The Basics of Cave Hiking Safety

Cave hiking is considered an extreme sport in some circles. However, extreme sport tends to mean that people who participate have little regard for safety and it is not true with cave hiking. Cave hiking is a recreational sport that is very difficult and skills at different levels depending on the type of cave that is exploring.

When you go cave hiking, you need equipment to help you navigate the cave. The sport is physically demanding, but rewarding and fun. It is similar to climbing and diving in terms of physical demand required and the rush you get from carry it out. Worldwide there are many caves that can be explored, especially in larger countries like the United States.

While cave hiking is not popular athletes not participating in sport find it very interesting and different from other sports. There are thousands of caves that can be explored and there are still many who have not yet been explored. If you are new to cave hiking, you should hire a guide to go with you to ensure you have a safe trip that is enjoyable – the trip stops being fun when trapped in a cave and you have the proper equipment.

Safety is paramount in cave hiking and there is equipment you need:

LED: When cave hiking, you should have a few different light sources to help you see in the dark cave. Ideally, you will have an LED light, which is an option popular with hikers cave equipment. LED lights provide a light source without using hands. It points toward the head notes, usually where you are going and need more light. You also want to have a LED flashlight with you to shine in other areas, confined spaces or in a different direction. LED lamps offer a lot of light and are ideal for lighting a whole cave. You will use LED lights because they offer longer battery life longer and longer bulb life. LED lights are the most recommended lights for caving. Always have two light sources with you when hiking cave safety.

Knife: You will have to carry some type of survival knife with you, so while you are hiking cave, as a Swiss Army knife or hunting knife. A survival knife is paramount in the event of needing to cut ropes or vines, etc. while in the cave. You can also be needed if you must check the address in the soil or rock.

Other equipment: Items like ropes, helmets, carabiners, hiking boots, water and food are additional elements that are to take with you when hiking cave. It is best to consult a guide or take a course with a guide to what is the right equipment and clothing for the particular area you are hiking. Do not cave hike on your own until you have done with proper guidance.

Always remember – safety. Tell someone go hiking, when you are entering the cave, where and when you expect to return. This is to ensure that if something goes wrong and does not return on time, someone knows where to start searching. Always make sure that if you are new to the area or new to the cave to take a guide with you who have experience in that area and cave. This will ensure that you are safe throughout the trip and have fun.

~ Ben Anton, 2007

About the Author

To learn about volleyball tactics and volleyball techniques, visit the Volleyball Drills website.

Hedgehog Creation

Wenger Men’s 7083 AquaGraph Tide Swiss Watch $450.00 Keep close track of the lunar phases and the ebbing of the tides with this Wenger AquaGraph Tide stainless steel men’s watch. It features a precise 9-jewel Swiss quartz movement that’s accurate to 1/10 of a second per day, a perpetual tide change function for both home or away once location is set at home and destination port, and a moon phase indicator subdial. It also offers a unidirectional rot…

Wenger Men’s 7083 AquaGraph Tide Swiss Watch $500.00 Swiss quartz movement, Casual watch, Tide watch, Blue hands, Shiny black numbers, Analog date display, Brushed ratcheting stainless steel bezel is etched with High/Low tide markers, Moon phase subdial, Seconds subdial, Brushed stainless steel case, Polished stainless steel crown, selector buttons and screw-in caseback, Mineral crystal, 100 meters/330 feet water resistant…

Be Sociable, Share!

•