Vertical

This session will include presentations on current trends in safe vertical caving techniques and their application in cave exploration.

The NSS Vertical Section is an internal organization of the society. Most vertical caves require rope work, and the vertical section convenes cavers with an interest in vertical caving. The purpose of the section is to educate and train cavers in safe, efficient vertical caving techniques.

The vertical section is one of the largest organizations within the NSS.The group publishes the "Nylon Highway" as their official newsletter. The section also develops training programs to help grottos conduct vertical classes involving consistent and current techniques.

Vertical cavers use techniques similar to those of mountaineers, but those techniques are adapted to the cave environment. Rope work can be hazardous and even deadly when rules are violated. The vertical section teaches those rules and helps cavers avoid disasters. Safe rope work cannot be learned by self-study or from a book alone. Only practice under the supervision of a competent, experienced instructor offers adequate training for the novice climber.