For 12 years, Daan Kuijs introduced all kinds of groups to klootschieten in the dunes of Heemskerk. Now, from one day to the next, the manager of the dune area, Pure Water & Nature (PWN), has ordered him to stop his activities and that hits him hard.
Fixed shot and a nest egg, that’s Daan’s klootshooting in the dunes. During the summer months, he can be found there every weekend with a group that is quite like shooting a ball. According to Daan, that has gone well every year. “I’ve actually never had any complaints, the foresters have also given their approval. In addition, I always make sure that everyone who participates has a dune pass and therefore pays for the use of the dune area.”
Klootschieten is a simple game: With a wooden ball the size of a hockey ball, you and your team try to complete the route made by Daan in as few underhand throws as possible. You then keep track of how the ball shooting is going on a score sheet.
Watch the video report with Daan here, at the entrance of the dune park:
Daan is no longer allowed to screw around in the dunes – NH Nieuws
Daan says that there are actually no dangers for other dune visitors or nature when shooting a ball. “We always make sure we stay neatly on the trails and if a ball goes out of bounds, we look for it carefully and with respect for nature.”
PWN has informed Daan that he must stop shooting ass, because it is a commercial activity and requires a permit. In recent years, this has never been difficult, but Daan was surprised with this announcement during a round of klootschieten. “Later it was made clear to me by e-mail that it makes no sense to apply for a permit, because I will not get one for this activity.”
It is remarkable that a group of forest rangers from PWN themselves booked an activity with Daan in 2019 and went into the dunes with him to play ball shooting.
PWN informs NH Nieuws that they do not want to respond substantively to Daan’s story. The organization does indicate that it will enter into discussions with the entrepreneur.
Daan is quite surprised by this because he has not received a response during previous attempts to talk to PWN. Daan will now talk to the PWN area manager next week.
If nothing changes after the conversation, that means the end of the shooting for Daan. “That means I get quiet weekends in the summer. And then it just stops, there’s nothing else for me to do. I especially think it’s a shame for the people who come to do it with me.”