So ya wanna go caving?
NSS/GHG Policy
We are mandated by our charter with the NSS, National Speleological Society, to promote the exploration and conservation of caves. The first cavers (short of those who sought caves for shelter) were explorers and took great pains to report back to scientists and archeologists as to what they discovered in the caves. We have always had a working relationship with the scientific community. Many caves are scientists or geologists. It is our goal to nurture this relationship. We hold our members responsible for following the NSS Conservation Policy. NSS Conservation Policy. Whether they are NSS members or not.
Gaining the knowledge
Caving demands a certain degree of physical ability and stamina, but more than that, it demands knowledge. You must know how to move through a cave and not damage it or yourself. You will learn "cave etiquette." You may be interested in learning techniques to descend and ascend safely on a single rope. The learning is never-ending. But, no matter how you decide to get that knowledge, make sure you get it. If you don't already know experienced cavers who are willing to teach you, seek out the closest Grotto.
Joining a Grotto
Grottos are caving clubs. In the U.S., we are local branches of the NSS. As such, we follow their doctrine of conservation and preservation of caves. We also strive to educate people to "cave safely and softly". Finally, we try to educate the general public in the importance of caves as a natural resource.
On your first visit to a grotto, make a point to introduce yourself. We do our best to try and get newbies caving.
Be aware that some cavers can be both trusting and suspicious. Cavers depend on one another for their safety, if not their very lives. This makes for some very close friendships, if sometimes, slowly-developed ones. Most cavers are also leery about divulging cave locations until they are convinced you are the type of person who will respect the cave. Show responsibility for your fellow cavers as well as the cave. And, of course, always respect the cave's landowner's demands.
Equipment
NOTE: This list is for most caves in the Southwest and by no means complete. These are minimum requirements to make your experience safe and fun.
HELMET You will need a helmet that meets UIAA standards. Make sure it has a solid chinstrap. If you take a fall, you don't want your helmet to leave your head. Prices range from $50-$80. (I have found some used helmets, with years of good use left, for as low as $20.)
LIGHT SOURCES You’ll need a lamp that can mount to your helmet and leave your hands free. You’ll need an extra bulb for it and extra batteries. You should also have two additional sources of light in case your main source fails. Back-up bulbs and batteries for those as well. Prices start about $20. A good lamp is available in the $40-$60 range, but prices can go well over $100. I've seen people buy the Everyready brand headlamps they are yellow, in expensive so you can buy one and another for backup. The last time I looked they were in the $12 range and available at places like Academy Outdoor Stores.
SMALL FANNY PACK or BACKPACK In this, you keep those extra batteries, some snacks for energy, drinking water (Quart Bottle in a crush proof bottle NALGENE is a good brand and available at most good outdoor stores. a sweatshirt or heavy shirt for extra warmth if you get cold easily.
PADS/GLOVES Kneepads, the kind sold for basketball or soccer, are a good start. Elbow pads, like the ones used in football, are also good for keeping your forearms comfortable in caves that require a lot of crawling. A pair of leather gloves will protect your hands from the rocks and the formations from the oils on your skin that can damage it.
BASIC RULES
"RULES OF THREE" You cave with 3 additional people (who hopefully are all skilled cavers). If someone is injured, one caver stays with the victim and the other two can exit the cave for help. You take 3 independent sources of light. You tell 3 people exactly where you are going caving and when you will be back. If they don't hear from you by the agreed-upon time, they can alert the proper people. (Make sure they WANT to see you again).
Never touch a formation with your bare hands. The oils on your skin can retard the formation's growth or possibly stop it entirely.
Never smoke in a cave, or do anything to adversely affect the environment of the cave.
If you eat or drink in a cave, make sure no crumbs or liquids fall on the cave floor. Though you may not be there to see it, vast quantities of furry fungus can grow on food particles you don’t even notice. We try to have minimum impact on the biology of the cave.
Remove nothing from a cave except the mud on your clothes.
If there are marked trails, keep both feet and hands inside the markers.
Follow the instructions of the trip leader.
The above is just an very brief introduction to caving. There are a number of excellent books about caving, aimed at novices, but with information for experienced cavers also. Please see our ALL THINGS CAVING for some good books on caving.
How to start caving from Houston??
For those of you who need instruction and guidance to "how to cave safely and softly" and what gear you need, you're welcomed to join our grotto. Seek out experienced cavers. Get the right gear and start caving with people who are willing to show you how to cave without getting hurt or damaging the cave.
The closest caves are in San Antonio and Austin. Be ready for a day trip.
For those of you who are experienced cavers, this may not be news, but I get questions from out of town, people, who want to know where the caves and cavers are.
The internet is the main way we communicate now days. Check out the Texas Speleological Society (TSA) webpage. The caves we enjoy need care and protection so consider PROJECT caving. That's where you go on work trips to mostly regional caves. You'll meet other cavers.
There are some good caving organizations. Texas Speleological Society, Texas Cave Management Association (TCMA) and Texas Cave Conservancy (TCC). Also the NSS, is a wonderful organization that lets you know what's going on both regionally and internationally.
When you get on the TSA website sign up for " texascavers". It's a listserv. You'll be copied on email from hundreds of cavers around Texas. This is one way to learn about regional caving and cavers.
Check out our LINKS page. Contact us for more info.
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