Sam Richard Climbing Chris Sharma’s Famous Deep Water Solo Es Pontas 5.15a

Why It Matters

Richard’s back‑to‑back hard sends demonstrate the merging of deep‑water solo and high‑ball bouldering at elite levels, raising the profile of both disciplines.

Key Takeaways

• Richard repeats Sharma's historic 5.15a deep water solo.
• Completed ascent after 12 sessions, six successful jumps.
• Followed by V17 bouldering send in Fontainebleau.
• Highlights growing crossover between elite DWS and competition climbing.
• Richard's achievements boost visibility of deep water solo discipline.

Pulse Analysis

Es Pontas, a 20‑meter limestone arch off Mallorca’s coast, has long been a benchmark for deep‑water solo (DWS) climbing. First conquered by Chris Sharma in 2006 at 5.15a, the route’s defining seven‑foot dyno and a precarious lip crux demand both power and flawless timing, with a safety net of water below. Over the past two decades only a select few have repeated the feat, making each new ascent a headline event within the niche but increasingly respected DWS community.

Sam Richard’s recent success on Es Pontas marks a pivotal moment in his already impressive résumé. After a teenage breakthrough on V15 boulders in Fontainebleau, Richard has amassed a string of high‑grade achievements, including a second ascent of The Power of Now Direct (V15) and a bronze medal at the 2025 Boulder World Cup in Prague. His ability to transition seamlessly from competition walls to the unpredictable environment of deep‑water solo showcases a versatility that few climbers possess, and his rapid follow‑up V17 send on Soudain Seul underscores a mental resilience that resonates with both athletes and sponsors seeking multidimensional talent.

The broader climbing market is taking notice. Media coverage of Richard’s dual milestones amplifies the visibility of DWS, a discipline that traditionally lingered on the periphery of mainstream climbing narratives. Brands are now exploring product lines tailored for water‑based training, while event organizers consider integrating DWS showcases into festivals to attract new audiences. As elite climbers like Richard continue to blur the lines between competition, bouldering, and DWS, the sport’s ecosystem is poised for growth, with increased sponsorship, diversified media content, and a wider pool of aspirants inspired to test their limits beyond the rock face.