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[ROC caving at Knox] [Clarksville]


Chair: Pat McKenna

The ROC makes trips to a variety of caves such as Wards-Gregory (Clarksville), Knox, Morris, Schoharie, and Gage. While most of the trips involve horizontal caving, we go vertical caving as well! These trips usually occur on Friday nights or on the weekends year-round. The club has all the basic gear necessary for basic caving (helmet, headlamp), however there is large amount of gear that the club does not provide that can greatly enhance the caving experience (knee/elbow pads, gloves) in many of the caves found in the Northeast.
The RPI outing club is a grotto affiliated with the National Speleological Society (NSS).

Caving Leaders:

Class A:

  • Michael Chu
  • Scott Stepenuck

Class B:

  • Greg Moore

Class C:

  • Jeffrey Cain
  • Matt Filippelli
  • Tim Harren
  • John Lembke
  • Pat McKenna

 

Kevin's Awesome Caving Pose, 'Nothing Yet Passage', BZ

(photo by Ken Davis)

Gear

It is generally a good idea to have clothes dedicated for caving, as the caves in the Northeast are generally rough on clothing. Local retailers such as Walmart and Salvation Army are often the best source to get low priced supplies for the occasional caver.

Walmart:

  • Neoprene Gloves
  • Rubber Boots
  • Polypro
  • Knee Pads, Elbow Pads
  • Batteries (for electric headlamps)

Salvation Army/Good Will:

  • All sorts of non-cotton clothing
    durable enough for caving at very low prices.
  • Wool pants, jackets, overcoats, etc.

Caving equipment sources

Other places to go for gear

Jon and Greg digging, entrance room, Levys Cave

(photo by Michael Chu)

Where can I go caving?

  • in NY, Albany and Schoharie counties contain the largest number of sizeable caves. Browse the literature in the pit for more information, or contact a ROC caving leader.
  • There are caves in the Adirondacks and southern NY as well.
  • Popular caves near RPI
Webmaster: Michael Chu
[Student Union]