Leap Across the Canals: A Beginner's Guide to Fierljeppen and Canal Jumping
Your Guide to Fierljeppen: Learn All About ‘Canal Jumping’
Read everything you need to know about the traditional Frisian sport of Fierljeppen with our complete guide!
The intriguing sport of Fierljeppen
What is Fierljeppen?
Fierljeppen, pronounced fier-ljep-pen, is a traditional Frisian sport where an athlete tries to jump the most significant distance over water or a ditch using a long vaulting pole. Hence why it is sometimes referred to as Dutch Pole Jumping!
There are a few steps to the sport of Fierljeppen, including:
A short sprint (15-20 metres) towards the pole
A forceful jump onto the pole
Using a strong grip and your upper body strength, climb to the top of the pole
A final leap of faith into the sand bed, avoiding the water at all costs!
DID YOU KNOW? Fierljeppen is also sometimes known as ‘Canal Vaulting’ , ‘Canal Jumping’ or ‘Dutch Pole Jumping’.
Fierljeppen: A History
Fierljeppen originated in the Netherlands. Its name in the native language is ‘Polsstok Verspringen’. Fierljeppen is a combination of “fier," which means far, and "ljeppen," which means leaping.
Similar to pole vaulting, the game originated in the Frisian region of the Netherlands.
Medieval Frisia was known for its waterways and canals, which often made it difficult for people to travel freely, so they would use poles to jump from one side of a waterway to an other.
Locals found this pole jumping rather amusing, so they introduced longer poles to see if they could travel a further distance. This entertainment soon developed into the pole-jumping game that has changed little over the years and is similar to the game of Fierljeppen that we see practiced today.
The first Fierljeppen tournament, organised by the locals, was on 24 August 1767. Fierljeppen’s popularity continued to grow and as a result, the sport received official rules in the 1930s.
The introduction of the official rules set out the way for the creation of The Friesland League in 1957, followed by leagues in Utrecht and South Netherlands.
The first official championship of the Netherlands took place in the 1970s.
What is a Fierljeppen Pole (Polsstok)?
To take part in Fierljeppen you cannot use an ordinary pole. The poles are specially made with a round flat base, so they don’t sink into the muddy bottoms under the water.
The first Fierljeppen pole was made out of wood, but it did not provide enough grip for the jumpers.
In the 1970s, Aluminium poles were introduced, however, these were scrapped as they were made too short!
In 2006, the latest Fierljeppen poles were introduced. They are constructed from strong but lightweight carbon fibre. The Carbon poles are stiffer, longer and reduce sway when the competitors, ‘the Fierljepper’, jump over a canal.
Since the introduction of Carbon fibre poles, jumpers have been able to travel a greater distance.
The landing sites have also had to expand, using thick layers of sand and larger water ponds to ensure the players remain safe.
In Fierljeppen, more length and height means more distance to cover, increasing the chance of winning!
DID YOU KNOW: Fierljeppen poles can range from 8 to 13 metres in length.
Fierljeppen: Equipment and Rules
One of the greatest things about this sport is its simplicity - but this doesn’t detract from the excitement it has to offer.
The only equipment that is required is a canal, the pole (polsstok) and someone willing to give it a go (also known as the Fierljepper).
In some competitions, there is also a ‘spotter’. A spotter is someone who runs behind the competitor as they sprint towards their pole.
The purpose of the spotter is to warn the Fierljepper if the pole starts falling backwards. At this point, they can then warn them to let go and help them avoid injury.
The main rule - and the only way to win the game - is to jump the furthest.
Fierljeppen: Getting the Technique Right
Fierljeppen requires knowledge of geometry and physics. The pole is pre-positioned into the water before the competitor sprints towards it, so it is waiting for them to grab it.
The Fierljepper sprints towards the pole and uses their upper body strength to climb as high up the pole as they can.
The run-up will allow the pole to pass the centre of gravity which gives you more time to climb to the top.
Balance is key, sometimes the pole can lean backwards, so you must be prepared for that. This is where the spotter can assist you, by shouting “Let go” if the pole starts to fall backwards.
Fierljeppen: When and Where to Watch
The Fierljeppen season starts in May and lasts until September. There are plenty of matches to watch across the Friesland province, in total there are 83 events, each consisting of different skill levels and age groups.
Fierljeppen matches occur in the same place the sport was invented– the Netherlands.
The Fierljeppen Championship
The Fierljeppen Championship is held every year and it is organised by The National Sports Association (Nederlandse Fierljepbond (NFB)).
Fierljeppen competitions are held in the following places:
Friesland (Bergum, Buitenpost, It Heidenskip, IJlst, Joure and Winsum)
Groningen (Grijpskerk)
Utrecht (Jaarsveld, Linschoten, Polsbroekerdam, Zegveld Haarzuilens and Kamerik)
Zuid-Holland (Vlist)
The Fierljeppen Championship begins with matches where the Youth, 1st, 2nd and sometimes the 3rd class compete.
The best leaps in every match add to the player’s rank, which can promote or demote them. Then, special matches are held among the best classes, leading to the regional championship, the duel, the national and then the Dutch Championship.
DID YOU KNOW: Global energy drink Brand, Red Bull, sponsor Fierljeppen
Fierljeppen: The Statistics
Historically a Fierljepper would jump distances of approximately 10 metres, however, since the latest edition of the Carbon pole, the statistics have changed - and new records have been made!
Fierljeppen Records
The longest Fierljeppen stands at 22.1m by Jaco de Groot from Utrecht
Notable heights also include 21.38m, 20.60m and 18.19m
Will You Be Tuning in For the Next Fierljeppen Championship?
This increasingly popular game has grabbed the attention of viewers across the world!
Fierljeppen is a traditional game in the Netherlands, but it has captured the hearts of tourists too.
If you find yourself on a sports tourism trip, then Fierljeppen is a must-try sport on your journey… but make sure to learn the techniques first to avoid ending up with a face full of water… or sand!
Fierljepper trainers are available to demonstrate the correct technique to sprint, jump and climb the pole. Once you get your training, you can try out Fierljeppen for yourself.
Have you ever tried this traditional sport? Let us know in the comments.
