Deep Water Soloing in Europe: Between Nature and Safety

The psicobloc, or deep-water soloing (DWS), is a spectacular form of free climbing above the water. Born in the late 1970s on the island of Mallorca, it quickly gained popularity thanks to its breathtaking scenery and the adrenaline it delivers. The principle is simple: climb without rope or protection, with the sea below as your only crash pad.

Over time, psicobloc has become a discipline in its own right, practiced across Europe: Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Croatia… However, while this style of climbing attracts adventurers seeking thrills, it remains demanding and sometimes dangerous.

Today, a new alternative is emerging: artificial psicobloc structures, already available in France and England, that make the experience safe and accessible to everyone.

 

Iconic Natural Spots in Europe

Europe is full of cliffs suitable for psicobloc, but they remain reserved for experienced climbers:

• Mallorca (Spain): the birthplace of the discipline, with legendary cliffs such as Cova del Diablo, Cala Barques, and Es Pontàs.

• Les Calanques (France): an exceptional setting near Marseille, but demanding cliffs where water depth must be carefully checked.

• Kalymnos (Greece): better known for sport climbing, but some sectors are suitable for DWS.

• Liguria & Sardinia (Italy): lesser-known sea cliffs, much appreciated by seasoned climbers.

• Croatia (Adriatic coast): limestone cliffs above the sea, still little explored but very promising.

These spots offer a unique mix of extreme sport and natural beauty, but they require high-level skills, knowledge of marine conditions, and constant vigilance.

The Limits of Natural Psicobloc

Despite its beauty and appeal, natural psicobloc remains elitist:

• Unpredictable safety: water doesn’t always guarantee protection, especially after a bad fall.

• Variable conditions: tides, waves, wind, water temperature.

• Limited accessibility: often remote and unsuitable for the general public.

Result: a fascinating discipline, but restricted to a minority of experienced climbers.

The Safe Alternative: Artificial Psycobloc

To overcome these limits, artificial psycobloc walls are being developed in Europe.

• Already installed in France (in some water parks) and in England.

• Offer climbing walls above deep-water pools.

• Keep the free fall sensations and the spectacular aspect while controlling heights, depths, and access.

• Open the practice to a much wider audience: families, beginners, school groups, and thrill-seekers.

 

 Hydroclimb: Making Adrenaline Accessible to All

At Hydroclimb, we design artificial psycobloc walls that combine the best of both worlds:

• Safety: controlled height, adapted depth, robust materials.

• Durability: hot-dip galvanized and powder-coated steel structures, with a 10-year guarantee.

• Nature-inspired design: to reproduce the outdoor climbing experience in a controlled environment.

• Accessibility: open to a wide public, while remaining exciting for experienced climbers.

With Hydroclimb, psycobloc is no longer reserved for an elite: it becomes a family, sporting, and tourist experience, ready to attract new visitors.

 Between Adrenaline and Safety

Natural psicobloc will always remain a symbol of freedom and extreme adventure, but it cannot be open to everyone. Thanks to artificial alternatives, the experience is now accessible to the general public under optimal safety conditions.

For park operators, this is a unique opportunity to offer a spectacular and differentiating activity.

Want to offer an innovative attraction for the 2026 season?
Contact Hydroclimb and discover how to integrate psicobloc into your park.