Darius Rapa repeats Es Pontas, 9a+ DWS on Mallorca

Young Romanian climber Darius Rapa has repeated Es Pontas, Chris Sharma's deep water solo masterpiece off the island of Mallorca in Spain. The 2024 Youth World Vice champion, who was born the year Sharma freed the line, almost sent it last week but fell after the famous dyno when his heelhook popped off unexpectedly just before reaching the final jug. He set the record straight a few days later and explained on his Instagram handle "I can’t believe I sent my dream route. I really have no words to describe how this feels, it’s my biggest achievement and the best moment I’ve ever had. I was born the year Chris Sharma climbed it, incredible vision and milestone for climbing putting up the world’s hardest DWS route and for sure the most iconic. This route is just perfect!"

Talking about perfection. The accompanying photo was taken a few hours arter Rapa's send by Christian Core, the winner of the first ever Bouldering World Cup in 1999, the winner of the 2002 WC and winner of the 2003 Bouldering World Championship, as well as first ascensionist of numerous cutting-edge boulder problems including Gioia 8C+ at Varazze.

The Italian was understandably happy with the image and stated "This is absolutely the most beautiful photo I've ever taken. I'm so happy and satisfied for it. It's incredible to think how many things had to come together perfectly to make it happen. I left Canada to Mallorca for 6 days thinking about this image you see above. During the flight, part of my rational mind said "total madness", while the other part repeated, "yes but this is crazy cool".

To make it work, so many things had to come together perfectly, too many:
- First of all, the weather (it had rained the week before, of course for the photo I needed clear skies).
- No clouds, (there where many around...)
- Being there at the right time in the evening, just few minutes before it got too dark.
- Another very important point to consider is to have a climber climbing a part of a 9a+ (5.15a) route in the dark with only the light of a lamp...

What an incredible adventure, with incredible friends in an incredible place, and in front of one of the most beautiful routes in the world, made by Chris Sharma. Guys, I can't thank you enough for all the help you've given me, for the wonderful teamwork that went into making this photo. You're amazing."