Aizkolaris

Aizkolaris are athletes who compete in the Basque sport of aizkolaritza, or wood chopping. This traditional sport involves contestants rapidly cutting through large logs using axes. Aizkolaritza is a test of strength, endurance, and technique. Competitors, known as aizkolaris, must be skilled in using their axes efficiently and safely to achieve the fastest times.

The logs used in aizkolaritza are typically made from specific types of wood, such as oak or beech, and vary in diameter and length depending on the competition category. Aizkolaris often compete in different weight classes or age groups. The objective is to cut through a predetermined number of logs or sections of logs before their opponents.

Aizkolaritza has a long history in the Basque Country and is a popular spectator sport, often featured at local festivals and sporting events. Training for aizkolaris involves rigorous physical conditioning and extensive practice with axes. The sport requires a combination of raw power and finely honed skill to master. The rhythmic sound of axes striking wood is a distinctive feature of aizkolaritza competitions.