In the 1980s, a Hawaiian had the idea of fitting a rudder on to a traditional dugout canoe, built to navigate the calm waters of the lagoons, in order to be able to venture out on to the open seas.
This innovation and the systematic use of composite materials have made the traditional vessel a great boardsports vehicle: the Outrigger Canoe is also called the Hawaiian dugout canoe or pirogue.
Perfectly adapted for use on our coasts, the Outrigger Canoe is without doubt faster than the sea kayak.  It is a very stable vessel that provides exhilarating sensations when surfing the swells of the open seas over several hundred meters.
Although very sporty and athletic in the waves, the Outrigger Canoe is also great fun when it is used for simple boat rides.  Some prefer to paddle the boat with their families along the coastline and discover the quiet little creeks.
Others may want to measure themselves at the sport, like the following 4 teams: the Gremlins of Boucau, AB surf, Woo team (reunited for the occasion) and an “invitation” team.  Aboard 4 pirogues the teams held an intense race over 500meters during the Bayonne Fete.  They could not resist paddling as far as the River Adour to be warmly encouraged by all the festival-goers…

It is in the church in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, during the Corsaires mass held on Sunday 30th August that the “Music on the Basque Coast” festival will start.
To be honoured this year is the Spanish pianist and composer, Isaac Albeniz, who was born in Catalonia and who died 100 years ago in Cambo-les-Bains.
Albeniz was born to a Basque father and a mother who was Andalousian at heart.  This eternal wanderer, inspired by the European music of his time and greatly influenced by his French masters, gradually asserted himself as the inspiration behind the revival of Spanish music.

Music on the Basque Coast will rightly pay tribute to him by exploring the musical creations of his era.
The churches in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Urrugne, Ciboure, Ascain and Anglet, the Arnaga Villa in Cambo, the Gare du Midi in Biarritz and the theatre in Bayonne will welcome participating musicians up to 10th September 2009.
For the complete programme and to make reservations, visit the website: www.musiquecotebasque.fr
For further information call 05 59 26 03 16.

The 6th Art de Vivre fair will, this year, be held in the Château de Haitze, in Ustaritz.

It is the first time that the Château de Haitze, known as the oldest residence in the Basque Country, has been officially open to the public.  Since 1168, this estate has been the birthplace of one of the oldest families in the province of Labourd.
The 14th, 15th and 16th August 2009 – three days to…..
Three days to see at first-hand all the latest developments for the garden, the home, well-being and gastronomy.
A festive meeting of over 60 quality exhibitors, who may be considered as being difficult to find by the wider public, but who are present at this fair to offer visitors their creations and know-how.
Three days to wander about and discover the Park of the Château de Haitze, listed as a historical monument dating from the 12th century, which is opening its gates to the public.
In the barn of the chateau you will find professionals from the restaurant world who will propose their specialities at all moments of the day.
Three days to delight in entertainment for the whole family to enjoy:
•    Presentation by Bernard Laffond:  “Cooking with forgotten vegetables - a tasty pleasure for the palate and a boost for our health!”
•    Gourmand market with the presence of “Slow food”
•    Competition for the most elegant vintage car, in the presence of Christophe Hondelatte, patron of the 6th Art de Vivre fair, who will present the first prize.
Presentation, with the association “Ecurie Pays-Basque”, of vintage cars that will stand side-by-side with the latest “Jaguars”.
•    Jean Louis Chatard and his “enchanted horse-drawn carriages” will recreate the stables and offer horse rides in the park.
•    Open air introduction to Yoga by Sophie du Cray, who will outline the aims of this discipline before the lesson.
•    3 authors, 3 signatures
Paul Azoulay, writer, will autograph his last book on the stand of Céline Miguel, a mosaic artist.
Ségolène Lefevre will present “Les Femmes et l’amour du vin”.
Claude Labat will, through his latest book, talk about witchcraft in the Basque Country.
•    Exhibition in the art market by Laurent AUZERIC, member of the “European Council of Consultants in Works of Art”.
For further information: www. journees-art-de-vivre.com