In Maori mythology, Ngaru (Wave) was a hero who dared the shark-king, Tumuitearetoka, to attack him. Tumuitearetoka could not catch Ngaru, who escaped on the surfboard he had just invented.

Ngaru was black and entirely bald; his wife, Tongatea, left him when she saw his appearance. He bleached himself at a limepit and Tangaroa fixed his hair. Tongatea fell back in love with him.