Leaping Over Canals: The Thrill of 'Fierljeppen' in The Netherlands

Contestants from across the Netherlands gathered in Polsbroekerdam for the annual 'fierljeppen' or canal vaulting contest. With over 2,000 spectators, competitors showcased their skills in this extreme sport which has its roots in agricultural practices. Originating in 1767, the event now features 600 active 'fierljeppers'.

POLSBROEKERDAM, The Netherlands, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Contestants from all over the Netherlands gathered in the central village of Polsbroekerdam on Saturday for the annual national 'fierljeppen' or canal vaulting contest. Over 2,000 people came to watch 48 competitors across five categories battle for the championship, where participants vault the greatest distance across the water using a pole.

'Fierljeppen is a really extreme sport,' organiser Danny Baas told Reuters. Contestants run at a long pole on one side of a canal, jump in, and while the pole is tipping to the other side, they climb as high as they can to land as far as possible on the opposite bank.

'There are so many elements to it where it could go wrong, which makes getting an optimal jump really difficult,' 23-year-old competitor Lucas van Eijk said. The name 'fierljeppen' stems from the Frisian language and originally meant 'graceful jumping,' according to the Dutch Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage.

In the Netherlands, where much of the agricultural land is reclaimed from the water, pastures are often divided by canals. Before cars and bicycles became common in the early 20th century, farmers used vaulting poles to avoid long walks to crossing points. Over time, competitions emerged, with the first officially recorded match taking place in 1767. Today, around 600 'fierljeppers' are active in the Netherlands across a handful of organisations.

(With inputs from agencies.)