The holding of the pelotari is largely inspired by Basque culture. It has changed very little over time.
The practitioner is dressed in a polo shirt in the color of his club, white pants and white sneakers also.
The bullet used is called a ball. Its weight, its size, and even its composition differ according to the specialties. It can reach very high speeds up to 300km/h.
mentioned above, the Chistera is a basket ("Xister" in Basque) made of wicker, which is attached to the player's hand using a leather glove.
Their size defines the type of the Chistera. There are three.
Another instrument is the pala (or paleta). It is a wooden racket, directly inspired by the beater used in the palm game, with which the player hits the ball. Like the latter, the dimensions, shape and weight vary.
The pelotaris are equipped with glasses and helmets to protect them from any impact with the ball.
Pelota is a sport steeped in history.
Traces of the practice of pelota can be found in Greek, Roman and Gallic civilisations, etc. But also in mythology, and even in engravings on funerary stones.
The Basques later, much later, took the idea and adapted it, adding characteristics specific to their culture.
Do you know the game of Palm? Well, this famous activity strongly inspired the Basque pelota in the 17th century. Many modifications were made to the original game, and specialities appeared.
It is mainly practiced in the mountains, and is practised against a wall, indoors or outdoors, bare hand or with various accessories and instruments.
Gradually, the discipline was enriched by innovations over the years, such as the use of rubber to make balls.
Although pelota is a traditional activity, still active today, there is also a "show" pelota, with professional pilotaris (pelota players).
The International Federation recognizes 12 specialties, compared to 22 for the French federation.
You can recognize the bare hand, the big chistera (impressive), or the pala. The latter is the most practiced today, due to its financial and technical accessibility.
In France, we expect to date about 60 000 practitioners.
The hot dog is an inflatable boat for two people. Equipped with a double paddle, this stable boat will allow you to descend the Nive on a course decorated with turbulent passages in class II, III. The experienced rafters will enjoy navigating in inflatable canoe on the Nive in semi-autonomy, guaranteeing maximum sensations.
