Subterranean environments are wonderfully unique, free from wind, surge, and waves, and often offering visibility in the hundreds of feet. With gorgeous geological formations that will leave you in awe, caves are often deep, dark, and mysterious, making for unparalleled excitement. If you are considering becoming a cave diver, you may wonder whether your investment in training will be worthwhile. Here, we take a look at a number of cave diving factors to determine whether cave diving is a good fit for you.
Prerequisites for Cave Diver Training
Although cave diving can be a challenge, training is easily accessible in many places. Depending on the program and the certifying agency, you are likely to need nothing more than an advanced diver certification. It is important that you be certified as a cave diver before you enter an overhead environment as even penetrating a cave for a short distance could prove fatal in the event you are not properly trained or equipped.
Skills and Ability
You are likely to enjoy cave diving and do well throughout your training if you are able to hover horizontally, complete helicopter turn while maintaining a perfect horizontal hovering position, and propel yourself without stirring silt.
Fitness Level
Cave diving is much more physically demanding than recreational diving. Personal fitness can make a major difference if you encounter an emergency while diving – in fact, it can help you survive. Staying fit can reduce your risk of decompression illness, as well. If you are in good physical condition, are height-weight proportionate, and typically engage in intentional aerobic exercise at least three times weekly, you are probably a good candidate for cave diver training.
Lifestyle Factors
Cave diving requires sharp focus and major attention to detail. If you have a tendency to drink to excess frequently, do mind-altering drugs, or have any kind of dependence on substances of any kind, you are probably not ready to become a cave diver. If “clean living” defines you, you could be a great candidate for cave diving.
Psychological Factors
Caves are pitch-black inside, and most involve tight tunnels and cramped spaces. If you don’t like the dark or have a tendency to feel claustrophobic, you are probably not a good candidate for cave diver training. If, on the other hand, you feel at ease in environments others find frightening, you will probably enjoy cave diving.
Understanding Cave Diving Hazards
Before becoming a cave diver, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the basic hazards associated with diving in subterranean environments. Serious accidents and fatalities happen when cave divers get lost, run out of breathing gas, lose visibility, suffer equipment malfunctions, become entangled in a guideline, get stuck in a tight passageway, or get separated from the rest of the team. Specialized equipment is required, and environmental challenges including falling debris, dangerous animals, and cold temperatures can pose challenges in some cases. Despite these hazards, cave diving is a favorite pastime for many.
If you still think cave diving might be a good fit for you, look into training and don’t be shy about asking questions before making the investment.