Sometimes I get asked how young is too young to cave. I don’t think there is an answer.

There are caves safe for all to explore, even if your kid is little and needs carried some, or maybe your teenager doesn’t listen the best right now but there are empty passages without delicate things that could be broken which they can enjoy without harm.

I’ve meet adults I don’t think should be caving because they are careless: for themselves and the environment. I’ve met children who can cave better than I. I’ve been in caves that can handle large groups and caves that I will never return because I feel they are too delicate for even experienced cavers to take a second trip; we got to see it, enjoy the memory.

The key is simply to be thoughtful for the group and the cave, to cave safely for both people and these delicate environments.

#cave #ethics #environment #caving #nature #ethicalcaving #cavesoftly #cavesafely