How to Become a Spelunker
Spelunking is the middle ground between touring caves and becoming a speleologist. Spelunkers find adventure in exploring caves, while speleologists have backgrounds in geology, biology, climatology and other areas. Theirs is a more systematic method, gathering and recording data. Spelunkers are not beginners; they must have some training and knowledge to safely go caving.
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Instructions
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Begin by taking guided tours to get a feel for what caving is all about. You must find out beforehand whether you are claustrophobic (spelunkers have to squeeze through some tight passages) and whether it you to be far under the surface of the earth. A tour guide also gives you information about caving as you go that may be helpful in spelunking.
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Join a grotto club. This is a group of cavers who get together to discuss caving and their experiences. They also plan future trips. A caver's club is a great way to learn about caving techniques, caving gear, good caves for spelunking and etiquette.
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Buy the proper equipment. The basic gear includes a helmet to protect your head and to carry a light, water-proof climbing boots, gloves to grip rocks and ropes, elbow pads, knee pads and a crawl to help hold the rope while you climb. It's also recommended to bring a small pack to hold liquids, snacks, a sweatshirt and extra batteries for your flashlight.
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Learn caving etiquette. Keep from taking anything from a cave or leaving anything behind (wrappers, bottles). Don't deface any surfaces or break off any rocks or formations. Learn how to cave without getting hurt or damaging the cave. Always go spelunking with at least three other cavers, so if someone is hurt there is one person to stay with the injured party and two to go for help.
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Keep yourself physically fit. You need strength to climb around in the caves, flexibility to squeeze through small spaces and stamina to keep moving. You must know how to safely ascend and descend with the rope. Many spelunkers camp in the caves for days, so you must be able to carry the gear while moving through the cave.
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