The weather gods certainly came through for this weekend, with warm (for UK), calm seas and sunny weather! We were also lucky enough to be joined by Nigel, who shot some great footage of the climbs (and falls!). The videos will soon be up on his YouTube channel Up and Around, if you want to see some fun routes and big splashes

The day started at Deep Zawn, a perfect spot to start-out for those new to DWS due to its deep water and short routes. Everyone got through the first sea-level traverse with ease, so this was followed by routes of slowly increasing grade and height until everyone had gained confidence and been for a swim at least once.

With the tide having peaked and everyone now happy with taking falls, we decided to make the most of the last of the high water and head to a taller crag. A 5-minute walk brought us to Desperado Cave where everyone got on the amazing route “Temporary Lifestyle” a 11m high HS 4c that traverses up and out along the lip of a cave, easy ground all the way but the final moves 10 (ever airy!) meters over the water are still thrilling!

With the day winding down and us all having been dry for far too long, “Underlife” was chosen as our next route. An E2 6a variation of “Temporary Lifestyle”, instead of climbing along the cave lip you hang under it as you traverse out. Lots of heal-hooking, big splashdowns and laughter later still no one had managed it, but it was a great fun way to end the day

Hopefully this wets a few appetites for future trips as I’m planning to add a DWS trip to the club calendar as an annual event, just as soon as I consult my tide tables.