On 5 September, Zadar's ropeless competition follows two coastal routes. On-site registration begins at 2 pm and the event at 3 pm; only climbers who can safely control a drop into the sea should take part.
What is planned for Saturday
The eighth edition of the Deep Water Solo competition takes place at Punta Bajlo in Zadar on Saturday, 5 September. On-site registration is due to begin at 2 pm, with the competition starting at 3 pm.
The event page lists separate women's and men's rankings and a ten-euro entry fee. On-site registration does not promise unlimited places, so arriving early remains sensible.
Two lines above the water
The routes are described as an approximately 50-metre line around grade 6a and an approximately 130-metre line around 7a. These figures convey the sporting challenge, but do not guarantee every centimetre or hold.
In Deep Water Solo, deep water replaces the rope. That makes the fall zone visible, but does not remove exhaustion, a missed step, waves or the danger of an uncontrolled impact.
Taking part requires experience
Entrants should be confident in climbing technique, swimming and making a controlled drop into the water. Form on the day, the sea, wind and organisers' instructions also matter.
For curious visitors without the relevant experience, watching is the better way to participate. This is not a supervised taster session, and a coastal cliff is not freely accessible sports equipment without personal risk.
What to bring
Pack climbing shoes, suitable swimwear, a towel, drinking water and dry clothes to change into. Jewellery, loose items and mobile phones should stay ashore before starting a route.
Sun protection and an early look at the weather are equally important. Entrants should clarify route choice, procedure, the way out of the water and the current safety rules on site.
Watch without disrupting the event
Spectators should remain outside the start, landing and rescue areas. The route also needs clear water; do not take a paddleboard, kayak or boat into the fall zone.
Punta Bajlo is public coastline, not a stadium. Take rubbish away, keep paths clear and follow the organisers' instructions so that this unusual format remains manageable for athletes and spectators alike.
Evidence
Sources & date
Sources support the facts. Planning notes and recommendations are Golden Beach editorial assessments.
- Deep Water SoloZadar Events / Zadar Tourist Board · event on 5 September 2026location, date, registration and start times, entry fee, route lengths, grades and rankings
- Počeli smo opušteno i neformalno, a postali privlačan sportski događajZadarski list · 4 September 2026eighth edition, organisational background and sporting context
