Aloha mai Kakou,
Chris here!
Just brewed some Yerba Mate a little too long, and hū was that buggah strong. It made me think of the weather we are currently experiencing. The longer the brew, the harsher the spew. A few days ago, altocumulus clouds started to slowly stack vertical and the air felt ghostly still. The sky churned white throughout the day, and I bet everyone could feel something big was inbound.
When a weather unit spins above our island counterclockwise from west to east, it can be described as a Kona Low. It’s name derives from the Southwest span of the horizon where the famous star line Manaiakalani sets (Maui’s fishhook). Also, a low pressure system which is a result of warm air rising and converging inward, creating wild conditions.
And yessah did it storm. Trees were snapping left and right, waterfalls started flowing down Le’ahi, power lines were getting smashed and the sky crackled with hekili (thunder). However, in times of craziness, comes times of great opportunity. Right down a flash flooding street in a little garage, two lolo heads we’re crafting an ancient sail configuration in joyous ceremony. Yeah, that was Cromwell and I, making a curved boom for ‘A’ā. Hawaiian music barely cut through the roar of the rain. Blessings from Akua that we had a dry roof over our heads. Building is so much more accessible these days with hardware stores and modern tools. Thousands of years ago a multitude of kupuna were chipping away at an old tree to build a boom over the course of months. Today, perhaps in the exact same spot, we were building the same. However, techniques have changed haha… strips of treated lumber, fat beads of wood glue, bent to the max with clamps, an old tire, someones washing machine and a chair. Perhaps the supplies are not as sanctified, but were making do with what’s around us.
We were inspired, of course, by the Hawaiian crab claw sail which to this day is proudly a symbol of sustainability and adventure. Here is a reference from one of the most noble visionaries of our century, Herb Kane.
The idea of the upright shape, was for versatility and ease of use in different wind conditions. It was known for its ability to generate lift and propel the canoe forward in light conditions, while also being able to spill wind more efficiently in stronger conditions. In the ancient days, the right wood had to be selected that carried the strength and flexibility, perhaps Koa or Ulu. The wood was then very carefully carved and shaped to the desired curve. They had to search for years, in order to find the right resources to build their concepts. Consider then, the amount of testing and re-developing and refining… this was an art that took centuries! There are many writings and ideas about why the Hawaiians made such a dramatically curved boom, but I feel like the only real way to explore the antiquity of Hawaiian techniques is to go out, try build and experience um.
What this means to me, is not only a lesson in hammajang carpentry, but the fact that sailing is possible for the commoner. Often misconceptions of sailing is for snooty yacht people or gear nerds, which yes that is the majority, but it really takes the openness to be inspired, the courage to start, and the creativity to get after it. For all I know, this boom might fail on the first gust! But along the way, we’ve dug deep into the past of how our great great kupuna navigated these waters, and how to enjoy our time when the city is storming grey.
Back to the weather;
As of now I am looking out into the ahupua’a of Waikiki. I can see a coastline full of brown runoff and patches of rainfall lingering from the passing storm. The road is almost washed away and trees who were once pruned to withstand the northeast Tradewinds are now dead on the ground due to the southwesterly gusts. Storms create a lot of challenges and disruptions, yet in a way, they can be an opportunity for innovation and progress…
I could just see broken trees, but when I really look, I can see a fractured invasive guava tree beside a resilient baby koa tree.
I could just see depressing grey skies, but when I really look, I can see warm water and low pressure energy catalyzing into a dynamic symphony of atmospheric power.
I could just see a big dreamer trying to think like Herb Kane, but when I really look, I see a future kupuna… messing up, and trying again.
I could just taste bitter over-brewed Yerba matte, but when I take the time to try another sip, I realize how much of a crazy rabbit hole of reflection i’ve gone down over the past few minutes. For why? I dunno, but it was fun!
Hope you are enjoying your times of reflection Kākou,
Keep creating from what’s around.
Aloha!
