Caving — or ‘spelunking’, if you want to use the better, much cooler term — is an exhilarating way to explore the mysterious, untouched beauty of what lies below. From the dazzling beauty of stalactites to the incomparable thrill of navigating tight passages and hidden chambers, caving is one of the most rewarding adventure sports out there. Our beginner’s guide is built to take you through the essentials of caving, from crucial skills to optimal gear, helping you step up (or more accurately, down) to the challenges of this unique and exhilarating adventure sport. First things first: what is caving? Caves are natural systems formed by geological processes over thousands to millions of years. They go from single-chambers to vast, sprawling networks, with chambers connected by corridors of varying size and width. Caving sees adventurers explore these underground systems.From the first official records in the mid-1800s, caving has evolved and become slightly more mainstream — though it’s still relatively niche. This may be because caving expeditions can be dangerous, and require a fair amount of gusto. But there’s a reason people with an adventurous spirit come back to caving time and time again… Why should I try caving? Caving allows you to explore landscapes and formations that most people won’t ever see. It can be an exercise in limit-testing, a chance to reconnect with nature, or simply an opportunity to experience surreal beauty. Depending on the spelunker you ask, you’ll get different answers: Unique experience: some love the chance to connect with a part of nature that doesn’t always translate well to glossy documentaries. They believe caving is weird and unvarnished in a way that other types of adventure sports aren’t. Unmatched thrill-seeking: the Evil Knievel’s of the world insist that during the tougher sections, the mix of darkness, claustrophobia and isolation offer an adrenaline rush that can’t be matched. Natural beauty: certain starry-eyed adventurers speak in hushed tones of cathedral-size chambers with stalagmites that shimmer iridescently and underground pools that are beautifully, impossibly still. Safety considerations of caving We’ve mentioned that caving can be dangerous, and while we don’t want to scare you off, it’s something you should be acutely aware of before considering. The discombobulating nature of being underground for so long can increase anxiety, and prolonged exposure with inadequate prep and training can lead to hypothermia, Weil’s disease, and physical mishaps. With that being said, you can modify the level of risk. There are plenty of guided caving expeditions, and you can choose to only explore cave systems that are well-plotted and well-understood. And obviously, the better prepared you are, from gear to skillset, the safer you’ll be — which leads us nicely onto… Beginner’s guide: basic skills to develop for caving Before you even think about stepping into your first cave system, it’s worth assessing what skills to prioritise, or if there are any that you already have which are transferable. To transition from beginner caving to skilled caving, practice and preparation are key, as well as a number of general skills: Basic climbing proficiency: many caves require some scrambling or climbing. Learning basic rock-climbing techniques (chances are you’ll be able to find a gym local to you) can help you manoeuvre through tight spaces and over obstacles. Orienteering: caves are by their nature very maze-like; knowing how to navigate and read a cave map is invaluable. At least one member of your party should be skilled in this area. Geology know-how: learning about cave formations, geology and underground ecosystems will only ever make you a better spelunker. Respecting and understanding the systems that underlie caves enhances your experience, helps protect those environments, and increases overall safety levels. The different types of caves to know as a beginner While there are dozens of different, well-defined cave types (from lava caves to glacier caves, there’s a whole world under there), as this is a beginner’s guide, we’ll stick to the more general classifications: Show caves: the starting point we recommend for any budding caver. Having been developed for tourism, these systems have paths, lighting systems and guided tours. Horizontal caves: caves that consist of mainly horizontal passages are ideal for beginners, as they require minimal climbing and often aren’t that dissimilar to a medium-intensity hike. Dry caves: while the beauty of underground pools has a certain pull to it, we suggest beginner’s start in dry caves, to avoid the myriad challenges associated with water-filled passages. Essential caving gear: what tools and items to purchase and pack as a beginner When it comes to caving, all the prep in the world will be meaningless if you aren’t correctly geared. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials you’ll need to take caving seriously: Protective clothing: dress in layers and wear durable clothing that can handle mud and rough surfaces. Synthetic materials are best, as they wick away moisture and also keep you warm. Sturdy footwear: opt for boots with strong ankle support and a good grip. Even ‘dry’ caves can occasionally be wet and slippery, so footwear designed for traction is crucial for safety. Gloves: which pair of gloves you need ultimately depends on what type of caving you plan on doing — but as a general rule, anything with layered padding and good cushioning is a good place to start. Helmet and headlamp: caves don’t have any natural light sources, so a reliable, helmet-mounted headlamp is essential to navigate them safely. The H19R Signature Rechargeable Head Torch, built for extreme outdoor adventures, is a great fit for thrilling caving adventures. Caving as a beginner: the more you know the better (and safer) it will be Caving is a rewarding, unique hobby that presents both physical and mental challenges. For anyone first starting out, it’s crucial to take it slowly, by focusing on building up a base of relevant knowledge and skills. You can do this through self-study or direct experience — we recommend both. But making sure you’re geared up properly is essential too. From protective clothing to head torches you can rely on, beginner’s need the right kit if they want to tackle this exhilarating adventure sport. On the subject of head torches you can rely on, why not check out our extensive range here, where you’ll find multiple options well-suited for caving.
