Deep-Water Soloing

0Items

‌

Think of everything you love about climbing - the glorifying feeling you get when you reach new heights, analyzing the rock for the perfect divot to grasp, and being at eye-level with birds as they fly by. With deep water soloing, you get all that and more. Also known as psicobloc climbing, it is the most extreme form of experiencing nature and the most minimalist form of climbing. Instead of a harness for your safety, you trust the calm, deep water below to cushion your fall. You gain rhythmic waves crashing below as you climb, the smell of salt water intruding on your every breath, and dolphins leaping in the distance. Each time you drop, you get the rush of free-falling with the splashing, cool embrace of the water - energizing you for your next try. It’s an adrenaline ride with no break.

Essentials

Climbing Shoes
Swimwear
Chalkbags
orWaterproof Chalkbags
Chalkor Liquid Chalk

Optional

Guidebook Or Crag App
Helmet
Short Access Rope
Tape
Shorts With Zipper

Deep-water soloing combines multiple elements of nature, so preparation is necessary. First and foremost, you need the right shoes. Climbing shoes provide ultimate traction to enhance your climb. However, unlike regular climbing, you will need multiple pairs of shoes for deep-water soloing. You never want to climb with wet soles, so having a couple of pairs can allow you to exchange them between falls, enabling the rubber sole to dry. Two to three pairs of shoes are regular with deep-water soloing. Be wary of leather shoes; they can get damaged by saltwater and change shape when wet. Synthetic upper climbing shoes are a great alternative. They dry fast and can withstand saltwater and freshwater.

Halfway through the day and a few plunges later, your swimsuit will be sopped from multiple climbs. Switching your suit out can be a good reset and prevent chafing from climbing in wet clothing. You may also want to bring more than one change of clothes. Many climbers choose to bring numerous chalk bags so that they can dry out in between. Some even make chalk bags out of duct tape so you can easily wipe them off to dry. Liquid chalk is an excellent option for deep-water soloing. Having shorts with zippers can provide a place to store the liquid chalk during the climb. Other essential items are a guidebook, so you don’t get lost, and a helmet for protection.

Personal Items

Sunscreen (Water Resistant)
Bug Spray
Lip Balm
Towel
Sun Shirt
orRashguard
Sweatshirt Layers
Flip Flops
Wind Breaker
orShell Jacket

Cold Weather

Winter Jacket
Blanket

Optional

Hat
orCap
Sunglasses
Jacket

Another significant element to overcome is the weather. UV rays bounce off the water, so wearing water-resistant sunscreen, SPF lip balm, sunglasses, a hat, and a sun shirt or rashguard will keep you from burning and sun damage. This activity is one of those times when you don’t want to forget a towel. A towel to dry off yourself and your items are imperative for a successful and comfortable climb. Just because you aren’t on land doesn’t mean there aren’t bugs. The last thing you want to do is let go of your grip because an unexpected bite occurs. Douse yourself in bug spray to prevent itching and irritation from bugs.

Check the weather ahead of time and plan accordingly. Bring sweatshirt layers to keep warm between climbs and for the trek home. You may even want a windbreaker, winter jacket, or blanket, depending on the weather. Flip flops are great for drying off your feet while protecting the bottom from sharp objects and rocks.

Logistics

Kayak
orCanoe
orMotorized Boat
Drybag
Waterproof Backpack

Boat

Boat Reservation
Boating License

As freeing as deep-water soloing is, there are logical things to consider. The first question to determine is how far away your climbing spot is from shore. Can you take a kayak or canoe, or do you need a motorized boat to access it? How much gear do you have? If you have a lot of equipment or plan to stay an entire day, opting for a canoe or motorized boat for space may be best. If you decide that a boat is the best mode of transportation for your adventure, then checking to see if you need a boating license or reservation is critical. You will also want a dry bag for your electronics, snacks, towels, and a change of clothes. A waterproof backpack is also a great alternative.

Picnic

Drinks

Water
Isotonic Drinks

Food

Bars
Sandwiches

Climbing is a great workout and requires nourishing your body to do. Having abundant water is vital. Isotonic water is also a great option, with an intense heart rate and the sun beating down on you. It will help replenish your electrolytes as you sweat and keep you energized. Ensure you bring nutrient-rich food like energy bars and sandwiches for long days.

Technology

Phone
Battery Pack
Charge Cable

Photography

Camera
Waterproof Case
Batteries
Memory Card
Charger

Optional

Walkie-talkies

With any outdoor sport, there is a chance of injury. That is why keeping your phone with a charging device is a must. Walkie Talkies are also a great form of communication. It may be hard to hear your partner between the breeze by the water and the height between you. Walkie-Talkies can breach that communication barrier so that both parties can communicate important information.

Deep-water soloing has some of the most striking photo ops between the extreme sport, sunlight reflecting off the water, and often secluded areas. Bringing a camera with a waterproof case can provide tangible memories that you will be bursting to share.

Safety

First-aid Kit
Rescue Ring

Information

Water Rescue Phone Number
Emergency Service Number

Since deep-water soloing is often semi-secluded, you must have accessible health supplies. A first-aid kit is a good baseline for minor injuries. It can treat scrapes, cuts, and blisters you can get climbing. Since we are dealing with deep water, you will also want a rescue ring. Before starting, write down the area’s water rescue phone and emergency service numbers. Make sure every party knows where these numbers are and stick them in a place that is available for any person to retrieve in case of emergency.

Almost there! Just be sure to check the tide levels before getting started and put in the time to research everything you can about the location. Evaluate how much gas you need and the time it’ll take to get there and back so you don’t get stuck in the dark. Also, make sure that the location is accessible before getting out there. Once you are confident and jazzed up about your climbing spot - Bon Voyage - it’s time for the adventure (and workout) of a lifetime.

Be Responsible

Think of our curated lists as your base camp - a good starting point, but you must assess the climb ahead yourself.