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Any suggestions for beginner caves in NJ?

PostPosted: Aug 8, 2017 7:48 pm
by BillRigg
Hi everyone! I'm a newbie caver in New Jersey, and I've only really been on commercialized cave ventures before. Anywhere with a guide but with a little bit of actual spelunking would be nice for cutting my teeth and improving my caving skills - I'm talking caves without paved floors, you know?

I know I can't just jump into a wild cave, I need to build my skills up before then. Are there any good low-level caves in New Jersey to hone my skills on? Particularly ones with low levels of danger and technicality to start with, or at least with a guide if danger is present?

Thanks all!

Re: Any suggestions for beginner caves in NJ?

PostPosted: Aug 9, 2017 11:53 am
by CaverScott
Click on the "Find Local Caving Club" link up top of this page.

I have caved with some memorable New Jersey folks. Heck, I even spent a week in South Dakota with some of them mapping and clening in Jewel Cave National Monument... Good times. :woohoo:

http://www.nnjg.org/

:cavingrocks:

Re: Any suggestions for beginner caves in NJ?

PostPosted: Aug 9, 2017 1:46 pm
by BillRigg
That sounds like a good time! I'll definitely follow that link, thanks for the tip. I can't wait to get deeper into this (pun definitely intended).

I want so badly to map a cave out! Someday soon, I hope.

Re: Any suggestions for beginner caves in NJ?

PostPosted: Aug 9, 2017 6:46 pm
by Steve_S
Hi Bill, Join your local grotto ( Central New Jersey Grotto) and they can steer you in the right direction for sure. http://caves.org/grotto/cnjg/ Also a great beginner wild cave is Clarksville cave in Clarksville NY. Just make sure you have all the proper gear, a minimum of 3 people in your group and are well versed on White Nose Syndrome and decontamination protocol for all your gear before you go. Good luck and safe caving!

Re: Any suggestions for beginner caves in NJ?

PostPosted: Aug 9, 2017 6:59 pm
by BillRigg
Excellent Steve, thanks for the tip and suggestion! I'll look into Clarksville and try to go after I build up a little more experience.