Do you like getting dirty? How about squeezing through confined spaces and
doing your best impression of an earthworm? Do you enjoy trekking through dark,
silent chambers that have the quality and ambiance of an oversized womb? If
you're still reading, and the answers to the above questions are an unqualified
"Yes," (or at least a reflective "Maybe,") you have the
potential of becoming a caver.
Caving or spelunking is definitely not a sport for those prone
to claustrophobia. It is, on the other hand, a fantastic sport for
the adventurous explorer. Though caves have long been utilized for
various functions such as storage or scientific study (speleology),
as a recreational pursuit, caving is relatively new. This newness
lends itself to an excitement among skilled cavers, some of whom
may be the discoverers of previously unexplored underground systems.
Because of the unique risks of caving, among them flooding, hypothermia, and
getting lost, caving is an inherently dangerous activity that some might consider
an extreme sport. Certainly, it is a physically and mentally demanding pursuit
that should not be entered lightly. With brains and caution, though, caving
can be a really exciting pastime.
The beginning caver will benefit from a thorough familiarization
with safety precautions as well as skill requirements of caving.
Membership in a caving
organization or group is a great place to meet others of like
mind, as well as to ask questions. This can help you evaluate your
interest and give you built in camaraderie with other caving enthusiasts.
A great beginners caving book is "Caving
Basics" by Jerry Hassemer
The serious beginning caver should invest in basic caving gear.
For obvious reasons- low ceilings, outcroppings, falling rocks-
a helmet is one of the bare necessities. A headlamp for hand-free
lighting is usually attached to the helmet, and one or two additional
sources of light (as well as batteries) should be carried in case
of outage of the primary one. LED lighting has become a favorite
among cavers for its clean light and long battery life.
Clothing depends on the cave temperature, moisture probability, and length
of stay. Generally, full-body coverage is advised, though the fabric should
be a lightweight polypropylene or similar material that both absorbs moisture
and wicks moisture from your body, as hypothermia is a leading cause of danger
to the caver. Needless to say, water-repellent boots with good traction are
very important.
As with many such sports (and more so with caving), you should not go on your
adventure alone. A group of three or more with an experienced leader will increase
the likelihood of safety among all, and taking care to notify a trusted friend
of your expected return is important. The motto of "safety in numbers"
applies very well here, and also lessens the very real potential danger of becoming
lost.
Be sure to obtain permission before entering a cave on private land and check
all your equipment to ensure functionality. Don't forget to pack sufficient
drinking water and energy foods like bars and dried fruits.
Another caving danger is flooding, which can quickly fill a passageway with
water, blocking your progress, or worse: drowning you. For this reason, close
attention must be paid to the weather when planning a cave exploration.
Entering a cave is entering an uneven world of rough, jagged irregularity.
You'll be doing a lot of climbing, crawling, stretching, ducking, grasping,
and body-manipulating, all of which can be exhausting after several hours, so
a decent level of physical fitness goes a long way toward an enjoyable caving
experience.
Move carefully to avoid unnecessary bumps, bruises, sprains, and surprises,
and have a basic first aid kit along in case your nose didn't see that
outcropping directly in front of your face. Do not overextend your reach when
grasping for a handhold or foothold and watch for loose rock.
Finally, watch your step!
