Is cave diving an extreme sport? Well, yes, and it’s not for everyone. There are many risks that come with cave diving.
However, some people consider it to be one of the most exhilarating experiences they have ever had in their lives.
This article will explore whether or not cave diving is an extreme sport and the risks if you’re thinking about taking part in this type of activity.
What makes cave diving risky?
When in a cave, it’s essential to stay calm and not panic, as panicking will make the situation worse.
Be careful at all times while inside a cave system: there might have been unseen dangers lurking around.
Some of the risks associated with cave diving are a lack of visibility, strong currents, and low oxygen levels.
An additional risk is that you can’t see what’s below your feet when you’re underwater because there is no light in most caves.
The water pressure at depths greater than 20 meters also poses an increased risk to divers, and excessive contact with some surfaces could result in abrasions or cuts from sharp rocks or barnacles on the walls.
Besides, it’s impossible for anyone to rescue someone who has been injured while inside a cave system as emergency personnel would not know where they needed to search for them.
Finally, poisonous marine animals may inhibit certain areas within vast networks of caverns that pose their own potential dangers.
Common sense precautions should also always be taken, such as checking the general condition of your gear before entering the water or paying attention when crawling through tight sections because you don’t want an unlucky accident with stalactites or other natural features.
What It’s Like Being In An Underwater Cave?
Many people find it interesting that cave diving is not actually being in the water but rather what it’s like inside a cave.
Some of the most scenic features you might be able to see are stalactites, which are caused by dripping water and may look as though they’re growing from the ceiling or pillars made up of rocks called “tufas”.
You’ll also encounter magnificent examples of rib-like structures known as draperies on occasion. These formations can create an illusion thanks to the refractive property of their quartz content that makes them reflect light differently from other objects. You’ll also run into beautiful rock formations, sometimes referred to as helictite columns which form naturally over time.
What are the Most Extreme Forms of Cave Diving?
A very extreme form of cave diving is called “soloing.” This type of exploration involves going into a cave without any other divers.
The solo diver may become lost in the cave system without any means for rescue.
However, some people have survived with the help of rope marking their way out or even by using something like an air tank which they strap to themselves as they go deeper into the cave.
Soloing also poses risks due to potential water surges from underground aquifers that could push them back against rocks and cause significant injury or death.
Soloing can be attempted at depths below 100 meters, but it becomes exponentially more risky past that point since no one will know where you are.
How strong are underwater cave currents?
The other factor that makes cave diving so dangerous is the currents.
Caves can’t be explored without swimming, and while underwater caves are often dark with limited visibility, they also have a strong current of water flowing through them at all times – even when you’re not in motion!
This creates an invisible but powerful force that has taken many divers by surprise who weren’t expecting it or looking for it.
This means that if you were to swim into one of these currents, your body could quickly be swept away from where you entered the cave system and carried off towards another exit point (potentially miles away), as well as being pushed up against rock formations along the way.
How to cave dive safely?
There is a lot of danger involved in cave diving, and no one can ever say for sure that it is safe.
There are few points to remember when you are cave diving:
- You should have a strong ability to swim.
- The cave diving gear should be in good shape, well maintained, and with plenty of excess air.
- Remember that caves are dark, so that you will need lights on your head or an additional light source such as a dive torch (torch). If the water is murky at all, then it’s best to use some sort of guideline that can help you find your way back out again – this could be something like a rope.
- Never enter a cave if strong currents are flowing through it or if visibility is limited to less than 12ft (0.36m).
- Always have at least one person who knows how to swim and dive with them.
- Stay away from overhead rock formations that could collapse on top of divers in the water – this includes stalactites that can be heavy enough to crush someone instantly!
- Gas management is essential because the air in caves can be poor, and divers need to use their tanks quicker than usual.
There is a podcast for first-time cave divers that offers valuable information about the risks and safety of caves. “Cave Diving: What you MUST Know Before Entering” By Caves Illustrated Staff | Outdoor Enthusiast’s Podcast.”
Why do people still love cave diving?
The risk of cave diving is part of the thrill and makes it so exciting for many people.
Not to mention, there’s always a sense of accomplishment when you complete your dive successfully – beating those odds!
That said, if you don’t have any experience in cave diving and are just looking to get started, you mustn’t be tempted by anything beyond your limits or abilities.
Cave divers often speak about going at their own pace, with safety as the number one priority because they know how quickly things can change underwater without warning.
This includes all aspects from navigation techniques like “dead reckoning,” which uses compass headings and distances traveled while swimming in total darkness towards an exit point (possibly miles away).
Conclusion
Is cave diving extreme? Absolutely – but then again, that’s part of why we love it!
So do you think cave diving is an extreme sport? Why or why not?
What are your thoughts on cave diving as an extreme sport?
Have you ever tried it before, or do you have any interest in trying it out sometime soon? We would love to hear from you!
