Rock climbing is a great sport which is practiced all over the world. But you need some expensive equipment and a partner in order to do it. On the other hand, deep water soloing requires only a pair of shoes and some chalk. Not even a partner to hold the rope in case of a fall. When we first heard of deep water soloing, we knew we had to try it. Thus we traveled to Railay, which is located on the South-West coast of Thailand. Basically, it’s rock climbing above water without a harness, rope or helmet. If you slip or get tired you simply fall in the water no harm done.
Railay is a climber’s paradise. From rock climbing a vast array of routes such as stalactites to hopping on a boat and going deep water soloing and even spelunking/caving. Cory and I even met some Canadians friends who were traveling with their gear specifically to go climbing there. You can find many different companies who teach and rent rock climbing equipment. Turns out for CAD$28, we could join a full day deep water soloing tour that left on the typical Thai longtail boat.
Early the next morning, we grabbed our day bags with lots of water and walked 25 minutes through the jungle across to Tonsai beach where we would be departing from. I was excited to try out deep water soloing. It’s not everyday you find a new adventure sport. First, we riffled through a pile of old climbing shoes in an effort to find a matching pair without too many gaping holes. It was quite the task. When I realized that we would be 20 tourists heading out deep water soloing I became a little nervous. We’ll we even get to climb? But I quickly learned that there was plenty of climbing routes. Furthermore, most people having never even rock climbed got tired pretty quickly. Also some were there only to watch and take pictures of their kids.
Even the longtail boat ride was beautiful as we passed limestone cliffs and turquoise water. At last, the cliff was right in front of us, excited we jumped in the water and swam to the wall for my first attempt at deep water soloing. Our guides brought some chalk but it got wet so quickly. I have to say the feeling of rock climbing without anything tied to you was nerve racking at first. I would clench holding for dear life as I slowly traversed routes. However, I quickly gained more confidence as the morning unfolded. Cory was a natural as usual.
A well deserved lunch was served to us on a little white sand beach tucked in a dazzling cove. The chicken fried rice and watermelon were exquisite. We even went for a short snorkel while relaxing our muscles before the afternoon climb. Plus, a 4 feet long water monitor came to visit us.
Next was a totally different type of climb. You initially had to swim against a strong current, reach a rope ladder and climb up whilst it swung all over the place. Afterwards, you started climbing while already a good ten feet above water level. What a thrill to do deep water soloing in such a landscape. Cory the monkey climbed around stalactites and went higher than anyone else. At about 80 feet he finally stopped, to my relief, and decided to jump.
What a day of deep water soloing! It was such an exhilarating experience which I would highly recommend to anyone. You don’t necessarily have to go to Thailand as there are many other locations around the world. However, tropical water and limestone cliffs made it all the more unique.
Alex
Live Wildly Intrepid!
Carpe Diem
4 thoughts on “Deep Water Soloing in Thailand”
Hello! Nice article. Check out my deep water soloing guidebook for Thailand here
https://mattmaddaloni.com/Guide%20Books,%20Thailand.htm
It’s good to hear that there’s a Deep water soloing guidebook of the area.
Great post! What company did you book with?
Thanks. It was so much fun. I know this is a bit of a late reply. It think it was called Basecamp Tonsai. Have you already gone or when are you going?