Canadians will soon have their own psicobloc (deep water soloing) competition to brag about as organizers in Quebec prepare for their July 5 competition.

The event will take place at Lac-Beauport, north of Quebec City and they are expecting over 250 competitors.

The idea for the comp came from François-Guy Thivierge who’s been planning it for two years. The owner of Roc Gym got his idea after watching the Psicobloc in Utah two years ago.

Thivierge thought of his friend Yves Laroche’s training centre of Lac-Beauport.

“It is not complicated” said Thivierge. “Part of the infrastructure is already above the four-metre deep pool. Thivierge approached the director of the facility, Nicolas Fontaine and lined up July 3 to 5 to hold the compeition.


“It’s the same principle as climbing in a gym, but you fall in water and not on the floor,” said Thivierge. “The wall will be 12 metres high by eight metres wide and will be between 45 and 60 degrees.

“I would like to have between 200 and 300 registered competitors. The site will be bustling all weekend. There will be bleachers for spectators and kiosks with food and drinks.” It even seeks to sign a partnership with a broadcaster.

The innovative sport was the brainchild of a number of climbers, but mostly Chris Sharma. After two years of being held in August in Utah, the event is one of the most anticipated of the season.

For the complete list of competitors who will be at the event, visit the Facebook page here.