Caving Article

Caving-Becoming a Guide

If you are someone that loves to spend time outside enjoying the beauty of nature, then chances are you would love going caving. It can be a wondrous experience to walk into a cave for the first time, and think about all of the people that have been inside that cave since its formation. You may even be exploring a cave that your ancestors once dwelled in, how cool are that? Much like visiting a museum, it can truly be an awe-inspiring experience.

Just about all of the caves around the globe are cared for by the Park Service, and are protected under law. Since caving can be dangerous even for skilled cavers, it is best to bring an experienced guide along with you, just in case.

If you think that you would like to become a cave guide, you must first take the time and get the training necessary. You must be able to adeptly handle any situation that might occur while a group is inside the cave. You also have to learn what you can and cannot allow the group to do, as your job will be to take a group into the cave, and back out again without injury or incidence.

If you work for a caving company, then the caving equipment may be covered under the price of the tour, in which case, you will be responsible for making that all needed equipment is on hand and ready for use. In most instances, the standard caving gear includes a helmet, several light sources, food and water, rope, and a well-stocked first aid kit. You will also need to know how to handle and treat minor medical emergencies that may occur, at least until medical help can arrive on the scene.

To be a cave guide, you should be in good overall physical shape, as you may end up having to physically support or even carry injured group members to safety. You will need to learn how to assess the physical fitness of your caving group, so that you can determine what activities are safe for them.

You will be responsible for the safety of the group members in your care, so if you spot a potential hazard, you must find a safe way to get by or past that hazard. You will also need to teach and inform party members on the hazards they may encounter in the cave, and what to do in case of emergency.

You will also be responsible for recording information about the cave, such as potential hazards, so that other guides and cavers will be aware of these problems, and able to avoid them in the future. You will also need to be familiar enough with the cave to correctly and accurately answer questions, and share valuable information with the group members.