An Extreme Sport: Spelunking

For people who want to experience the ultimate thrill in extreme sports, try spelunking. It’s one of the fastest rising extreme sports in terms of popularity. Let’s take a look at spelunking, its history, and the variations.

What Is Spelunking?

It is an outdoor activity which involves the climbing and exploring of caves. Spelunkers love risks and they have to be extremely versatile in the sport. A typical spelunking session would involve a group of four or more people with the appropriate gear undertaking climbing, sliding, or crawling into a cave. While the sport is extremely challenging, spelunkers have the chance to view nature at its best.

• What is Spelunking?: The page defines the sport with some other information.
• Caves: The page offers information on caves as well as spelunking.
• An Introduction: MIT offers an introduction to caving and spelunking for beginning cavers.
• Glossary: Learn some of the basic spelunking terms.

History of Spelunking

Spelunking comes from the Latin word “Spelunca” meaning cave. The term was first used in the 1940’s by Carl Perry, a caver in America. He referred to a group of men who explored caves in New England as spelunkers. The term was used extensively till the 1960’s when spelunking took on the meaning of amateurs exploring caves.

• MSM Spelunkers: Rob Tayloe presents a history of this early spelunking club.
• Edouard Alfred Martel: Come here to learn more about the “Father of Modern Speleology”.
• Weekend Earth: The page describes spelunking in general with a brief section on its history.
• Spelunking History: The site offers a section on the history of spelunking.

Spelunking vs. Caving

Caving is carried out with a purpose of exploring a cave and documenting the trip while spelunking is entirely for self satisfaction. The term spelunking was used primarily in the United States. Initially, it was used to denote the exploration of caves in general. In the 1960’s, spelunking denoted caving by amateurs who did not wear proper clothes or carry adequate lights or follow the safety norms.

• Speleologist, Spelunker or Caver?: The page explains the differences between the three types of cave lovers.
• The Difference: The article highlights the unique characteristics on speleologists, spelunkers, and cavers.
• What is Caving?: Read this article to understand more about caving.
• Caving: Another article that explains more about the sport of caving.

Potholing

Potholing is a sport which originated from London. It’s another name for caving but it mainly refers to vertical caves and the exploration of potholes. Though caving and potholing are classified together, they are different activities. Potholing involves climbing, digging, and squeezing into narrow spaces to get inside caves. There may also be vertical drops into caves. Potholing has become a very popular sport among younger people. As it can be risky, it should be done under supervision or guidance.

• Rock Lea: The opportunity to pothole down England’s deepest cave.
• Potholing: The University of Glasgow offers potholing information and activities.
• Perils & Pleasures: The BBC article highlights the risks and rewards of potholing.
• Red Rose: The cave and pothole club is the gateway to the famous Ease Gill system.

Cave Safety

Observing safety while exploring a cave is very important. Always wear the proper clothing depending on the weather and the water levels in the caves. A helmet is of utmost importance as people may hit their heads on protrusions or fall, hitting their heads. Do not explore a cave all by yourself. Try to form a group of four people or more. Carry three sets of light in case one gets lost or damaged. Inform people where you will be and when you will be back so that they can arrange for help if anything goes wrong.

• Visiting Caves & Cave Safety: The Indiana Geological Survey provides some tips on cave safety.
• Cave Safety Guidelines: The Australian Speleological Federation offers some cave safety guidelines.
• Cave Safety: Learn these rules before you go spelunking.
• Cave Safety & Conservation: The Texas Speleological Survey provides important advice on cave safety.

Famous Caves around the World

There are numerous caves all over the world. The Mammoth cave in Kentucky is one such cave. The passages run to over three hundred miles. The Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico is famous because it’s one of the largest chambers in the world. The Lascaux Cave in France is one of the most popular caves in Europe. The walls have nearly seventeen thousand paintings of bulls, horses, and various other animals. Other famous caves in Europe are the Blue Grotto Cave in Capri, Dragon Lair Cave, and the Eisriesenwelt. The Naracoorte Caves in South Australia are known for their big sink holes. In New Zealand, there’s the famous Waitomo Caves while in Borneo, there’s the Sarawak Chamber.

• Mammoth Cave: The page provides information on directions, fees, operating hours, and more.
• Lascaux Cave: Come here to enjoy a virtual trip of these fascinating painted caves in France.
• Eisriesenwelt: Official site of the largest ice caves in the world.
• Naracoorte Caves: The page provides information on activities, tours, and more.
• Dragon’s Lair: Located in Krakow, Poland, it’s one of the most famous caves in Europe.

For people who love outdoor sports with some risk, then spelunking may be perfect. It’s important to follow the rules, take proper precautions, and travel in a group.