First Contact Revisited

A recent issue of Surfer’s Journal points out that this famous engraving, which shows Captain Cook’s ships landing in Hawaii, has a man on the beach standing on something that might be his shadow. But in the detailed painting, by Cook’s artist John Webber, it’s obvious that he’s standing on some sort of board. Another part of the picture shows a Hawaiian paddling a surfboard, so this isn’t too far-fetched. This Hawaiian on the beach, writes Patrick Moser, “with his malo strapped tight, looks ready to grab his papa he’e nalu and join the throng.”

Maybe, but why’s he standing on the board at the waterline like some sort of kook? The Hawaiians weren’t stupid. To me it’s clear that we see before us history’s first artistic rendering of quite another sport. Dude’s about to go skimboarding.

     posted 13 July 2008 by Michael Scott Moore