new to caving

[jamesensor]

hi im james im really new to caving , as i have only been one time a few years back with some friends to a really run down cave that was so trashed out that it was a disgrace to the real beauty that was there. i have wanted to go again but have not been able to find any caves here in Ga. . its kinda hard to find them for me. any help would be good. i would also like to join a association for caving to make this a hobby of mine, if such a thing exists. i am a avid searcher/ explorer and i respect mother nature ex i take my trash along with more than i come with , leave formations alone only takin pictures with me so other people can view the beauty also. i work with a guy who goes all the time and was hopin to maybe find some caves that he hasnt seen so we could go together. any ways im 29 married and have 2 sons one is 6yrs old the other is 4 months old . i would like to take my son to a beginners cave to see if he likes it , i am sure he will.

[L Roebuck]

Hello James! Welcome to the U.S. Cavers Forum.

There's lots of cavers in Georgia. The best way to hook up with other cavers and go caving is to attend a local grotto meeting. You can look up the closest grotto to you HERE If you want to join an organization I recommend the NSS and here's a link on How to Join. Oh and here's another helpful link you may want to take a look at Minimum Impact Caving Code

I hope this helps?

[Brian Roebuck]

Welcome to caving and the US Cavers Forum!

You are in luck James. Georgia is one of the best states in the US for caving. It is part of the TAG region including Tennessee and Alabama as well - known for thousands of great caves. As Lynn replied a great way to further your caving career safely is to join up with the NSS and a local grotto to learn proper safe caving techniques. gear, and be taken on a few trips to see how well you like it. Just be sure to let people in a grotto know that you are willing to learn and need their help to get further into caving. With your environmental awareness you already know that caves are fragile and need protection and respect.

Follow Lynn's links and you should do fine.

[madratdan]

Welcome to the discussion board, James. Your in luck........some of the nicest cavers I've met are from your area. I suggest you hook up with a local grotto. You'll find others with kids wanting to go caving. Good luck on your quest to get underground.

[Sharon Faulkner]

Welcome James

As mentioned above, the grottos are a good way to meet cavers and become involved with caving. Several of the grottos in Georgia offer monthy caving trips. In addition, some of them have cave gear (helmets, head lamps, etc.) available to loan out to folks for caving trips. Hope this info helps out.

[jamesensor]

ok im in north west ga in the cartersville area. if any one knows where some caves are around here plz let me know where. thanks for the addvice from you all . you all are so nice . happy caving all and be safe

[L Roebuck]

Um...several years ago we attended a SERA Winter Business meeting in Cartersville, GA but the only cave we saw that day was a man-made cave by the Weinman Mineral Museum. I really don't recall any cavers who have ever mentioned caves in that area - but I could be wrong. But several cavers live in your area, I believe most are members of the Athens Speleological Society. Contact them - they should be able to help you out.