Vaka

Before starting out, the vaka must be in good working order. It also needs extra equipment for emergencies – for example, the right wood (to replace broken masts GLOSSARY mast - the vertical pole that holds the sail ), pandanus mat to repair a sails, ropes, and paddles. Some bring breadfruit sap and burned lime to fill small leaks and pandanus hats to protect from the sun and rain! Everything adds weight and slows the vaka down, so only necessary items are taken. The equipment is stored well to keep the canoe balanced. Some extra parts are tied to the hull GLOSSARY hull - the body of a boat or the deck. If the canoe turns over in a storm, these parts won’t be lost. Navigators and crew know how to fix the canoe with these parts when travelling.

Big vakas are needed for long voyages. On Satawalese outrigged vakas, there is an epep (lee platform) with a little aimweim (house) on top to keep passengers and things dry. Double-hulled voyaging canoes, such as were used in Hawaii and some other Polynesian islands, had an even bigger platform between the hulls to carry people, animals, food, and extra parts.

Learning pwang

Satawalese wayfinder Jerome Rakilur

“After I learned about the stars, I also learned pwang – canoe repair at sea. This is important to know for when my canoe breaks. Then I can do the repairs and make it back to the island.”

VIDEOS