This page describes an overview of the caving training courses in development by the Cascade Grotto of the National Speleological Society.
Courses in development:
- Caving 101: What to Bring
- Why join a Grotto?
- Why go with experienced cavers?
- Lights, Helmet, Pack, and Clothing overview
- Caving 101: Basic Knots
- Basic knots, hitches, bends, and bights
- Basic SRT
- Ascending, Descending, changeovers
- Intermediate SRT
- Rigging, deviations, re-belays, etc
- Advanced SRT
- Advanced rigging, self-rescue systems, pick-offs
- Rescue SRT – “SPAR”
- response-driven rescue techniques
- Caving 101: Cave Survey
- survey survey
- Caving 101: Cave Photography
- overview (survey) of cave photography techniques
- Caving 101: Cave Digging
- digging for diggers
- other courses under development
The following videos by Derek Bristol are recommended as general resources for caver information, but are no substitute for proper, in-person field training and caving with someone more experienced than yourself. Falls are the number one cause of injury in caving. Cave safely, cleanly, and softly!