Rock Up Splash Down at Deep Water Solo Exeter

A World First on Exeter’s Canal Basin this August Bank Holiday

The UK’s only climbing wall on water returns to Exeter this August for the second Deep Water Solo Exeter competition which takes place on Exeter’s canal basin from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th August.

The event attracts climbers from across the UK including top athletes such as Steve McClure, Neil Gresham, Emma Twyford and GB para climber Dave Bowes. All come to compete on a climbing wall built over Exeter’s historic waterway. The competition mimics one of the fastest growing disciplines of climbing, deep water soloing, where climbers ascend cliffs and routes over water without the use of ropes and either make it to the top – called ‘topping out’ – or fall into the water below them.

The thrill comes from the climbing challenge and the potential to splash into the water below – the sea cliffs of Devon are home to many of the best Deep Water Solo sites in the country. The competition is the only one of its type in the UK and one of a handful across the world.

For the first time this year the wall will be opened to non-competitors to have a go and see what all the fuss is about. On August Bank Holiday Monday the Quay Climbing Centre and Deep Water Solo Exeter will be hosting a day of ‘have a go’ sessions on the competition wall.

Open to climbers and non-climbers who fancy a challenge, Rock Up Splash Down will open the wall to everyone to have a go – a first for any climbing wall of its kind! Climbing routes will be set on the wall that cater for beginners as well as more experienced climbers and every half an hour sessions will be running for people to try their luck against the wall.

“This is a real opportunity for people to find out what Deep Water Solo climbing is all about and experience the thrill of climbing on a wall hanging over water” says Paul Russell, Event Director.

“You may reach the top but participants are just as likely to fall into the canal water below, hence the name: Rock Up Splash Down”.

Following the inaugural event last year, the organisers had requests from lots of local climbers and outdoor enthusiasts to have a go on the unique and stunning wall so for 2015 they have decided to stage a Bank Holiday fun day. Alongside the climbing there will be slacklining from Devon-based social enterprise RU Slack and other activities on the piazza as well as a chance to have a go at climbing the auto belays in the Quay Climbing Centre.

Measuring 12 metres wide and 7 metres high, the challenges is certainly open for those who have a head for heights, don’t mind water and like climbing rocks! All participants must be able to swim 25 metres, be willing to fall into the water and be aged 12 or above. Sessions cost £10 for half an hour on the wall and spaces can be booked through the Quay Climbing Centre or by coming along on the day.