Hi,
I'm new here, although I have been climbing before. I was a member of a Uni club for the best part of a year before I dropped out - thinking of retrying my course next year though so I'll be re joining them.
I used to be able to do roughly grades 4-6b in indoor, but only 2-5, or up to "very hard" outdoor. Also since then, I've put on considerable weight and gotten out of shape, though recently I've joined a gym.
Therefore, I enjoy easy, laid back climbs, especially with lots of 'jugs'.
Anyway, I was looking at deep water soloing today and the prospect really excited me, both of soloing and the (safe) "tombstoning" that follows. I have a few queries on it though.
- I read the DWS article, and it mentioned recommended 6b climbs. I'd have no chance at the moment. Are there any very easy sea climbs? I live in Berkshire, but I can get access to some of the south coast incl. possibly Swanage and nearby.
- I have some rock climbing shoes. Am I correct in saying that if I rinse them shortly after finishing, they won't me eaten by salt? Do they provide good traction even when wet?
- I'm guessing bringing chalk would be useless, as it would just get wet when I hit the water... any tips on maintaining hand grip?
- I can climb overhangs if there are enough jugs, but about climbing a non vertical cliff: obviously if it's shallow enough it can't really be jumped off, but if it is near vertical, is it still safe or is there a danger of slipping, cartoon-style, down it and scraping your belly off?
- Any advice on navigating sea currents at the base of the cliff? I can float, I can swim a bit, but I'm not fast enough to overcome a strong current.
-If I found a cliff that looked good, and make a reasoned judgement about it, should I attempt it without a guide?
Also, I'm going on holiday to Guernsey soon. They have a climbing club over there, but they do moderately hard routes, so I'm not planning to climb with them, but does anyone know a good safe spot do do a bit of soloing/bouldering/DWS?
Cheers!
