Advice on Caving for Survival
or Marriage as an Extreme Sport
Caving is a polarising sport: underground/marriage
is one of those places you’re either happy or you’re not.
As the leader, you will have to take control. Mistakes
could rapidly escalate a situation into something more serious.
Don’t panic. Trying to escape through any loophole,
by any means, could put you both in peril.
Check what supplies you have; you may have to ration
food, water, light, conversation. The major danger
is hypothermia; so wring out your hands,
cling to one another to keep warm.
Water levels can rise rapidly in the event of a storm.
Seek the moral high ground from the start
there’s a number of ways to determine that point:
look for slung mud, apologies, wet slime on the walls.
Most caves/marriages breath naturally, hot air can get in
where people’s voices go unheard, although
it’s not uncommon for oxygen levels to get a little low.
It’s mentally exhausting being in the dark
for long periods of time, it’s easy to feel lost.
Remember the chasms in some caves/marriages are so vast
they could be explored by light aircraft.
It’s unlikely you’ll start out equipped for a long stay.
So take this advice: get the right information, the right kit,
go with someone who knows the way.