Chris Sharma makes the FA of Black Pearl (9a+) DWS - Updated

Chris Sharma reports on Instagram that he has done the FA of Black Pearl (9a+) in Mallorca. Earlier this year, the 42-year-old, opened Sleeping Lion (9b+) and he says that his latest DWS might be his hardest ever. In 2007, he established Es Pontas (9a+) and later he put up Alasha (9a) and Big Fish (8c+/9a), all in Mallorca. These four FAs are the hardest DWS in the world. (c) Matty Hong

Climbing.com has the full story, where he among other things say. “It represented a progression in deep water soloing for me, and it was a very personal goal that I’ve pursued over the last four years,” says Sharma. “It’s one of a handful of routes that have been on my bucket list.”

8a followed up with some questions:
How did you project the route?
I tried it a lot on a rope especially the crux. Was really tricky aid to get in and figure out the sequence. The crux is not so high. Maybe 13 meters or so but it finishes on solid climbing quite high.

How many times did you fall from the crux and what about safety?
I fell lots of times. Not sure how many. I would always go with someone for safety reasons.

What is your next plan?
I’m psyched for some hard routes around Catalunya. Still lots of unfinished business 😀