caballito

One-man vessel made of woven reeds, used by Peruvian fishermen for over five thousand years; regarded by some to be the earliest known form of surf craft. Caballito means "little horse" in Spanish.

On average, the caballito is twelve feet long, two feet wide, weighs 90 pounds, and lasts about six weeks before it gets waterlogged and begins to decompose. The caballito is built from the dried stalks of the totora plant (Schoenoplectus californicus; California bullrush to English speakers). Aft...