What Is Caving? A Complete Guide
Many outdoor adventures focus on the nature that we see above ground. They take adventurers across canyons, up mountains and cliffsides. But how about exploring the world beneath it all?
Caving is an incredibly unique outdoor adventure that takes you through a world of geological wonders. Not only that, but caving allows you to see various plantlife and wildlife that you may not otherwise get to encounter. It’s a great explorative sport for those seeking a new type of adventure to experience, and it’s certainly one that everyone should try at least once in their lifetime.
So, what is caving? There are a number of terms that you might hear – like caving, spelunking, and potholing – and in this article, we’ll take you through what each of them means, plus all the equipment you’ll need to explore these caves. This guide is perfect for those keen on trying out caving for the first time as we provide helpful tips to get you started and give some insight into the different kinds of caves that are out there in the world.
What is Caving?
Caving itself is the sport of exploring cave systems – usually in groups or with an experienced caving guide. It’s a sport that tests you both physically and mentally as you climb, crawl and squeeze your way through passageways shaped by time. But the effort exerted will be absolutely worthwhile because you’ll be able to see some of Mother Nature’s most breathtaking creations that are hidden beneath the rest of the world.
From crystal pools to flow stones, stalagmites and stalactites to what cavers lovingly call “cave popcorn”, there are so many things that you’ll only be able to see when you go on a caving expedition. You’ll also be able to see certain ferns and plants like liverwort that thrive with minimal sunlight, and you may come across cave salamanders and various isopods. Caving takes you through a world that’s truly unlike any other, and you’ll be able to have a lot of fun doing it, too.
What Is Spelunking?
So, what is “spelunking”, then? Essentially, it means the same thing as caving. You’ll find that “spelunking” is more widely used to describe the sport in the US and Canada, while “caving” is more commonly used in the UK and Ireland. The two terms still refer to the exploration of caving systems, so don’t worry too much about which term to use. Especially since the word “spelunking” has roots in the term “speleology”, which is the scientific study of caves and cave environments.
What Is Potholing?
As for “potholing”, there is definitely a difference. Although it still concerns cave exploration, there is a significant difference between potholing and caving – the technique. In a nutshell, caving typically involves exploring caverns that are mostly made up of horizontal passageways, while potholing puts adventurers up against vertical passageways. Since a lot of the exploration involves ascending and descending, potholing also requires different, specialist equipment compared to caving.
What Gear Do You Need For Caving?
If you’re keen on trying our caving for the first time, it’s highly recommended that you start caving with either an expert caving group or by booking a caving expedition with a reputable outdoor adventure company. They will provide you with the essential gear that you’ll need for caving, so you don’t need to worry about making a massive investment when you’re just starting out. The equipment that you’ll normally be provided are:
• Waterproof boots (like Wellies!)
• Oversuit
• Helmet
• Harness
• Caving Rig
Although a safety equipment is provided for you when you book out a caving adventure, there are a few other must-have things that you’ll need to bring along yourself to these expeditions. Most of these things are for your personal comfort. Caving expeditions can last a majority of the day, you should be prepared beforehand to ensure that you don’t get caught out or have to inconvenience the rest of the group.
• Water bottle
• Packed lunch
• Bivvy bag or waterproof rucksack
• Outdoor clothing
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Thick socks
Beginners’ Tips for Caving
Much like with any other outdoor adventure that you could experience, the best tip that we can give you before you embark on your first caving adventure is to have fun. Caving is such a unique experience that you should savour as much as you can, even if you’re sweating buckets and panting like no tomorrow!
However, there are a few small yet highly important tips that you should be aware of before you get out there and try caving for yourself. There is truly no other way to explore the underground world, so keep in mind these four tips while you’re off on your first expedition:
1. Never cave alone
This is an incredibly important safety measure, especially for beginners. Caving isn’t a sport that you should dosolo. Exploring caves can be unpredictable, and having at least two buddies on hand is crucial should something go wrong. This is why we highly recommend that beginners start out by booking a caving expedition with an experienced group, for starters.
2. Don’t push your limits
Although it can be incredibly tempting to push yourself past your limits while you’re out caving, don’t. Caving, especially as a beginner caver, should be taken at a slow pace. If you start to feel tired or uncomfortable, inform the group leader. Taking breaks while on a caving expedition is perfectly fine, and it’s definitely a normal thing that happens while caving.
4. Learn the caver motto
“Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time” – that is the caver motto. A great beginner caver tip is to learn this motto before setting off for your first caving adventure and any expeditions in the future.
Caves are incredibly delicate ecosystems. The limited flora and fauna that live within cave systems have never been exposed to harsh conditions like rain, sun or wind, making them much more fragile than their above-ground counterparts. So, be very careful where you step and be mindful that you don’t hurt these cave-dwelling creatures.
Plus, caves were formed over thousands of years thanks to the hard work of Mother Nature. Although caves are definitely capable of restoration, that will be a slow process of another thousand years. Any misstep can lead to broken formations that will be seen by cavers for generations to come.
So, when you go caving, remember to respect the environment that you are in. That way, you and other cavers may enjoy the same experience now and for the years to follow.
Trivea: Different Types of Caves
As we’ve mentioned earlier, there isn’t only one type of cave in the world. There are actually six different types of caves that people can explore! While some of these caves are typically set up as “show caves” – ticketed caves that are made accessible to the general public for guided visits – the way that each of these is formed is absolutely fascinating. If you’re keen on caving, you definitely should learn about these caves.
1. Karst Caves
Source: Chesapeake Bay Program
Karst caves, also known as solution caves, are the most common type of cave that you’ll come across. They also tend to be some of the most complex cave systems out there. These caves are formed when groundwater (typically from rain) seeps through soil or surface openings like cracks. Through a process taking over thousands of years, the water dissolves the rock it comes in contact with, leading to the stunning cave formations that we know of today.
Solution caves tend to be found as either carbonate like dolomite, limestone and marble or evaporites such as anhydrite, gypsum and halite. All the caves found in the UK, like the caves found in Yorkshire Dales, are karst caves!
2. Lava Tubes
Source: Lonely Planet
These types of caves can only be found in volcanic regions worldwide, as they are formed by lava flows. Lava caves, more commonly known as lava tubes, are generally formed during volcanic eruptions when lava flows down a volcano’s sides.
First, the surface of the lava cools from the exposure to the cooler outside air before it hardens. Then, the inner sections of lava follow suit, cooling down to then form tunnels where molten lava will continue to flow, safely insulated from the outside world. Tubes will continue to form until the eruption stops, at which point the lava will drain and leave behind empty caverns.
Although a majority of lava tubes are simple, singular passageways, there are a few complex lava caves in the world. These feature multiple levels and complicated networks of tunnels running through them – all created by lava flow. The most extensive lava tube system in the world is the Kazamura Cave in Hawaii, which has nearly 41 miles of passages surveyed.
3. Salt Caves
Source: NoCamels
Salt caves came into formation because ocean levels were much higher millions of years ago compared to present day. As oceans cooled and glaciers formed, water levels decreased by around 70 meters, which then allowed for the creation of these types of caves. Through the ebbs and flows of water against salt deposits, caves and caverns were formed – housing large amounts of salt within their walls.
4. Sea Caves
Source: Reader’s Digest
Not too dissimilar to salt caves, sea caves also form through thousands of years of ocean movement that causes sea cliffs to erode. These caves first begin as narrow cracks within cliffside faces that widen as waves continue to crash into the rock, slowly chipping it away.
Alot of sea caverns have been turned into show caves, only reachable by boat, and people come to witness these natural wonders that Mother Nature has created - For examplethe Blue Grotto in Italy or the Phang Nga Bay Caves in Thailand. Sea caves are extremely hazardous to explore because of the characteristics of the ocean, and as a result, cavers tend to avoid including them on their caving lists.
5. Eolian Caves
Source: Visit Southern Utah
Deserts are the only environments in which eolian caverns may be found. Caves are formed when winds carrying gritty sand particles or silt bash against cliffsides, slowly cutting away the wall and leaving cave-like formations in its wake. These winds can be found in deserts and arid regions. Due to the fact that these caves rarely extend more than a few metres into the cliffs in which they originate, caving is not possible in this type of cave however they make for an interesting visti regardless.
These types of caves are great for archaeological enthusiasts. In certain places in the world, eolian caves were homes to many primitive people. But others are features of a number of great hiking routes – such as the Sand Cave found at the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park in Kentucky, USA.
6. Glacier and Ice Caves
Source: I am Reykjavik
There is one thing that glaciers and ice caves have in common, and that is the fact that they are both generated from frozen water. On the other hand, each one develops from a unique process. However, the majority of caves of either type are used for tourist attractions, which, as a result of rising average temperatures around the world, are in danger of disappearing altogether.
As their name suggests, glaciers are responsible for the formation of caves known as glacier caves. Glacier caves can be developed in one of two different methods. One of the ways is when it melts at the base, which leads to streams flooding the bottoms of those glaciers. As the streams flow, they shape tunnels and caverns. The second method is known as surface melting, and it occurs when water seeps through surface fractures and gradually widens them in a manner that is analogous to how karst and underwater caves form.
Ice caves, however, are a type of rock cave. As water flows along the surface of the rock caves, the water solidifies and turns into ice structures when the environment hits freezing temperatures. Most ice caves tend to be seasonal, normally forming during the colder months of the year, but there are some that are long-lasting ice caves that can be visited in their icy glory year-long, such as the Eisriesenwelt Caves in Austria.
The Complete Guide to Caving
There are many nuances to caving that you should be aware of, especially as a beginner. However, if you take the time to grasp what is expected of you in terms of gear and equipment, it will assist make your first few climbs a great deal simpler than they otherwise would be.
If you are now interested in going on a caving trip, you should make sure that you book your adventure with an experienced outdoor adventure provider who has not only a team of expert cavers to support you on your caving journey but also people who are certain to share their love for caving with you.