Caving

What is caving? It`s question also for me and I`m not sure if it is sport or activity. I think it depends on the man who is caving. But the definition says that caving is the exploration of natural underground space, usually formed with water activity in limestone rock.
It is an adventure sport and as such has it`s inner risks. But with good guidance, training and good equipment, these risks can be reduced to a reasonable level.
Many people ask me a question why I like caving. I think it's the exploration of the unknown. It's the thrill of walking somewhere where no one else has walked. It`s a beautiful feeling to be the first human who brings light into a place that has never had light, and to see what is there. I think it`s amazing, that in today's times of high-tech satellites, an ordinary person like myself can walk out of my house, and a half-hour later, be the first human to stand somewhere that yesterday no one knew it even existed.. Millions of people may come after me, but I can say I was the first. Caving, as well as being an energetic sport, can also be a fascinating science known as 'Speleology'. What is cave?

Now something about a cave. A Cave is an underground space formed with water activity in limestone rock. There are more types of caves. Many caves are wet, it means that there in the cave usually flow smalls river. To this category of caves belongs The Demänovska cave in Low Tatras. Other caves are dry and muddy. Some have vertical sections known as 'meanders', where ropes and ladders are used for exploration. These are called 'potholes' (priepasť in Slovak language). A special kind of a cave is an ice cave, for example The Demänovska ice cave.


What should we do before we go into a cave?

Before you go down you must recognize that caving is a sport that can't be done on your own and you always need to go down with other people. The best way to begin caving is to join a club. There is in each area of Slovakia one or more clubs. In Dolny Kubin it`s called Speleoklub Orava. All clubs in Slovakia create The Slovak Speleological Society. You can go down only with a member of the caving club, because only they can visit these caves.

Basic Equipment

If you want to go in a cave, you must have some basic equipment. The first times you can borrow it from local club. LAMP – you can used any lamp provided it can be attached to your helmet to leave your hands free.