety restrictions due to weather conditions.)
YES. No child under 5 permitted on our boats, although participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign their liability waiver prior to boarding the vessel. The minimum weight required to parasail is roughly 150 pounds. If the flyer is less than 150 pounds, they will simply fly tandem with another parasailer, with their combined weight not to exceed roughly 400 pounds. Weight requirements may change on any given day or time due to the wind conditions. Again, safety is always our number one priority.
No. The choice is yours you may get wet (take a short dip in the water) or you may stay fully dry. Should you choose to get wet (highly recommended!) the captain will bring you in for a graceful dip (usually about knee deep).
No. Forget about any of the crazy stories you may have heard. State of the art winch boat technology allows all takeoffs and landings to be hydraulically controlled, taking place from the back of the boat. Our parasail boats are United States Coast Guard inspected, and custom built specifically for parasailing.
Yes. We offer a photo and video service from the boat utilizing Professional Cannon cameras with 300mm zoom lenses. The cost is $30 for a digital SD card with Approx. 40-50 high resolution shots and a few short videos of each flight of your entire adventure! Good up to four people , five or more just add $5.00. Take the photos home and put them on your computer to email friends or take the SD card to a local photo-shop or digital kiosk for printing, then the SD is yours to reuse! Our photographer captures the most memorable moments as you relax and enjoy the experience. We also offer GoPro video packages or a combo video package for the best deal.
Call us at 1-609-898-FLY or book online at eastcoastwatersportsnj.com to locate available trips and purchase tickets. When calling, please be ready with your contact information, number of Flyers and observers (non-flyers), along with a credit card. Gift cards can also be used as long as they have a valid code.
If weather-related rescheduling is necessary, our staff will make every effort to accommodate you during your vacation. If there is inclement weather, we do not leave the dock, so try to book your reservation at the beginning of your stay!
Yes. The cost for non-flying observers is $45.99. We do accept reservations for observers (non-flyers).We are the only company that accepts reservations for observers. Parasailing is a family activity and we want everyone to enjoy it. Besides 95% of all our observers become flyers once they see it in action. We will only allow 2 observers per flyer.
No animals of any type are permitted aboard the vessel including therapy animals. Although we love our animals, it is safer for the staff and other passengers for all our furry friends to wait for us at home.
You may bring a towel and a plastic water bottle. If you must bring a bag, it must be a small backpack. It must be able to fit under the seating of the boat. If the bag cannot be stowed in the compartment under the seat, it must remain at the dock for the safety of the crew and other passengers moving about the vessel. NO coolers, glass bottles, smoking devices or alcoholic beverages of any type are permitted.
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