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Speleology is an activity consisting of journeying through the tunnels and caves formed by the natural movement of water and the earth. Each cave has its own unique characteristics. There are walking routes and others that are authentic climbs, passing underground lakes and quagmires. Some need just a few minutes of your time while others require entire days. This variety is the attraction of speleology: the adventure of seeing truly extraordinary and impressive scenery by a lantern's light.
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How to begin
Speleology can be risky if you are not in some way experienced, but once you have reached a certain level the risk is minimal and the satisfaction of the exploration maximum. A beginner's course run by an officially-approved club is the best options for starters. These types of courses usually go beyond pure technique and include lessons in climate, biology, geology, rescue and first aid.
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What you need
The materials needed to practise speleology� are very similar to those of climbing: ropes, harnesses, snap links, eights, locks and, on occasion, ladders. To this can be added more specific equipment such as the well-known electric frontal device, which takes its energy from a battery and is attached to the head or helmet via elastic bands, as well as another more common system in speleology: the traditional calcic carbide helmet; the neoprene boiler suit to protect against the mud, cold, water and dirt; rubber gloves, especially useful for crossing muddy zones or clayey soils; the inevitable protective helmet and the plastic rucksack in which to store your meals, rope and all sorts of accessories.
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Recommendations
Speleology can be a high risk sport depending on the cave chosen. For this reason, an easy cave can be explored by a beginner but the most complex and difficult caves need a certain amount of preparation and experience. Some basic advice follows:
- On your first expeditions you should always be accompanied by a guide or monitor who knows the route and the techniques to use.
- Ensure your expeditions have a progressive difficulty.
- Read as many documents as possible (location of the mouth of the cave, topography and exhaustive map of the cave, dangers, etc) before starting to explore a cave.
- Never conduct a solitary expedition. A team of three persons is ideal in terms of security.
- In large caves and explorations lasting several hours it is vital to eat, drink water and rest regularly.�
- If exploring a cave with subterranean rivers in bad weather it is best to head back and try again another day.
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Where to practise speleology
Spain is one of the world's most bountiful countries in terms of caves and not only numerically speaking but in quality and diversity. The north of Spain is, without a doubt, one of the most important potholing sanctuaries in Europe. Not to be missed Ojo Guare�a cave (Burgos), the longest in Spain with over 100km of tunnels or the Trave system (Asturias), at over 1,500 metres in depth. Navarra, Arag�n, Cantabria and Andaluc�a are also teeming with caves. Spectacular underground rivers, huge galleries in which entire stadiums could fit and beautiful landscapes with stalagtites and stalagmites are just some of the attractions for those starting out in the world of speleology.
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