Fierljeppen is a traditional sport from the Netherlands, mainly from the Friesland area. It started long ago when farmers used poles to cross canals and ditches. In this sport, a player runs, jumps onto a tall pole in the water, climbs it, and lands as far as possible on the other side. Today, it is played as an organized competition. The highest level is national championships held in the Netherlands.
History of Fierljeppen and How It Started in the Netherlands
Fierljeppen began long ago in the Netherlands, where there were lots of water canals that farmers had to cross. At first, farmers used long wooden poles to jump over small ditches and waterways so they could reach their fields faster. This idea slowly turned into a competition.
The first official match was recorded around 1771, but the sport did not have real rules and organisation until 1957. Today, fierljeppen is a formal sport with clubs and leagues, and every summer, many people compete by running, jumping on a pole, climbing it, and landing far across the water.
Fierljeppen Tournaments and the Dutch National League System
Fierljeppen competitions in the Netherlands run mostly from May to September each year. The sport is managed by the Nederlandse Fierljepbond, which includes the Frysk Ljeppers Boun and the Polsstokbond Holland. The biggest event is the Dutch Championship, also called Nederlands Kampioenschap Fierljeppen, often held at the Grijpskerk arena.
Other major events are the National Fierljeppen Manifestation and Regional Championships in Friesland, Groningen, Utrecht, and Zuid-Holland. Famous local contests include the Polsbroekerdam Yearly Contest and the Haarlem Canal Jumping Contest on August 22. Events are also hosted in villages like Bergum, Buitenpost, It Heidenskip, IJlst, Joure, and Winsum. Players compete by Youth, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class levels.
Fierljeppen Record Holders and Biggest Jumps Explained
Fierljeppen is a canal jumping sport from the Netherlands. Players run, grab a tall pole in water, climb it, and try to land as far as possible. Jaco de Groot holds the men’s world record with a jump of 22.21 meters on 12 August 2017 in Zegveld. The women’s record is by Marrit van der Wal with 18.19 meters on 31 July 2019 in Burgum. These are the longest official jumps recorded.
Fierljeppen In 2025 and 2026 With New Tech and Big Jumps
In 2025 and 2026, athletes are using modern carbon fiber poles that bend and spring forward, helping them jump farther than before. Top competitors now often reach 21-22 meters in big events. Around 600 active athletes take part, mostly in Friesland and nearby rural areas, where the sport feels like a close family.
A young athlete named Michiel Zijlstra has been noted for chasing national junior titles with jumps over 21 meters, even while dealing with knee injuries. The sport is exciting but risky because players must climb a moving pole above water and land safely. Even though it started centuries ago, many players hope it could one day become an Olympic sport.
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