Note 38 — PREFACE. (continued 7)
Reading edition
Hawaiians had two methods of surf coaxing during calm weather, the general method being for a swimming party to take several strands of the sea-convolvulus vine, and swinging it around the head lash it down unitedly upon the water until the desired undulating waves were obtained, at the same time chanting for a response to their effort. (Hawaiian Annual, 1896.) Surf riding has a wider range of sport than shown above, for canoe surfing is also very generally practiced, and occasionally body surfing. This requires strong, expert swimmers to attain sufficient momentum to ride in on the surf without a board or other support. This, termed kaha nalu, is still practiced. ↑