Caving or spelunking is the recreational activity of exploring natural underground enclosures. It is the art of moving safely through a cave and getting back to the ground without doing yourself or the cave any harm.

Exploring caves can be very dangerous if done without prior knowledge of the safety rules and guidelines of caving. Hypothermia, injuries from falling and severe physical exhaustion are just some of the risks. If you are interested in exploring caves, it is necessary for you to take the time to learn the basics of caving.

There are reading materials, online and offline, that can provide you with the information you need in exploring caves. The skills needed for each major type of caving are mostly developed by actively taking part in cave tours. You will learn more by observing and emulating how experienced cavers move. Getting some minor cuts and scratches as well as making some mistakes will also teach you what not to do when caving.

Know, remember and practice the techniques and safety rules you need to follow and you will experience the joy and wonder of spelunking. Here are some of the ways you can learn and experience caving and enhance your skills for this physical sport.

Joining a caving club in your neighborhood is a good way to learn how to explore caves. The National Speleological Society local chapters or grottos offer caving trips for beginners. They provide training opportunities, teach and exercise cave conservation, and generally offer the fundamentals for learning about caves.

Various national parks with caves also provide many opportunities to learn how to explore caves. They offer caving tours for beginners as well as wild caving trips that necessitate headlamps, helmets and other safety caving gear.

If you reside in an area with caves, it is possible there are show caves that offer caving tours for a fee. It is a good way to learn and experience caving without spending anything on your own equipment as most of these tours provide you with everything you will need. However, some of these tours can be costly or may not really offer a satisfying educational experience.

Caves are entrepots of valuable scientific and historical information. They are important sources of freshwater for the nation. It is to the best interest of every living thing to preserve and protect these natural geological formations. When you explore caves properly, you learn to appreciate nature's beauty and do your part in conserving them.