Ancient History - The 'Caballito De Totora' (Part 1)

by SUP Wales Admin June 23, 2023

Have you ever wondered who was the first country in the world to paddleboard?

If so, your like us and we thought that too, so over our next few weeks blogs, we want to dedicate our time to the history of SUP, and talk about who might have been the first culture in the world to Stand Up Paddle. Do you have any ideas?

Now you might think, ah yes, it was the Hawaiian culture, and that SUP originated out of Maui, and yep for the best part, you might be spot on...although that is what we refer to as 'Modern' SUP

Let's take a closer look at history...

Introducing the 'Caballito De Totora' with 'Caballito' meaning 'Little Horse' in Spanish and 'Totora' being the name of South American plant - it can be translated and understood as 'Little Reed Horses'!

This woven reed vessel with an elongated design has been used by northern Peruvians for more than 3,000 years and can be identified by the pottery shards found by archeologists that dating back to this historical era. The best bit about these magnificent vessels is that you can still see them being used in Peru today, at least for now

The Caballito De Totora was originally used by fishermen to transport their nets and collect fish in their inner cavity whilst out on the ocean. The Fishermen used Totora reeds because of its natural buoyancy which meant they could remain dry all day on the water and catch the Surf on the way back in.....just in time for fish supper.

Pretty neat huh!

So, what're your thoughts, do you believe this was the first evidence of ancient SUP all those years ago?

Check back next week for part 2

#CaballitoDeTotora #LittleReedHorses #SUPhistory #WorldSUPvessels

#SUPWales