Compete in the Seal Hop
Molly and her friends join the Native Youth Olympics (NYO) team. Molly learns that it takes quite a bit of practice to become good at the different events. There are many Native Games around the Circumpolar North. The development of the games was intended to build strength for hunters, mental fortitude, and community reciprocity. In addition to the Seal Hop, other Native games that don’t require supplies include Arm Pull, Scissor Broad Jump, Kneel Hop, and the Butt Hop.
The Seal Hop is a traditional hunting strategy of the Inupiat and Yup’ik people. When a hunter wants to get close to a seal they mimic the seal's movements so that the seal isn’t alarmed by the person getting closer. This allows the hunter to obtain a better view and therefore, get a better shot at the seal, to then provide food for their family. Since time immemorial, seals have been an incredible source of food and other resources for the Indigenous people of the Arctic. Seals provide a great source of protein which is essential to muscle growth. Additionally, they are a rich source of vitamins including, A, C, and D; depending on which part of the animal is consumed.
The Seal Hop is a fun way to involve the whole family from young to seasoned to get some energy out, enhance motor skills, exercise, and strengthen your brain. Although it may seem challenging, have fun with it and just see how far you can go.
Directions
If you want to compete with family or friends, everyone should line up at the place on the floor. Or you can find a place for you to start from on your own.
Everyone gets into the push-up position (off knees).
Traditionally, women keep their hands spread flat.
Men curl their fingers under, with their palms being the main support. The men keep their elbows bent at their sides as they hop forward.
On the count of 3, everyone starts the Seal Hop. participants hop forward until they can no longer keep the form or are too fatigued. If you’re by yourself, you can practice and have some fun hopping like a seal, count how many hops you can make. What will be your personal best?
As participants hop forward their rear end has to stay below their back/midline, otherwise, they are out. If they stop or touch the floor with their body they are “out”. When you first start out it can be hard, but you’ll see as you try more and more, you will become stronger. During competitions, there is a sense of family that is unlike other sporting events. Athletes from opposite teams help each other with tips and moral support.
The person who makes it the furthest distance wins. Another way to practice with your family at home is to count how many hops forward you can each take. The person with the most hops wins!
We hope you had fun together! Snap a photo of you and your child doing the activity and share it with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. We’d love to see how it turned out!
Want more “Molly of Denali” activities? Check out the Make Spiced Oatmeal Muffins recipe and the Create a Yup’ik Dance Fan activity to continue the fun!
Activity text and photographs by Yatibaey Evans.
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