Spelunking

HikerChick · 02-15-2010, 03:59 PM

The only times I've been in a cave were times where I was taking a very basic tour of caves and caverns, a-la-tourist. I know that's not "real caving," but how does an inexperienced person make that step to the next level? Is there any training necessary?

Bradsalex · 02-15-2010, 05:37 PM

I don't have any experience in "spelunking" per se, but if there was just one thing about it I would stress... make sure that the cave/mine you are going in is safe and has never had a history of collapse. I HAVE had experience in mining and mine rescue operations and the biggest hazard about working a mine is collapse.

As far as training? I don't believe that formal training is neccessary. Just have the right equipment (helmet, lights, back up lights...) and a good long rope to mark your trail.

HillbillyMama · 02-15-2010, 05:38 PM

There are always things that you can do to train however I would say that if you are just starting out then maybe hiring a guide would be best. Not necessarily one of the lazy little tour guides that walk you around the cave but an ACTUAL guide. lol

paloma · 02-21-2010, 05:00 AM

There are always guides when you go into a cave. Never venture into one without a native guide who knows the ins and outs of the cave's passages. It is scary to be lost in a cave's maze.

02-15-2010, 03:59 PM	#1
HikerChick Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 71	Spelunking The only times I've been in a cave were times where I was taking a very basic tour of caves and caverns, a-la-tourist. I know that's not "real caving," but how does an inexperienced person make that step to the next level? Is there any training necessary?

02-15-2010, 05:37 PM	#2
Bradsalex Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 92 Blog Entries: 2	I don't have any experience in "spelunking" per se, but if there was just one thing about it I would stress... make sure that the cave/mine you are going in is safe and has never had a history of collapse. I HAVE had experience in mining and mine rescue operations and the biggest hazard about working a mine is collapse. As far as training? I don't believe that formal training is neccessary. Just have the right equipment (helmet, lights, back up lights...) and a good long rope to mark your trail. "Being properly distracted for a moment is child's play, being rightly distracted for a lifetime is and art." ~Douglas Adams

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

02-15-2010, 05:38 PM	#3
HillbillyMama Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hillbilly Heaven Oklahoma Posts: 146	There are always things that you can do to train however I would say that if you are just starting out then maybe hiring a guide would be best. Not necessarily one of the lazy little tour guides that walk you around the cave but an ACTUAL guide. lol

02-21-2010, 05:00 AM	#4
paloma Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 55	There are always guides when you go into a cave. Never venture into one without a native guide who knows the ins and outs of the cave's passages. It is scary to be lost in a cave's maze.