Legendary climber Chris Sharma has once again redefined the limits of Deep Water Soloing (DWS) in Mallorca, establishing a formidable new line he calls Vision Quest.

Quick Stats

  • Route Name: Vision Quest
  • Location: Mallorca, Spain (Northwest Coast)
  • Grade: Proposed 9a to 9a+ (5.14d/5.15a)
  • First Ascent: December 19, 2024
  • Effort: 30+ sessions over 6 months

The Ascent

Just days before the end of 2024, the 43-year-old American icon managed to clip the chains—or rather, top out—on his long-term project. Taking advantage of unseasonably mild autumn conditions in the Balearics, Sharma completed the route on December 19, 2024.

The success came after a grueling battle involving more than 30 sessions spread over six months. Sharma described the process as a journey through "the full spectrum of ups and downs," fitting for a route named Vision Quest.

The Line

Located on the wild Northwest coast of Mallorca, the route is described as a "stunning piece of stone in a very epic location." While it sits in the same difficulty tier as his previous King Lines, Sharma notes that the climbing style is distinct from his most famous DWS ascent, Es Pontàs.

The route features a punishing crux high off the deck:

"The crux boulder sequence is around 8B (V13/V14), situated circa 18 meters above the water."

Falling from this height adds a significant mental and physical "redpoint crux" to the endeavor, as repeated impacts with the water from nearly 20 meters take a toll on the body.

Context & Significance

Vision Quest cements Sharma's legacy as the undisputed king of Psicobloc (Deep Water Soloing). It joins the "Holy Trinity" of his hardest water-solos on the island:

  • Es Pontàs (9a+): Established in 2006, the arch that brought DWS to the mainstream.
  • Alasha (9a+): Established in 2016, named after his daughter.
  • Black Pearl (9a+): Established in 2023 at Port de Sóller.

Sharma has stated that Vision Quest is "one of the best and hardest Psicobloc lines I've ever climbed," proving that even in his forties, he remains at the cutting edge of the sport.

Images and footage of the ascent were captured by Helena Clancy and Isaac Estévez, with a full film likely to follow in future Reel Rock or similar climbing media releases.