Oman’s Coastline set for thrills with Deep

Muscat, Oct 8

The upcoming Deep Water Solo (DWS) Friendly Open is set to take place on October 25 at Bandar Al Rowdha and the cliffs of Barr Al Jissah, promising a spectacular day of climbing, community and adventure. Climbers from Oman, the wider GCC and Europe will gather to take part in this unique competition, which will showcase both athletic skill and the natural beauty of Oman’s coastline.

Deep Water Soloing, also known as Psicobloc, is climbing in its purest form. Athletes will

attempt vertical sea cliffs without ropes or harnesses, relying solely on strength, technique and the deep water below for safety. Transported by traditional dhow, competitors will scale routes above turquoise waters, each attempt testing their courage and precision before plunging back into the sea.

The day will begin at Bandar Al Rowdha Marina with registration and boarding, before the dhow motors out to the cliffs for the qualification rounds. By 9 am, timed with high tide, the first climbers will take to the walls, competing across three rounds before the finals at midday. A prize ceremony and community lunch will follow, with the flotilla returning to the marina in the afternoon .

The event will continue a legacy that began in 2017, when the first Psicobloc competition in the Middle East was brought to Oman’s Musandam by Read Macadam and world-renowned climber Chris Sharma. That pioneering event inspired a new generation of climbers and highlighted Oman’s potential as a global adventure destination.

'BLUE WATERS'

Issam al Busaidy of the Oman Deep Water Solo community has been at the forefront of building a grassroots platform for the sport. Under his vision, the initiative has created opportunities for climbers across Oman and the wider region to connect, compete, and grow within a discipline that has now achieved Olympic recognition. Speaking about Oman’s unique setting, Issam said, “blue waters, beautiful sunset, cliffs and climbers who like to fall -that’s what DWS is about here in Oman. Muscat might be the only capital city in the world with high quality Deep Water Soloing within the city limits.”

Momentum is building year by year. The 2024 edition drew 40 participants, a mix of seasoned athletes and passionate newcomers, showing the depth of interest in the sport across Oman and beyond. Organisers expect an even larger and more diverse field in 2025, with climbers eager to test themselves against the dramatic cliffs of Barr Al Jissah.

For athletes and spectators alike, the day will offer more than competition. It will be a

celebration of community, courage and Oman’s rugged seascapes. Climbers of all levels will share the stage, from professionals to enthusiastic amateurs, making the event both inclusive and inspiring.

As the date approaches, excitement is mounting within the climbing scene. The cliffs of Barr Al Jissah will provide a striking natural arena, the dhows will carry both athletes and supporters, and the Arabian Sea will be the final judge of every climb.

Registration was open through the main event page: @psicobloc-oman.