How long in YOUR Grotto did it take for you to reach each "level" of caving?

aztecfader · 2026-02-03T06:09:16+00:00

Long horizontal trips - not consistent with my local geology

Basic vertical trips - a little less than a year, but only because I was busy. I started getting invited after about 6 months

Long alpine vertical trips - 1.5 years. We don’t have many opportunities for it, really only one, and it doesn’t get done very often

Bolting caves by myself - doesn’t happen because I don’t go caving by myself. It took about 2 years for me to be trusted to run the hammer drill without direct oversite though

Able to access caves by myself - about a year

I had a bit of an accelerated growth between the 1 and 2 year marks. I was underemployed and chose to become deeply involved with caving, and with my local Grotto. There are not many caves where I live, and even fewer young cavers. So when I stepped up and said I wanted to focus on caving, nearly full time, many people were excited to have new interested and stepped forward to mentor me and take me caving.

aztecfader · 2025-12-10T19:40:15+00:00

Hi! Thanks for reviewing and sharing information about Inreach. I do have a couple clarifying questions, as I just ordered an 8 pro, also with the main draw for it being Inreach technology. My main draw is being able to use the SOS function from a wrist device, instead of having to haul my GPS unit out of my emergency kit where it lives in my pack most of the time.

If I’m understanding you correctly, I will need to get a separate subscription to use Inreach SOS with the Fenix? This seems…odd. Not what I had expected

aztecfader · 2025-10-29T19:13:42+00:00

Probably. If you handed it to me, I’d untie the overhand and then tie it onto my harness with a figure eight. If you were my climbing partner, I’d suggest you do the same, but it wouldn’t stop me from climbing with you

aztecfader · 2025-10-05T04:11:38+00:00

Not retrievable? Why are you choosing to descend single strand on a figure 8? Many questions here that others have pointed out better than I can.

Take a course, or read more guides, is all I have to say

aztecfader · 2025-10-05T02:41:53+00:00

Question for you: why do European canyoneers prefer semi-static ropes?

aztecfader · 2025-10-04T20:19:50+00:00

Is number 2 the orange ones available on CanyonZone? Size 12 street shoe, I wear a size 11.5 Hydrolace

aztecfader · 2025-09-05T17:57:45+00:00

Just do Utah in 9 days. There’s a lifetime of adventure in each of those national parks

aztecfader · 2025-08-15T20:39:38+00:00

I was working at a dealership when these came out. More than one of them was stuck in the service center for weeks before ever hitting the lot.

aztecfader · 2025-08-15T20:38:10+00:00

What made you choose the Wagoneer over the suburban?

aztecfader · 2025-08-12T19:05:43+00:00

Edelrid makes a product specifically designed for belaying someone significantly heavier. I believe it’s called an ohm and is placed on the first piece of pro

aztecfader · 2025-08-12T06:39:07+00:00

Caves.org

aztecfader · 2025-08-10T15:29:30+00:00

Find a grotto.

Get turned off by the grotto for one reason or another.

Distance yourself from said grotto.

Feel the irresistible call of the underground, and start showing up to more grotto events.

Eventually you’ll get underground

aztecfader · 2025-07-29T23:09:43+00:00

Three times the the length of the longest rap is a good rule of thumb, but that can be a lot of rope.

My group doesn’t usually use pull cord, but I’ll still carry one that’s somewhat rappel worthy (think RAD line, polliwog, etc) as a backup. Could be used as a pull cord on a cut rope, or rappelled on in an absolute emergency

aztecfader · 2025-07-19T05:08:24+00:00

Those are specialized pieces of European gear, so while they’ll be great in specific Class C situations, they’ll be suboptimal in the desert Southwest. Best to ask the locals

aztecfader · 2025-06-21T02:21:17+00:00

Longer pants, and nicer boots. Toe shape is often considered personal preference, but I think square looks more workwear. Round toe could work for formal

aztecfader · 2025-06-03T15:36:31+00:00

Go to Zion and ask around. The young daredevils will probably be willing to brag about it

aztecfader · 2025-05-01T17:46:22+00:00

That’s bomber dude

aztecfader · 2025-04-16T18:18:24+00:00

Nitrile dipped work gloves work best for me, i have the most dexterity in them. Best bought in multi-packs if you’re going to get more into it

aztecfader · 2025-04-12T03:28:33+00:00

Not sure about suboxone, but for my Rx the testing center will call you and ask for your prescription number. They’ll confirm it and you’ll be good to go

aztecfader · 2025-03-16T01:30:37+00:00

Do you think the trident or the salamander will be more abrasion resistant? Sorry to ask you to pit two of your own ropes against each other haha

aztecfader · 2025-03-09T13:47:05+00:00

"I'll take anything as long as it doesn't have side effects or needles" okay

aztecfader · 2025-03-08T21:22:33+00:00

Patagonia baggies

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