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In case you are wonderingwhat the hell is spelunking, don’t worry, it’s not a new strange disease; it is the recreational sport of exploring caves and vaults on the earth.
There is something about caves that is mysterious and fascinating. Caves could represent for us the final frontier –an unknown subterranean universe full of mazes, chambers, waterfalls, tight spaces, deep crevices, and even bizarre creatures.
Spelunking is more than just a walkthrough in a beautiful cave; it requires hiking, climbing, crawling, swimming, rappelling, and wriggling through tight spots, among others.
With the chance of doing some, if not all, of the previously mentioned activities, we can say that spelunking comes with some degree of danger.
But, with proper attention to safety, this extreme sport can be as safe as a regular walkthrough.Here are some tips that will keep your spelunking experience as safe and thrilling as possible.
1. Educate yourself about spelunking
Spelunking, also known as caving, can vary from a light exercise walk and climb to an extreme and physically demanding rappel. Know how challenging the cave might be and if you are physically capable of doing it.
2. ALWAYS have a companion when spelunking
Never go caving alone. A small group of 4 to 6 people is preferable. If you’re not hiring a guide, make sure that at least two of your companions are experienced cavers and know the cave well.
3. Have the proper caving gear
Always carry a hard hat, a headlight, and proper shoes.It is recommended to have three different light sources and to carry extra batteries (your light is the single most important piece of equipment, and you don’t want to be left in the dark halfway!).
Sometimes wearing gloves and kneepads –also known as spelunker’s best friends– will save you from a lot of pain. You might also want to carry a facemask; some caves have a strong guano smell.
4. Wear proper clothes
Please… don’t wear your Sunday best.An old pair of jeans and a t-shirt will suffice.
Your clothes will get wet and dirty; and in most cases, don’t expect to get them clean.Your clothes should have a good fit on you and shouldn’t limit your movements’ flexibility.
Most caves have comfortable warm weather but some chambers can go down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), so you might want to dress in layers with synthetic fabrics, like nylon and polyester.
These fabrics tend to dry faster –reducing the chance of hypothermia– and they are more resistant to scrapes and snags common to spelunking.
5. Test your ropes
Ropes are one of the most important pieces of equipment when you do an extreme spelunking with rappelling.
Test your lifeline before caving; it must support you and your gear in a lingering hang. Use a safety line as a backup in case of a fall.
6. Carry a First Aid Kit
Cuts and scratches do occur often. Clean and medicate them immediately to prevent infections such as leptospirosis.
This post will help you create your own ideal first-aid kit. Alternatively, you can purchase a travel first-aid kit on Amazon.
Also, make sure you’re properly covered with the right travel insurance in case of any emergency. I normally use HeyMondo.
7. Check your breathing
Deep caves can have a reduced amount of oxygen.Check for oxygen using a match, lighter, or candle.
If you start feeling dizzy, out of breath, or have a burning sensation in your throat, stop and exit the cave at a steady pace.
8. Keep your energy
Always carry energy bars and water to replenish your energy.Take breaks when necessary.
9. Never go caving when it’s raining
Caves can flood extremely fast and more often than not, it is unannounced. Don’t take that risk.
10. Leave Markers
As you go further in, leave markers to show your way out.On your return, pick up your markers, don’t leave them in the cave as waste.
11. Don’t take unnecessary risks
Always look for the easiest way to navigate the cave.When you have the choice of jumping over a crevice or taking 5 minutes to go around it, choose to go around it.
Injuries, even the smallest ones, are magnified by the difficulty of evacuating an injured person out of the cave.
12. Be patient and don’t force things
Go slow and take your time while crossing or crawling through tight spaces; a bad position can injure or cramp your muscles.If you don’t fit, don’t force it. Don’t run the chance of getting stuck.
13. Know what to do in case someone gets injured
If someone gets injured and can’t make it out of the cave on their own, stop there and send two or more persons for help –police or paramedics.
Make sure they know the exact location where the injured person is and the extent of the injuries.Never leave the injured alone.
14. Inform others about your caving plans
Sometimes you can get lost in a cave.In such cases, don’t panic and stay put.Always let people know about your spelunking plans. Inform more than one person with details like when you are going, which cave, with whom, and when you plan to return.
If you are adventurous and haven’t tried spelunking, you should give it a try.Who knows… you might even get hooked on this thrilling and exploratory sport.
Do you know of any other caving/spelunking tips? Share them with us…
