 This probably should be first on the list, but many of the caving groups are already trained. If you have inexperienced cavers, then get them both equipped and trained.
The Blowhole Cave is a vertical “Wild” cave. This means that vertical gear, and the use thereof, is imperative for a safe trip.This is not the cave to first learn how to rappel and ascend. GET EQUIPPED & TRAINED BEFORE ARRIVING AT THE CAVE.
Trip Leaders need to ensure that their group members are prepared for the experience. This will include training and preparation in the following areas:
- Claustrophobia
- Physical Fitness
- Crawling & Climbing Techniques
- Safety Equipment
- Clothing & Padding
- First Aid
- Rappelling - Visit the Timp Grotto website for training sessions.
- Ascending - Visit the Timp Grotto website for training sessions.
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| CLAUSTROPHOBIA |
The Nutty Putty Cave is a great cave to teach people to overcome the natural fear of claustrophobia. Teaching group members how to recognize the signs and how to talk each other through the mental stresses that claustrophobia can create. Self-confidence can be gained if the group is trained to work together and help each other through the experience. |
| PHYSICAL FITNESS |
The Nutty Putty Cave is demanding physically. Both adults and youth need to prepare before their trip by way of good diet, sleep, and exercise. Newer cavers will leave the cave completely exhausted. Trip Leaders must stop prospective participants from entering the cave if they cannot meet the physical demands of the experience. Trip Leaders must also cut any trip short if the weakest in the group cannot continue. |
| CRAWLING TECHNIQUES |
Pre-trip training is needed to teach newer cavers how to make it through the tight passages. It is much easier to prepare outside the cave so that you do not have to overwhelm the new cavers with teaching inside the cave. |
| SAFETY EQUIPMENT |
Safety equipment is a must. Helmets are a must. Teach new cavers what they need and then have a full equipment check before you leave home. Trip Leaders must not let anybody in their group enter the cave ill-equipped. |
| CLOTHING & PADDING |
Shoes, clothing and padding are a must. Teach new cavers about the clothing and how they should best protect themselves from the sharp objects in the cave. There are several great books and guides that explain the topic in detail. One sharp rock bruising your shin can make every kneeling crawl to get out of the cave a miserable experience. Gloves are also a great addition to the outfit. |
| FIRST AID |
Have special first aid training that simulates real cave experiences. Realizing that you only have access to the gear and clothing you bring into the cave, teach your group what to do with a laceration when your clothing and hands are filthy. What do you do with a broken bone, concussion, and hypothermia? |
| RAPPELLING |
| A good well fitting harness is required. Cavers should avoid ATC style descenders due to the quick wear that occurs from dirty caving ropes. The minimum level descender is a Figure 8, but these do twist the ropes. The preferred descenders are racks, gri-gri’s, bobbins, and Petzl Stops. |
| ASCENDING |
We recommend the Frogging style ascending systems as they have proven to be very reliable and the most efficient systems for caving. This system includes an upper hand style ascender connected to a foot loop, as well as the Petzl Croll chest ascender. Here are a couple of links for more infromation on the Frogging system.
PRUSIK KNOTS - Yes it is possible to use Prusik knots as your ascending system, but it really slows down your group and since there is so much on rope time you should be considerate of the other cavers in your group and get a good mechanical system for both speed and efficiency. |
PLEASE SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK |
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