Traditional Dutch pole-valuting sport reaches new heights Scrambling up a ten-metre long pole as it glides over a pool of water might not be everyone's idea of fun, but watching the traditional Dutch sport of 'fierljeppen' certainly keeps spectators entertained. Translated from Frisian -- the second official language in The Netherlands --fierljeppen literally means "far-leaping", and that's exactly what contestants must do if they're to stay dry and make it to the top of their game.