Some ground rules.. How to pronounce Kiiking

Entry Added: Apr-26-2012 By: kiiking

Well I always enjoy that one:)

Say bee.. now you got it. In every other language(most of them at least) i is pronounced as e in English. Same goes for a, for example, in other languages it's pronounced as ah. Sorry guys, you are the wierd ones here:) So just imagine that you are saying Keeking and you are good to go.

Ok, some basics and history lesson first...

Entry Added: Apr-26-2012 By: kiiking

In Estonian language "kiik" stands for “swing” and for that very reason "kiiking" means "to go on the swing". Estonian people invented kiiking, an original way of going on the swing by transforming it into a sport, also including competitions and prizes.

The origins of kiiking can be traced back to a secular Estonian tradition concerning swing. It is possible to find big wooden swings almost everywhere and Estonian people are used to swing, especially during important Feasts.

Kiiking swing 1936 photo
Kiiking swing 1913 photo
Painting "Kiikujad"(Swingers) by Baltic-german artist Theodor Gehlhaar (1805-1871)

The first “Kiiking-swing” was built in 1996. It was - and it keeps on being - made with very hard carbon steel. In 1997, Ado Kosk – considered the inventor of kiiking – made a jammed structure to be used for this peculiar sport. The contenders swing 360 degrees going over the spindle of the swing. It is really difficult to coordinate the body and challenge the force of gravity.


Kiiking is very hard, especially for legs and it is really difficult to resist more than 3 minutes. The competitions cannot last more than 5 minutes. Swings are approxately 2.5 meters high and Kiikings are 3-8 meters high. Competitors are secured by lashing the arms and legs through metal small bands. Hands are secured by a double safety system.

Today there are kiiking/swings in Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Byelorussia, Latvia, Austria, Russia and UK. In 1999, Estonian Kiiking Federation was founded in Tallinn. Its aim is to develop and spread this sport. At the moment there are 3 active clubs belonging to the Federation and about 100 competitors in Estonia. Kiiking can be played only in hot without wind periods. That’s why in Estonia it is usually played between May and September.

Every year Estonian Kiiking Federation organizes 6 official competitions, at least. There are 8 different levels for the competitors that are divided according to age and sex. The rule is the same followed in high jump. After establishing a height, if the competitor succeeds in making a full spindle, the goal is reached. Then the competitor must establish the following height. There is a maximum of 5 performances per competitor.

Estonian people are used to rent swings during feasts, concerts and events. Security rules are obviously guaranteed. Every year almost 1000 persons try this sport for the very first time.