Deep Water Soloing (Psicobloc) By: Jon Broughton

(Emily, 2011)

What is it?• Free soloing = no rope, nothing but

chalk and shoes• Deep water = what you will land in if

you fall

(Emily, 2011)

History-People have been climbing sea cliffs for ages -The name ‘deep water soloing’ is relatively new and emerged with an increase in popularity of DWS in the 90s.-This activity is currently growing rapidly in popularity-New destinations are currently being explored and mapped, soon long distance travel will not be necessary for deep water soloing

(Emily, 2011)

Popular Destinations• Mallorca• Thailand• Spain• UK• Summersville Lake (US)

(www.bergleben.de)

Mallorca

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Equipment• Climbing shoes (Extra if possible)• Chalk and chalk bag (Extra)• Rope and equipment to make an anchor

(for descent of cliff or rescue depending on location)

• Boat • Guide• Throw bag/water rescue supplies

(tumblr.com, 2012)

SafetyDeep water soloing is as dangerous as you make it, it is perfectly possible to climb no higher than 20 feet or so and maintain very low risk but it is also possible in many places to climb cliffs that are 50+ feet above the sea level and significantly elevate the risks of this activity. Other risks such as jellyfish or other sea creatures may be present depending upon location.

(Emily, 2011)

Weather and time of the YearThis activity is very particular with weather since there are so many factors affecting what will make your trip a success. Factors such as:• Expected temperature • Expected water temperatures• Potential storm/rainy seasonsShould all be taken into account when planning a DWS trip. All of these can have the potential to ruin any deep water soloing trip.

(Emily, 2011)

Guide Books and GuidesLuckily guide books are becoming more and more common due to the increasing popularity of this activity. However, it is often still very beneficial to hire a guide depending on how well documented the area you will be climbing in is.

(Emily, 2011)

CostThe costs associated with DWS are typically quite minimal, with one exception of the ever so pricy plane ticket. For any climber willing to do this activity all deep water soloing equipment is something that they already own. Food and other supplies are necessary as with any other trip as well as potential boat rentals and other small expenses which are all minimal. In most deep water soloing destinations it is common to camp but there is often the option of staying in a hotel if for whatever reason the extra expense is worth it for you.

(Hassel, 2010)

References Scott Steele. (2010). [Image]. Climbing some super sweet cliffs here in the DR! Retrieved from

http://sharingtheexperience.blogspot.ca/2010/12/dominican-republic-deep-water-soloing.html Theberry.com. (2011). [Image]. Hot men + deep water soloing = best idea ever (11 photos) Retrieved from

http://theberry.com/2011/01/26/hot-men-deep-water-soloing-best-idea-ever-11-photos/ Tumblr.com. (2012). [Image]. Deep Water Soloing Retrieved from

http://icamclimb.tumblr.com/post/18767258445/deep-water-soloing www.bergleben.de. [Image]. Bild 7 Von 8 Retrieved from

http://www.bergleben.de/produkte/2392e_94262,parentE_320863.html#thePic www.bergleben.de . (2009). [Image]. Psicobloc/Deep Water Soloing Retrieved from

http://www.bergleben.de/klettern/2130psicobloc.html