DWS
Deep Water Soloing
Climbing back to basics
T
here’s something that seems
to draw climbers to deep water soloing. The fact that it’s no ropes, no
gear - apart from perhaps a backup
pair of rock shoes, about half a dozen
chalk bags, and maybe an abseil
rope - just you and the rock face.
Chris Sharma - the King of deep water
soloing - describes it as “a pure form
of climbing”, because of the no need
for ropes - and he could not be more
right. In the world of climbing, what
beats the simple task of reaching the
top? It’s climbing at its most basic
form, but with the added excitement
of falling into water, which you don’t
get from ordinary bouldering. Without
ropes, you are given a feeling of freedom - but without the worry of falling
to your death that comes with normal
soloing. However, one does not just
simply jump straight into the world of
deep water soloing. It can be dangerous; sometimes resulting in serious
injuries, meaning the correct safety
measures must be followed. It’s also
advised that you are a fairly experienced climber, before you venture into
deep water soloing.
This proved to be a hugely successful
event, spreading recognition for the
sport. Some of top climbers from the
UK, Europe, and even the US came
to compete, such as UK bouldering
champion Michaela Tracy - winner
of the women’s event - and DMM
sponsored Liam Hasley - winner of
The sport is becoming increasingly popular throughout the UK,
especially after the UK’s first inland
Deep Water Soloing Competition in
August 2014, which was hosted by
the Exeter Quay Climbing Centre.
Photo: ‘Robin on White Rhino Tea’, by Masa Sakano
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