If you want to try it, remember that in DWS, safety is paramount. It doesn’t matter where you go or how far the climbing spot is — always bring a friend!
What Does Psicobloc Mean?
Literally translated as “Psycho Bouldering”, psicobloc or DWS is basically bouldering on steroids. Climbers go up on boulders over the sea before finally falling off of the climb.
At present, this crazy fun sport is slowly gaining popularity amongst daredevils.
Is Deep Water Soloing Dangerous?
To begin with, all climbing sports are dangerous. But then people decided it’s not dangerous enough and upped the ante by creating deep water soloing.
Although DWS is dangerous, there are ways in which climbers can make this a fun AND safe activity.
How Do You Solo Deep Water?
Here are some tips to get you started on your solo deep water journey:
- Learn how to swim confidently.
- Assess the conditions of the water. Do not go if the waves are rough or if the water is too low.
- However minimal, make sure to pack your gears.
- Learn how to properly fall into the water (swing your limbs and move in the air!).
- If you’re a beginner, don’t even think about pulling any insane tricks.
- Always bring a friend
Where Can I Solo Deep Water?
Climbers would often look for a cliff with the ocean immediately underneath it. Other typical DWS locations include rivers, reservoirs and, sometimes, even swimming pool.
Here’s a short list of some of the most popular DWS spots in the world:
- Dorset, England
- Devon, England
- Pembrokeshire, England
- Majorca and other coastal areas in Spain
- Calanques, France
- Some part of Ireland
- Sardinia, Italy
- Greece
- Central Texas
- Tyulenovo and Kamen Bryag in Bulgaria
- Gibraltar
How High is the Psicobloc Wall?
The Psicobloc Wall, built in the Olympic Legacy Park in Utah, stands over 50 feet above the pool. It also has an overhang of about 25 feet.
The wall was built by Waltopia and it offers five ascent routes. Upon reaching the top, climbers freefall into the pool. Yup, freefall. That means plunging into the water below without the help from ropes or harnesses.
Can You Get Climbing Shoes Wet?
Climbing shoes were designed to get wet, and in one way or another, they do get wet no matter what climbing activity you choose.
The chances of them getting wet are especially high when you do DWS. Because water is one of the essential parts of the activity, your climbing shoes will inevitably get soaked.
Is it Bad to Get Climbing Shoes Wet?
It’s not necessarily bad to get your climbing shoes wet. In some cases, climbers even wear their pair while showering to stretch them out.
But fret not as climbing shoes are safe to wash. Although the leather in the shoes will stretch a bit more while wet, climbing shoes were designed so they can safely dry out while still maintaining their shape and grip.
The most important thing is making sure that you completely dry out your shoes to prevent mildew and mold from growing. It is advisable to let them air and dry out in between climbs.
