Deep Water Soloing Day
Well the summer arrived for one day, and luckily for us it was on Sunday whilst we were all out by the sea climbing and swimming! After the endless bad weather and with lots of finger crossing it turned out nice for the first dynamicrock DWS day.
The amazing Barrel Zawn (Photo by Ron Van Heswijk)
16 climbers came with us to barrel zawn nr St Davids in north Pembroke bringing with them a variety of inflatable objects and a large amount of good humor.
The day started as all DWS days should with a check of the water temperature and to much relief it wasn't quite as cold as I had feared and climbers were jumping off from various points along the cliff top, under the watchful eye of our lifeguard Dave.
Lewis jumping into the big blue
Once the tide reached a suitable height climbing began with an unusual start, descending down a seven metre long pirate rope to the base of the crag! then climbers choosing the line they wished to ascend with varying degrees of success.
Hayley on the pirate rope
Everyone seemed a bit apprehensive at first which is very understandable but this soon wore off as the climbers started losing a lot of their fears and really started cranking, some memorable moments included any one of Harry the gunz crazy splashdowns including a great back splat which made the watching crowd wince, also dynamic rock team members Lewis and Maddy completing the epic 30m long barrel traverse graded F6c! although they were among many other brilliant efforts. Of special note was the great fun everyone had with about as much swimming taking place as climbing.
After lunch it was time for the Speed Climbing Competition. This involved climbers being timed from the starting ledge to touching the dynamic rock banner at the top of the crag with 5 seconds being deducted from their time if they lept back into the sea from a successful ascent.
Jon competing in the speed climbing event
Again great fun was had with many competitors giving their all to reach the top, and then the bottom as it were! The early leader seemed to be Richard with a good solid display but in round 2 this was all to change.
Paulette reaching the top in round 1 of the speed climbing comp
In round 2 the star of the show was Vaughan who romped to victory with a time of 13 seconds, 8 seconds when you deduct 5 for the leap as well so our first champ was crowned! a big well done from everyone involved.
Vaughan after claiming 1st place in the speed climbing comp
I'd like to thank everyone who came for giving it such a good go and I hope you all had a great time and see you in the water again soon.
happy climbing
simon
The next dynamicrock DWS day is on 10th Aug ask at reception for details.
