The Caving Technical Guide is an instructional publication from the French
School of Caving, in association with the French Federation of Speleology. It
is the English language edition of the best-selling instructional book
originally published in France.
This full colour manual describes the various techniques and equipment
relating to caving – it is not simply a catalogue of instruction, but more of
a guide to progression and how to overcome situations which will be
encountered underground. The techniques demonstrated are those taught by the
French School of Caving.
Sections and chapters include:
The French Caving Federation`s recommendations: safety and prevention on
novice trips.
Protecting the underground environment.
Organising a trip.
Personal equipment.
Progress without vertical gear.
Group equipment.
Control and management of personal protective equipment.
Progression involving rigging – type A & B ropes; type L ropes; other
techniques.
30 pages of rescue and self-rescue techniques.
Supervising and instructing – descending, ascending.
Specialised techniques – climbing; pull-through trips; winter; long trips.
Serious and unexpected situations – accident; floods.