If you think it is too warm to be in the outdoors, then you “know nothing Jon Snow”. The time of the year has come when climbers start organizing (noncommercial, because we are cool) weekend DWS trips to Dibba Musandam DWS Oman.
I can easily argue Dibba is one of the top locations for DWS. But I can also argue that there are not many other options ? for DWS in the region. Dibba Musandam has attracted many international and pro climbers, the likes of Alex Honnold, Hazel Findlay and Chris Sharma for its unique features and scenery, so it must be awesome.
Check out these cool posts:
https://www.redbull.com/mea-en/first-red-bull-psicobloc-climbing-event-in-the-middle-east
What is DWS:
DWS stands for Deep Water Solo; in the normal language, it means climbing on rocks that are overhanging above water, without any protection. Chill-out! it is 99% safe. I say 99%, to leave 1% uncertainty for the climbing-expert-nazis not to stone me to death…
The best part of it, you don’t have to be an experienced climber. All you need to do is to know someone who gets you on the boat, get your ass on the rock, try, climb, fall in the water, and repeat all over again. It is a lot of fun.
Dibba Musandam DWS Oman:
You would need a boat to access Dibba Musandam DWS crags. Unless you fancy swimming a few dozen kilometers in the open sea. Yeah, I guess not. So, some logistics should be pre-arranged. Some hire the local large boats called Dhow, and others hire speed boats. The difference between both is the comfort, the capacity of climbers on deck, and the option of sleeping on deck overnight.
Getting to Dibba Musandam Oman side is a 2-hour drive from Dubai. You will be crossing a border, though this border does not accept Omani Visa (even if you have one). To cross this border, you need a pre-issued special permit which the boat owner will sort out. In order to apply for this permit, send a copy of your UAE residency or visa and a copy of your passport 1 week before entry.
Deep Water Solo Gear:
Since it is the simplest climbing form of all, DWS does not require much gear. You want to wear some old rock-climbing shoes and have liquid chalk for the hands. Though many new climbers can get away with an old pair of trainers.
If you are not good at swimming, it is advisable to wear a life jacket and not climb high.
Nonetheless, you need protection from the sun, towel, food and water, sunglasses (attached to you), hat, first aid kit, and a bag of positive energy.
Extra stuff:
We often hire a dhow for 2 days and sleep on deck. The dhow usually is equipped with snorkeling gear, banana boat, kayaks, and fishing gear. Snorkeling is absolutely beautiful in that area, so make sure you give it a try.
Needless to say, take your toys with you, floaties, boardgames, cards…
Red tape:
- Avoid being below or above someone so you don’t fall on each other.
- Do not climb higher than what you are comfortable jumping off from.
- If rocks are loose, do not attempt to hold or stand on them.
- Do not throw rocks unless you are 101% absolutely sure there is no one below you.
- Hydrate well.
- If you get seasick, or have problems with motion sickness, make sure you have some meds for that.
- Do not litter the sea. Take all your garbage with you. If you find plastic in the water, please pick it up.
Pictures:
Rahul Vijayian 
Toufic Abou Nader 
