Riding the wave: can surf tourism save Peru's ancient reed-boat fishing culture?

"Archaeologists estimate that fishers in Peru have been using the reed boats for approximately 3,500 years. Elaborate ceramics dating back to the sophisticated Moche culture (AD100-800) and the later Chimu civilisation (900-1470), depict figures astride the craft, which was called a tup in the now-extinct Mochica language. They are believed to be among the first crafts to be used for riding waves, possibly predating Polynesian proto-surfing in Hawaii."

"Just before dawn, in a scene that has repeated itself over thousands of years on the north coast of Peru, fishers drag boats made of bound reeds to the water's edge and, kneeling on them, use paddles shaped from split bamboo to row out into the Pacific Ocean to catch their breakfast. A few hours later, these surfer fishers return with netfuls of their catch, riding waves on the final stretch back to the shore."

"But today, many fishers believe they may be the last generation to fish using the signature boats with their upturned bow that cuts through the waves. Dwindling fish stocks, plastic contamination and competition from motorised fishing boats, big and small, that plough through their nets mean they struggle to achieve the catches that their fathers and grandfathers did."

In Huanchaco, Peru, fishers continue an ancient tradition of using caballitos de totora—reed boats made from bound reeds—to catch fish in the Pacific Ocean. These vessels, used for approximately 3,500 years, are depicted in Moche and Chimu ceramics and are believed to be among the first crafts used for wave riding, possibly predating Hawaiian surfing. Fishers paddle out at dawn, catch fish, and ride waves back to shore, where their catch is sold at markets and restaurants. However, this cultural practice faces severe threats from dwindling fish populations, plastic contamination, and competition from motorized fishing boats. Many current fishers believe they may be the last generation to maintain this traditional method of fishing.

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