Beginners

So you want to check out caving....  Great!

Step #1 - Attend a meeting.  

Meetings are open to the public and we are a welcoming group.  This is your best way to start.  We meet in person every month and also have virtual (zoom) options.  Meeting in person is by far the best way to get acquainted, but we understand that's not always possible.

Email us at info@showmecaving.org and we'll be in touch.  This email address is checked weekly so please be patient in awaiting our reply.  We will get back to you.

Step #2 - Read the information below.

It can be tough to give advice that covers all situations because different caves can require very different gear.  When you come caving with us for the first time we will let you know what specific gear to bring.  We want you to be prepared; we will not let you be a danger to yourself or others.  

A "wild" cave is a non-commercial cave - a cave with no sidewalks, handrails or lights.  For those of you who have never been in a wild cave, you generally need the following:

General 1st time caving gear:

• Durable shoes with good traction

• Helmet with a chin strap

• Three sources of lights, two of which should be helmet-mounted

• Extra batteries for those lights

• Knee pads

• Gardening style gloves (not cotton)

• Multiple layers of clothing with a non-cotton base layer

You should know:

• Caving will destroy your clothes

• Caves in Missouri are around 58°F (14°C) year round.  Cave temperatures generally stay the same.

• Cave water you encounter will be as cold as spring water.  It is cold.

• You will likely get muddy and/or wet though it depends on the cave.

• You will likely experience tight, cramped spaces or places where falling is a hazard.

• Only take in devices that you don't mind destroying (phones/cameras/etc)

Beyond that... Derek Bristol is an excellent source for all things caving.  He's online at his own website and on YouTube.  Here is a four part series that is a top-notch guide to beginners caving:

Part 1: An Introduction to Caves

Part 2: An Overview of Caving

Part 3: Your First Caving Trip

Part 4: Introduction to Project Caving