By: Cave Spelunking
Spelunking or caving is becoming a more and more popular hobby or pastime. There are probably more beginning cavers than there are beginners in any other hobby or sport today.
Caving is fun, and caving is interesting, but caving can also be dangerous - VERY dangerous. If you are interested in caving, the safest thing that you can do is to learn good basic caving techniques from those who have "been there, done that". And you'll continue "learning" all of your life.
The most important technique of caving is staying safe while caving. Stay with your group. Don't forge on ahead or lag behind. You should never, ever go caving by yourself. It isn't safe, and it's just plain stupid. At the very least, take one buddy with you, and groups of more than two are much more advisable. "Stuff" happens in caves.
Caving is fun, but it is also serious business. A cave is no place to be rambunctious or engage in "horseplay." Injury in a cave can mean that a cave rescue must take place. Cave rescues aren't quick; they take time. For example, an injury that occurs after only 15 minutes of entry into the cave can require as much as eight hours and a hundred people to reach the injured caver.
Dress in warm clothing. Hypothermia is a very real possibility in the 54-degree temperature or a cave, particularly when you are sweaty because of the 95-100% humidity. Eat a snack and drink some water when you stop to rest. Rest stops need to be kept short to avoid chilling. Dressing in layers and avoiding cotton clothing can also help.
Caving instruction is available in every state in the Union. Join a caving club or check the yellow pages for caving instructors in the area where you live.
Cave Spelunking.
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