Information For Beginning Cavers


This information has been prepared to enable you to be adequately prepared for your first cave trip. It is not a substitute for experienced cave guides nor is it an all encompassing article on techniques. The former should be your companions on your first trip and the latter will be gained through experience.

Caving is a sport which requires dexterity, coordination, and cooperation. Caves can range from cold, wet, tight, miserable crawlways over sharp rocks to large walking passages filled with beautiful formations. Deep pits may be encountered. Anyone with a fear of tight places or heights should not consider caving. Check yourself out by turning off the light and sitting in a dark closet or crawling under a bed. Stand on a chair and look at the floor or stand very near to a window in a tall building. If you are uncomfortable, forget caving. Cavers need to work together and stick together.

The equipment a beginner needs is generally simple and inexpensive. The specialty items may be rented or borrowed. Two complete sets of clothing are necessary (this includes underwear, socks, and shoes). One set is worn while driving to and from the cave; the other set is worn inside the cave. Cave clothes are generally old; once clothes are worn in a cave they are a permanent dirty brown color with an increasing collection of strange holes and tears. Cavers generally prefer coveralls or jeans. The cooler climates also require a sweat shirt or jacket to keep you warm. Caves maintain the average temperature of the area so northern caves are much colder than southern caves. Old boots with ankle protection are best but gym shoes can be worn in some caves. Waders and overshoes are worse than useless because they will become filled with water and very heavy. Climbing type soles are good for caves but it would probably be best not to use a good pair of climbing boots because of the treatment they will receive at the hands of the cave. Most experienced cavers buy a pair of lug soled, high top boots which they dedicate to caving.

The two most important items of equipment which every caver must have are a hard hat and lights. The hard hat will protect the wearer against hitting his head on the rough ceiling, falling rocks, dropped equipment, or head injury from slips or falls. light is essential since caves are completely dark. At least two, and preferably three, independent sources of light must be carried by each person. One of these lights should be attached to the hard hat to leave the hands free for climbing and crawling. Carbide lamps which attach to a hard hat are a cheap, dependable source of light. Spare carbide, water, parts, and a container for spent carbide are carried by each individual using a carbide light. Electric lights which attach to a hard hat and have separate battery containers worn on the belt are also available. A hard hat and light can usually be borrowed from caving companions for the first one or two trips but anyone who wants to continue caving should buy his own. The second source of light is usually a flashlight with a spare bulb and batteries. The "Mag Lite" aluminum flashlights are some of the best for caving. As a third source of light carry a plumber's candle and some waterproofed matches. Several cavers have had the experience of crawling out of a cave holding their candle after their first two sources of light have failed. Food, such as Tootsie Rolls, M & Ms, and hard candies will supply energy if needed. They should be packaged in waterproof, non-breakable containers. Plastic baby bottles are ideal. Canned fruit juice or drinking water should also be carried. Since your ability to carry supplies is limited and since you have to come out of any cave you go into, you need to learn to conserve your energy. Watch how the experienced cavers move. See how they walk, crawl, stoop, etc. The important points are:

• Don't push on the cave. If you don't fit, back up and try a different approach.
• Carry your head high.
• Walk upright, even on a slope, don't lean into or away from the wall.
• When walking stooped over, carry your hands and pack behind your back to take weight off your shoulders.
• Rest when you're tired.