9th
Annual YTR Vertical Session
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Information | To Register
The Vertical Session at YTR is designed to introduce novice cavers to the world of vertical caving. There is no cost for the vertical session, but food and equipment can be provided for an additional charge. The vertical session is designed and run by volunteers in order to introduce its participants to vertical caving. This session is only an introductory glimpse into vertical caving, and will not provide its participants with enough instruction to be fully competent vertical cavers. Caving is an inherently dangerous sport and the participants must assume all risks. Assumption of Risk forms are required to be signed for the session, as well as for the vertical cave trips on Saturday. Please note: THERE IS VERY LIMITED SPACE FOR THE VERTICAL SESSION, SO PLEASE download the form AND EMAIL IT TO Chris Michie BY MARCH 3.
Thursday, March 30, 2006 – 5:00-10:00 pm EST
Thursday night, participants will arrive and visit registration. They will take care of registration and also check in with the Vertical Session organizer to go through administrative details. The session will begin with an semi-optional classroom session Thursday night, where the participants will be introduced to vertical safety issues, vertical techniques, knots, and preparing their equipment for the vertical practice session on Friday. It is highly encouraged that all participants attend, but if the participant’s logistics does not allow arrival until late Thursday night or early Friday morning, arrangements can be made. This is also a good time to socialize with the other participants.
Friday, March 31, 2006 – 8:00 am EST
Lunch and Dinner can be provided for a price of $10 per person.
The vertical practice session will begin bright and early. The participants will be introduced to rappelling, ascending rope on helical knots, and performing a changeover. If the participant has a vertical ascension system, i.e. frog, ropewalker, mitchell, and would prefer to learn to use their system contact me for further arrangements.
Saturday, April 1, 2006 – 8:00 am EST
Dinner is provided for an additional cost of $5 per person.
The participants will go on a pre-arranged vertical caving trip in the area with experienced vertical cavers. The participants will get the chance to rappel and climb rope in a cave, and experience real vertical caving.
All participants are required to arrive with the following
items:
- Helmet with chinstrap. Must be worn at all times. Helmets
and one helmet mountable source of light (choice of carbide
or electric) are available upon request for those that do
not have them.
- Three sources of light. Your primary light source must
be helmet mounted. A carbide lamp is recommended as it gives
off heat. Your other two light sources should be carried
in separate places, i.e. a flashlight in your backpack and
another light source strapped to your helmet, kept in your
pocket, or otherwise readily accessible. Make sure that
the extra light source can be held in your mouth or strapped
to your helmet so your hands are free. Helmets and one helmet
mountable source of light (choice of carbide or electric)
are available upon request for those that do not have them.
- Water. Both for the carbide lamp and for drinking.
- Large trash bag, preferably stored in your helmet. If
you have to wait for any reason, take your trash bag out,
punch a hole in the top, put it over your body, and place
your carbide lamp or candle between your legs. Remember:
that's a large trash bag, like for leaves and stuff. Lawn
bags are great.
- Heat source. A carbide lamp can be used as a heat source.
If you do not use a carbide lamp, another heat source MUST
be carried. Some suggestions are a candle and matches, or
foot warmer packs.
- Boots with lug soles and ankle support. Tennis shoes and
sandals are not acceptable.
- Clothes. Many beginners dress in heavy jeans, thick socks,
and a long sleeves t-shirt. Dress for 54-degree weather.
For wet caves remember that cotton wicks heat away from
your body, while wool, polypropylene, nylon, and many other
synthetics keep you warm while wet.
- More clothes. A change of clothes for the ride back.
- Pack. An old book bag, gas mask pack, or specialized cave
pack will work. The bag should be small and compressible
with few straps.
- Leather Gloves
- Food for inside the cave. Candy bars, granola bars, pop
tarts, or whatever else lights your fire. Make sure to keep
them in a water tight container.
- Webbing - 30 feet of 1 inch tubular webbing (also
called sling) is required for belays, handlines, arm rappels,
and we will tie a climbing harness with it. If you have
your own climbing harness that you do not mind getting muddy,
bring that as well, but you will still need webbing.
- 35 feet of 8mm nylon cordage – this is going
to be used to make a set of climbing knots.
- A Figure 8 rappel device
- A locking carabineer
Items in Bold may be purchased from a vendor at YTR
for a package price of $45. Email
Chris if interested.
Contact
Information
For additional Vertical Session information:
Chris Michie
VPI Cave Club
(540) 921-7191
To
Register
THERE IS VERY LIMITED SPACE FOR THE VERTICAL SESSION!
Please download a registration form (see below). Once
you have completed the form, email it to Chris
Michie by March 3, 2006.
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