Beginner's Caving Information

by Marbry Hardin

There are some basic rules to follow for safe caving, although this is not intended to be an exhaustive list, nor a substitute for good judgement and training. Presented here are tips that have evolved over many years of many people caving, and can probably be agreed upon by the majority of cavers.

Lights - If you cannot see you are stuck. Every person in the group should have at least 3 reliable sources of light. By reliable, this means thatany one could get you out of the cave safely. Preferably at least one should be helmet mounted to leave your hands free. Also, take into account a spare bulb or two, spare batteries etc.
Helmet - Ever hear the phrase cheap helmet, cheap head ? Mainly something that will protect your noggin from standing up too soon under a ledge, or slipping off a piece of breakdown is a good start. One thing the helmet should definitely have is a chin strap. Many people have been injured by falling, having their helmet pop off, then slamming their head back down sans helmet. Remember that after the age of two or so, brain cells do not replace themselves!
Notification - Always make sure that someone knows where you've gone, and when toexpect you back. This does not mean this person should be calling the rescue squad if you are not back 10 minutes after you said you would be. Usually you should give a time expected back with an agreed upon grace period before trouble would be suspected.
Sandbagging - If there is something that you do not feel comfortable doing, do not do it ! Especially when a new caver is along with more experienced cavers, there may be a time where everyone is doing something that the newer person has not yet done enough to feel confident about it. I am not saying that one should not face a good challenge, but use prudent judgement about your own skills, and make sure that the rest of the group is aware. Taking a moment to step back and assess the situation could avoid a bad caving experience or injury.
Be prepared - Take into account the small things that can make a difference. A few candles, trash bags, and roll of tape make an emergency heat tent. A sweatshirt to put on when stopped can keep away the beginnings of hypothermia. Water is always important, and a little food could also make the difference if something does happen. Talk to several people that have been caving for a while, ask them what they carry in their packs, and why they have it.
Conservation - This is listed this far down only because everything above it directly influences the safety of the people in the cave. Ultimately personal safety is everyone's top concern although that does not mean it has to come at the sacrifice of the cave itself. In manypopular caves there will be considerable evidence of mankind's presence in the form of broken formations, trash, graffiti and the like. Please do not contribute to this problem but rather do some part to improve it by always trying to take out some extra trash on your way out, and impress upon others the fragility of the cave environment when possible. As for the animals found in caves some are quite rare and are even on the endangered species list. Bats are one of the more visible species inhabiting caves. Try not to disturb any animals you may encounter even when they tend to roost at inconveinent spots. Some caves are considered closed at certain times of the year to avoid disturbing the bat population. If you go to a cave that has a large population of bats try to find out if and when it is all right to enter.

Remember, it's never an adventure until it's over!