Five years ago – in the midst of the COVID crisis – we made a bold decision: to launch a new company in the world of athletics, at a time when sports venues were closed and competitions were cancelled. In July 2020, ESSX Europe was founded by Lars and Rens. What started as an ambitious idea grew into a strong and trusted brand with customers across Europe, thanks to determination, belief, and our partnership with UST Mamiya in the United States.
Those first years were all about pioneering. We travelled across the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and France, introducing coaches and athletes to ESSX poles. We had a lot to learn ourselves – not just about our products, but from the athletes using them. Since we were no longer pole vaulting ourselves, we learned by watching, listening, and engaging with the vaulting community.
ESSX is not your typical pole. Its characteristics are more modern, and the way it bends and moves is different from traditional brands. That requires explanation, support, and coaching. That’s why we started organizing demos – not just to let athletes try our poles, but also to share knowledge and passion for the event. These demos quickly became a cornerstone of what we do. They even brought Rens back to the track – now as a coach, giving two to three pole vault sessions per week with great joy.
Our first sale took place in Germany. Today, we ship to almost every country in Europe – from Norway to Spain, from Poland to Greece. In Italy, we’ve become a regular presence at the Padova Pole Vault Convention, which we proudly support. Because we believe that quality equipment should always go hand in hand with knowledge-sharing, service, and long-term commitment.
Innovation has always been at the heart of ESSX Europe. Our collaboration with MT Training in France has helped us better understand how to further improve our materials and testing methods. We work closely with our American producers, but also push forward with our own ideas and insights. That’s what sets ESSX Europe apart: we blend coaching expertise, athlete feedback, and technical development into a forward-thinking, service-driven brand.
Of course, the road hasn’t always been easy. The COVID pandemic was a rough start. Then came the global transport crisis and raw material shortages. And now, the ongoing challenges of international logistics and trade tensions. Shipping vaulting poles across borders remains a major hurdle – and one we’re still working hard to improve.
In 2025, we expanded our offering with products from VENNEKEL and KingsBox, giving coaches, clubs, and athletes access to a complete range of pole vault equipment and accessories.
Looking back, it’s been an incredible journey – and we’re just getting started. Five years of growth, learning, challenges, and above all: people. Because that’s what ESSX Europe is all about.
Here’s to the next five years – with courage, innovation, and a passion for pole vaulting that keeps rising.
