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Hi Friends,

Recently I got an invitation to do vertical caving with ropes/harnesses. But I am no so clear about rock climbing or canyoneering. Is there a way to get started and learn harness work really quickly? Are the procedures of vertical caving and rock climbing the same? I have done a mountaineering training from Alberta. Will that has something to do with this?

Greetings,

I am a climber and a caver. I have climbed big walls (El Cap) and also have a lot of vertical caving experience.

There are significant differences between caving and climbing in the way vertical work is handled. The ropes, harnesses and hardware are all completely different. You could use climbing gear for caving (or vice versa) but you would lose a lot of efficiency either way.

There are also some notable differences between cavers and climbers in regards to environmental attitudes and practices.

I suggest that you contact the Alberta Speleological Society for guidance and training:

http://www.caving.ab.ca/

Some generalities of the notable differences between caving and climbing:

Climbing harness have a high suspension point to help prevent the climber from flipping over backwards in a fall. Caving harnesses have a very low suspension point so as to improve rope climbing efficiency.

Climbers use dynamic ropes. Cavers use static ropes.

Cavers tend to be more fanatical than climbers when it comes to Leave No Trace ethics. Act like a climber in a cave, and you will likely make enemies and not be invited to return.

Here is a photo me ascending out of a cave:

Photo by Brian Masney with permission

Sierra Ledge Rat wrote:Greetings,

I am a climber and a caver. I have climbed big walls (El Cap) and also have a lot of vertical caving experience.

There are significant differences between caving and climbing in the way vertical work is handled. The ropes, harnesses and hardware are all completely different. You could use climbing gear for caving (or vice versa) but you would lose a lot of efficiency either way.

There are also some notable differences between cavers and climbers in regards to environmental attitudes and practices.

I suggest that you contact the Alberta Speleological Society for guidance and training:

http://www.caving.ab.ca/

Some generalities of the notable differences between caving and climbing:

Climbing harness have a high suspension point to help prevent the climber from flipping over backwards in a fall. Caving harnesses have a very low suspension point so as to improve rope climbing efficiency.

Climbers use dynamic ropes. Cavers use static ropes.

Cavers tend to be more fanatical than climbers when it comes to Leave No Trace ethics. Act like a climber in a cave, and you will likely make enemies and not be invited to return.

Here is a photo me ascending out of a cave:

Photo by Brian Masney with permission

SLR, what cave is this? We've been going to a few around here, and are thinking of doing Great Expectations soon. That's one sweet entry and exit!

The above photo is from TAG country (Tennessee-Alabama-Georgia).

Great X is a serious commitment. Doing a through trip? Which way?

Hope yer skinny. (:

Sierra Ledge Rat wrote:The above photo is from TAG country (Tennessee-Alabama-Georgia).

Great X is a serious commitment. Doing a through trip? Which way?

Hope yer skinny. (:

Going to try a through trip. We hit Tres Charros in that general area/drainage back last fall. Bat Veil falls was a pretty sweet rappel and ascend. I'm 6-3 198.....hope that's skinny enough. But yeah, the "Grim crawl of death" sounds a wee bit....um.....grim!

RyanHall wrote:Hi Friends,

Recently I got an invitation to do vertical caving with ropes/harnesses. But I am no so clear about rock climbing or canyoneering. Is there a way to get started and learn harness work really quickly? Are the procedures of vertical caving and rock climbing the same? I have done a mountaineering training from Alberta. Will that has something to do with this?

Sierra Ledge Rat wrote:Greetings,

I am a climber and a caver. I have climbed big walls (El Cap) and also have a lot of vertical caving experience.

There are significant differences between caving and climbing in the way vertical work is handled. The ropes, harnesses and hardware are all completely different. You could use climbing gear for caving (or vice versa) but you would lose a lot of efficiency either way.

There are also some notable differences between cavers and climbers in regards to environmental attitudes and practices.

I suggest that you contact the Alberta Speleological Society for guidance and training:

http://www.caving.ab.ca/

Some generalities of the notable differences between caving and climbing:

Climbing harness have a high suspension point to help prevent the climber from flipping over backwards in a fall. Caving harnesses have a very low suspension point so as to improve rope climbing efficiency.

Climbers use dynamic ropes. Cavers use static ropes.

Cavers tend to be more fanatical than climbers when it comes to Leave No Trace ethics. Act like a climber in a cave, and you will likely make enemies and not be invited to return.

Here is a photo me ascending out of a cave:

Photo by Brian Masney with permission

Hey Ryan,

So did your finally try going for the caving? And great post Sierra Ledge Rat. Couldn't have explained it better. Great pic by the way. Haven't had the chance to try caving yet. Someday perhaps.