DWS
the men’s event. Hannah Slaney took
home the under 16 females prize, and
Jim Pope the under 16 males. The
event also included an evening talk
from Neil Gresham – often known as
‘Britain’s best all round climber’ –
about his experiences in deep water
soloing, as well as competing himself
for Team La Sportiva. US Bouldering
Team member Sierra Blaire-Coyle
traveled all the way from Scottsdale,
Arizona to give a talk and compete
in the competition. This spectacular
competition was fueled by an enjoyable and lively atmosphere, set by the
hugely enthusiastic crowd. Overall,
this was a massive event, with over
200 competitors and more than 1000
spectators.
However, while it’s important to enjoy deep water soloing, it’s
also important to stay safe. You need
to learn how to fall properly, without
hurting yourself. Especially on higher
climbs, people are commonly advised
to kick about in the air as you fall,
allowing your body to turn upright.
Then, you enter the water safely,
shaped like a pencil. Some climbs can
be very high, and it can be very painful
if you don’t fall correctly; so make
sure when starting deep water soloing, you stay on the lower grades first.
The grading system ranges from S0 - a
safe solo - to S3 - pretty dangerous.
Although S0 grades are normally perfectly safe, it’s best not to go alone. Do
not go trying out the sport until you
understand all the safety elements.
It is important you ask an expert, or
someone who is experienced in the
sport for information before going
yourself.
Photo (above and below): Sierra Blair-Coyle at Exeter DWS Comp Photographer: Colin Sharp
But enough with the serious
part, why else should you try deep
water soloing? Well, on a nice day,
what could be better than a day out
climbing in the sunshine over the sea?
You could even make a holiday of it.
Mallorca is known to be one of the
best deep water soloing destinations
- which also offers a lot of good sport
climbing routes as well - plus the sea
is nearly always warm there. Going
away on a climbing trip is always a
good way to improve your climbing,
as it gives you time to work closely on
some of your own projects.
So, where can you deep water
solo in the UK? There are a number
of good areas in the UK, even for
beginners, such as ‘Magical Mystery
Tour’ at Berry Head in the south west.
Pembroke, as well as Cave Hole and
Lulworth Cove in Dorset are both
known to be good venues for beginn