Pay Attention

This week, Papa Wa’a went to Aunty Kaha’s house. We got to do some sailing along with reviewing what we have learned from our previous project days. A couple of things we learned this week was the Beaufort wind scale, which allows two seamen to be able to communicate quickly and easily with each other about the sailing conditions. We also got to learn the parts of the Danforth sand anchor, and different points of sail.

Learning all these things will be helpful to me on the wa’a because it will make me prepared to carry out any task I am given, and to be able to do it safely and effectively. These skills can also help me in everyday life by training me to be more observant and aware of my surroundings, for myself, as well as my family's safety in the environment. For example, when I become better at the Beaufort wind scale, I might be able to tell when a hurricane or storm is coming before watching the news or listening to the radio , and that could be helpful in order to prepare myself and my family with supplies and a safe and secure shelter to stay in.

All these things we’ve learned today we could use as modern survival skills just as our kupuna used to do, instead of being informed by the media. It is all a part of the way to be self reliant and prepared.