A hand that licks up the ebb tide.

What it means

Taylor says it was said of people raised paddling against the ebb, who handled a canoe better than anyone. Skill grows from working against resistance. The current you fight today makes you the paddler you will be.

The source

"A hand that licks up the ebb tide." This Maori proverb is recorded in Taylor, Te Ika a Maui (1870), Wakatauki no. 56. Translated from the original Maori by Spartan Surfers.

"He ringa miti tai heke."

Original Maori, Taylor, Te Ika a Maui (1870), Wakatauki no. 56. Text read at archive.org.

Who said it

Proverbs of the world (Every age). Sayings from the Latin, Greek, Norse, Japanese, Chinese and more, each traced to an old source in its own language.

Questions

What does "A hand that licks up the ebb tide." mean?

Taylor says it was said of people raised paddling against the ebb, who handled a canoe better than anyone. Skill grows from working against resistance. The current you fight today makes you the paddler you will be.

Who said "A hand that licks up the ebb tide."?

Maori proverb. Source: Taylor, Te Ika a Maui (1870), Wakatauki no. 56.

What is the original Maori?

He ringa miti tai heke. Translated from the original Maori by Spartan Surfers.

Is "A hand that licks up the ebb tide." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"A hand that licks up the ebb tide." (Maori proverb, Taylor, Te Ika a Maui (1870), Wakatauki no. 56, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/a-hand-that-licks-up-the-ebb-tide