Learn the Ropes
Learning Resources
The VPI cave club is known and renowned across the caving community globally for our rigorous training program, designed to ensure safety and competency underground. Below are some introductory resources we have compiled so that prospective members can become more familiar with the skills they need:
For general procedures and equipment needed, take a look at the Your First Cave Trip page.
Belay methods: Wil and Zenah (BVRS Technical Rescue Instructors and Club Alumni) demonstrate the munter hitch and its operation: Here and Here
Learn how rappelling and climbing in a cave works:
Derek Bristol’s Introduction Videos on the climbing systems we use
Derek Bristol’s Videos on Ascending techniqueMore skills can be found on our Prospective Member Manual (also called the Trainee Trog). These include skills such as:
- How to tie a seat with webbing
- How to rig and pad a rope correctly
Further Reading:
- Prospective Member Manual (“Trainee Trog”)
- Caving Technical Guide (ISBN: 2900894263)
- Alpine Caving Techniques (ISBN: 3908495105)
We are planning on continually updating the training page with more videos and supplementary material!