Deep Water Soloing - Ultimate Freedom

Deep water soloing is the ultimate freedom for a climber there is nothing that encumbers you while you climb.

Deep water soloing a.k.a. ‘DWS’ is a form of solo rock climbing that relies solely upon the presence of water at the base of a climb to protect against injury. The height of the route is a key issue and most routes are less than 40 feet. You should be an experienced climber and swimmer.

Even though this might seem like a relatively new style of climbing it originated in Dorset in Southern England.

This style of climbing is remarkable. Climbers can be thought off as crazy, but injuries have been extremely rare.

This type of climbing is typically practiced on sea cliffs during high tide.

Want some more information?

Read this Deep Water Soloing Article

Check out Klem Loskot and Tim Emmett some of the best climbers who Deep Water Solo.

Just click on the arrow to play this DWS video. If you have a dial up or slower Internet connection, click on the pause button after starting the video and let it load all the way so the video plays through without any problems.

Psicobloc

DWS actually has its own grading system called the ‘S’ scale.

Basically here is how it works.

S0 Safe, you’ll be fine if you hit the water.

S1 Pretty safe, watch out for boulders and water depth.

S2 Not so safe, if you fall you’ll need to pick your landing spot carefully.

S3 Don’t fall this is more of a solo.

Deep water soloing is also graded on the same scale as sport climbs.