How to try deep water soloing for all levels

Have you ever watched those Deep Water Soloing pictures Chris Sharma keeps posting on his Instagram? From afar this activity looks like one of the most freeing ways to experience climbing.

Whether you’re a seasoned climber looking for a new challenge or a beginner who’s intrigued by it, here’s a guide on deep-water soloing and how to try it for all levels.

What is deep water soloing (DWS)?

No ropes, no bad falls on crash pads, no quickdraws to clip – just climbing. At first glance, deep-water soloing is a sort of high-ball bouldering – the only difference is that instead of a crash pad, the water acts as a safety net for climbers who fall. It’s a perfect blend of climbing skills, swimming, and mindset and it doesn’t require ropes or a climbing harness.

Also referred to as Psicobloc (from Spanish for “psycho-bouldering”), DWS is the purest form of climbing that can start from a couple of meters and go up to 15-20 meters – to be on the safe side.

Is deep water soloing suitable for beginners?

For DWS swimming skills are essential. Therefore, it is an activity that’s suitable for ANYONE who knows how to swim and is comfortable with heights, as well as with falling in water.

Are you thinking about doing psicobloc for the first time? Here’s a detailed guide on the best locations and how to be prepared.

Which are the best places to try deep water soloing

Do you have an adventurer’s blood in you? Keep on reading and wait no longer!

Mallorca, Spain – a world-class location for DWS

Undeniably one of the best places where one can start Deep Water Soloing, Mallorca is also a top destination for some of the world’s best climbers! Not accidentally here you can see one of the world’s hardest and most famous DWS lines put up by Sharma in 2016: Es Pontàs, 9a+ (5.15a).

Here, the stunning combination of high-quality limestone and breathtaking coastal landscapes satisfies every climber, regardless of their level. From beginner-friendly walls like Cala Barques and Cala Sa Nau to thrilling overhangs and remarkable sea arches like Es Pontàs.

The warm Mediterranean climate with calm and deep clear water makes Mallorca ideal for DWS.

Here’s a guide to DWS in Mallorca:

Railay Beach and Tonsai, Thailand – accessible exotic scenery for DWS

Thailand’s limestone karsts provide dramatic scenery and excellent climbing conditions. Railay Beach and Tonsai are ideal for DWS beginners, thanks to their shallow waters and calm seas.

However, there are rumors one must pay a local guide to go check out those places.

Croatia – a DWS paradise

Croatia’s Adriatic Coast offers some of the most stunning Deep Water Soloing (DWS) locations in Europe. With its limestone cliffs, clear turquoise waters, and climbing diversity it attracts climbers of all skill levels.

Pakleni Islands in Off Hvar Island or Sveta Nedjelja in Hvar Island will charm you with towering limestone cliffs, turquoise deep and clear waters as well as local wineries. Moreover, they are suitable for beginners too!

Watch 300m long deep water solo 8a in Croatia: 

UK Deep Water Solo Climbing – better than you’d think

It turns out you don’t have to go far to experience DWS (deep water solo). Not only home to some of the country’s finest traditional climbing routes, Pembroke, Swanage, and Devonshire coasts have also transformed into deep water soloing scenes.

It’s not Mallorca but the sea cliffs are home (for those who live in the UK) and stunning enough to offer you a truly exciting DWS experience.

Interesting enough to be checked out by The Epic TV so that says something.

Greece – the pristine Paradise of Psicobloc

Greece is famous for its unique Mediterranean landscapes, picturesque islands, and captivating beaches where mountains meet the sea, not to mention its mouthwatering cuisine. But a few know the Greek coastline has even more to offer in terms of deep water soloing (DWS): sea caves, rock arches, and impressive cliffs.

But a big wall climber named Nico Favresse has taken his adventures a step further by exploring the Ionian Sea and its islands: Paxos, Aoko, Zankitos, and Meganisi. His quest? To discover impressive big walls perfect for deep water soloing.

What do you need to get into deep water soloing?

DWS is indeed the purest form of climbing – therefore it requires minimal personal gear and more organisation.

Climbing shoes

I advise you to choose a pair of DWS climbing shoes and stick to them. But really don’t wear your climbing besties as salty water will damage them. Old or worn-out shoes should do.

Chalk and a chalk bag

This isn’t mandatory unless you are DWS-ing at a higher difficulty level. Otherwise, even if moisture can make rocks slippery, holds should be big enough for you to hold them.

Climbing shorts or swimwear

Wear comfortable climbing shorts or swimwear that dries quickly. Avoid loose clothing that may snag on rocks.

Dry bag

Use a waterproof dry bag where to keep safe personal items like a phone, towel, and snacks. A DWS day can be very wet even if you are not climbing with all these accessories.

Safety transportation

In many DWS spots, you’ll need a kayak, paddleboard, or boat to access the climbing routes. In most famous places you can rent them along with a local guide. Moreover, having a climbing buddy to watch over you and supervise the falls is highly recommended. Ideally, this person should know how to swim.

First Aid Kit

Falls from significant heights can lead to injuries like bruises, sprains, or even fractures. Minimise risks by staying within your comfort zone.

If you climb in remote spots, make sure you know your location, know which and if there are exit routes, and inform someone of your plans.

Five key safety rules for deep water soloing

1. Check the water depth

DWS can be done everywhere you find this combination of cliffs and water. However, you must always check the water depth and make sure it’s deep enough for you to jump or fall into.

Advice? Watch out for submerged rocks, coral, or debris in the landing area. If you can’t be bothered, just go to famous places (like the ones we’re gonna mention later) where everybody goes.

2. Take it slow and gain confidence before committing to real deep-water soloing

There are plenty of DWS easy lines that are perfect for beginners who want to gain confidence. If you’re just getting into deep water soloing, we highly recommend starting off easy: the last thing you want is to feel overwhelmed by heights when you’re halfway up the wall.

Do you want to prevent this and get used to the sensation of falling into deep water? Climb up to a height where you feel at ease and practice jumping in the water from there.

3. Know your limits and practise falling before committing to big heights

Falling into the water can be a maker or a breaker and it requires some technique. For safe falling, keep your nose closed with one arm and tuck the other arm close to your body while keeping your legs straight.

That’s how you make sure you fall feet first when hitting the water.

4. Avoid rough sea, and keep an eye on weather-changing

Although beautiful, the sea is still a force of nature that can become unpredictable and dangerous if we don’t know basic safety rules.

Therefore, climbing on stormy or windy days or when tides are too high is to be avoided.

5. Use a safety boat

Last but not least don’t go deep water soloing alone regardless of how good of a swimmer or climber you are. It’s always best to have someone watching out for you and helping you in case something goes wrong when you fall in the water.

Plus, deep water soloing – just like bouldering, is more fun when done with friends!

Check out a detailed guide on How to deep water Solo.

Bonus advice: When traveling, avoid bays where water currents aren’t very strong and boats could dump sewage into the water as it can be very dangerous for the skin’s health!

Take the plunge and discover the freedom DWS has to offer

Looking for a way to combine adventure, and fitness and share fun times with dear ones? Deep water soloing offers a unique blend of challenge, clear blue sky, and stunning rock faces above turquoise waters. Moreover, it’s like being on holiday but climbing!

Ready to dive in? Use our guide to kickstart your deep-water soloing adventure today!

DWS Movies you must watch

• Black Pearl, Reel Rock S10 E5
• Psicobloc king lines in ‘Canyamel’ featuring Jakob Schubert trying to climb ‘Face your fears’ (8b), one of Sharma’s deep water soloing test pieces in the area

• Vietnam’s HARDEST Deep Water Solos | ft. Kyra Condie & Tim Emmett

• Scary Deep Water Solo Climbing in Norway

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