The Complete Caving Manual (Library Binding)

~ Andy Sparrow (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Illustrated throughout with photographs and diagrams, this is a guide to safe, responsible caving for novices and experts. Topics covered include: how caves and formations develop; modern equipment; planning and preparation; party leadership; horizontal and vertical techniques; and emergencies.

About the Author

Andy Sparrow began caving in 1971 and is one of Britain's most experienced cavers and instructors. He has been involved in the exploration of new cave systems in britain and has descended several classic deep caves in Europe. Andy is also an award-winning filmmaker whose work includes 'Sold' and 'A Rock and a Hard Place'. Andy runs a training company, Andy Sparrow Caving Services, and caveclimb.com, an equipment shop for cavers and climbers. Resident - Somerset --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Library Binding: 160 pages
• Publisher: Crowood Press (UK) (September 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1861260229
• ISBN-13: 978-1861260222
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,687,018 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent resource for the British caver, February 18, 1999

By A Customer

Has anyone ever asked you what caving is all about? Give them a copy of this excellent manual and they will soon know. Has anyone ever asked if there is a book that they can read when they are taking their first steps underground, or on the end of an SRT rope or trying to photograph the wonder of the subterranenan world? This is the book to point them towards.

By turns instructional and inspirational, this manual will instruct you in the basics of all the techniques that you need for underground exploration in Britain and Europe, while taking time out to tell yu how the caves formed in the first place, what creatures you might encounter underground and why you shouldn't break that straw off! If you cave already you will want it as a reference; if you're just starting out it will help you to get the most out of your next training trip/course; if you're introducing someone to caving it will be an invaluable resource of the why as well as the what in a clear and consistent style.

Beyond the basics of clothing, equipment, ropework, ladderwork and moving underground, Andy has included valuable chapters on conservation, speleobiology, digging, photography and an overview of cave-diving (with all the appropriate warnings). He advises you where to go caving, how to find a club, how to evaluate the flood risk - just how to do it really.

Highly recommended for anyone who has ever pulled on a headlamp and doesn't know it all yet.

Highly recommended.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Complete Caving Manual by Andy Sparrow, August 5, 2002

By	jaime l. long (Northern, michigan United States) - See all my reviews

I have had personal experience with Mr. Sparrow and find him to be a very competent caving instructor. His book, which I wish I had autographed, is very insightful. Mr. Sparrow has taken me caving several times and have felt completely safe and at ease as a novice. Highly recommend this book and his caving services.
From the start of this book it gives you the very basics you need to know about caves and caving. Don't go caving without at least having this book on hand. What a guide.