Climbing and diving—do you think these two sports have nothing in common? But a group of outdoor enthusiasts, especially among rock climbers, have started a trend called deep-water climbing that combines the two. With mountains above and water below, participants put on climbing shoes and scale cliffs without any protection to reach a certain height, then leap into the water. It’s definitely one of the most thrilling summer activities.
Climb to the top unprotected, then jump into the water
The biggest challenge is mental
The biggest challenge is mental
Deep-water climbing refers to unprotected climbing on rocks above deep water—it’s a branch of rock climbing. No gear, no ropes, just a pair of climbing shoes to enjoy free climbing. That’s why many rock climbing enthusiasts love deep-water climbing.
“Landing in deep water and climbing without protection are the two defining features of deep-water climbing. It’s not as extremely difficult as many people imagine. In places like Thailand, Vietnam, and Spain, there are rocky outcrops that rise directly out of the sea. Climbers use these unique natural formations to scale cliffs, and the plunge into the water adds another layer of fun and safety,” said “Xixi,” a rock climber from Hangzhou who has tried deep-water climbing several times in Krabi, Thailand. He explained that deep-water climbing doesn’t require advanced skills as many sources suggest. “The most important thing is overcoming your fear, and of course, you must know how to swim. Since you land in water, as long as you maintain your balance, the water actually provides good protection. Climbers with some experience can try it—it’s really an activity most people can do.”
Another enthusiast, “Xiaomizi,” shared that what he loves about the sport is “how free and simple it is”: “Normally, when you go climbing, you need to prepare things like cams, quickdraws, ropes, even crash pads. But for deep-water climbing, all you need is a pair of climbing shoes. You just choose a cliff that matches your skill level—the freedom is the biggest reward.”
Deep-water climbing is still very niche in China
But it holds huge potential as a tourism activity
But it holds huge potential as a tourism activity
“Places like Mallorca in Spain, Krabi in Thailand, and Ha Long Bay in Vietnam are all deep-water climbing hotspots. Zhejiang doesn’t have the right natural conditions for it, so most enthusiasts who are interested usually go to Thailand,” Xixi explained. In Krabi, Thailand, there’s a “climbing town” with many climbing lodges that offer gear and guide services for outdoor enthusiasts. “If you want to try deep-water climbing, the cost for a guide and boat trip is only around 200 yuan—that’s very affordable. There, deep-water climbing is just one of the special activities.”
“There are also places in China where you can try deep-water climbing. For example, Yangshuo in Guilin has suitable spots,” Xixi said. Currently, deep-water climbing is still a very niche sport in China, but if it becomes a featured activity in some tourist cities, the sport could grow rapidly. “Though it might lose some of that sense of freedom and thrill.”
No gear, no ropes—just a pair of climbing shoes and you’re free to climb.