Talaya Club teaches youth the art of the talaya

The Talaya Club hosted a youth workshop on Friday, July 24, at American Memorial Park/Micro Beach to pass down the art and tradition of the talåya to the next generation, while also serving as an opportunity to join their "Fishing as a Family" program.

Club instructors—Jesse Chong, Slade Adelbai, and Jeremiah Benavente, taught 18 students from Koblerville Elementary School, eight from Da'ok Academy, and about a dozen other youth from the community about the cultural significance of the talåya, how to properly prepare and handle the net, proper throwing techniques, reading the tides, and understanding fish behavior along the shoreline through hands-on practice.

Since the club’s inception in 2022, it has introduced approximately 400 youth to the traditional skill. Club members hope to continue those efforts, noting that while there is still a community of talåyerus, not enough people are passing the knowledge and tradition on to the next generation.

Hear more from Talaya Club’s David Cabrera and workshop instructor Jesse Chong, a talåyeru who has practiced the traditional skill for more than 40 years.