Caves are not always horizontal. In fact, many caves require some amount of vertical work to get in or out of them. Vertical caves require special training and unique equipment to enjoy their splendor safely. So here at WUSS we help you out by providing all the required gear for your vertical adventures as well as training so you may safely enjoy the world of vertical caving.
WUSS understands that most people have never been on rope before, let alone been on rope in total darkness! For this reason we hold a variety of vertical clinics throughout the year to teach you the necessary skills to be a proficient vertical caver. Clinics are held to teach basic rope techniques including rappelling and ascending as well as advanced techniques including rigging drops, knots, anchor building and rescue. For information on the next vertical clinic, please consult our calendar or you can email us at {wusscavers@gmail.com}.
A few times a year, WUSS will take trips that require vertical training. For the safety of the entire group, anyone wishing to go on these trips must have certain qualifications to be eligible to attend.
WUSS has a large assortment of gear available for our members to borrow. Due to the potential risks involved with vertical work, anyone wishing to borrow a set of vertical gear must be a member in good standing and have completed their Level 2 vertical certification. To borrow ropes or rigging gear, the member (in good standing) must have completed, at least, their Level 3 vertical certification. Once these conditions are met, a member may check out gear with an officer. Gear check out is at the discretion of the officers and may be denied. Any checked out gear, must be returned whenever asked by an officer, as well as at the end of the academic school year. Members checking out gear are financially responsible for any and all equipment they borrow.
Our primary method of ascending rope utilizes either a Double Bungie Rope Walker or Frog system and we use Racks or Figure 8s to descend. However, we do have the equipment and skills required to build just about any other popular ascending system, including Mitchell or Texas.
