PE 1630: Caving
The most exciting and unknown terrestrial frontier lies deep inside cave systems! Expand your horizons to include the netherworld. Learn cave geology, map reading skills, rope systems, cave safety, environmental concerns, and hone teamwork and communication skills in this introductory class. Expect to be challenged and inspired as you explore caves in Eastern NY. You can expect to crawl and get dirty in these wild, beautiful caves. One weekend outing include car camping.
For questions about Caving courses, please contact Mark Holton.
| Course Fee | Students: $425 Community: $455 CU Faculty/Staff: $445 |
|---|---|
| Fee Notes | All group camping equipment, caving specific gear, and food is included. (Tents, stoves, fuel, cooking pots, etc.) If you don't have your own, personal camping gear (sleeping bag, headlamp, etc.) is available for rent at a 25% discount. You can see a complete gear list here or in the list at the end of this page. |
| Attendance | First class is mandatory. Students must attend all classes to receive PE credit. |
| Prerequisites | No previous experience. |
| Drop Deadline | September 3 |
| Enrollment | Enroll through Student Center or by contacting COE at 607-255-6183 or coed@cornell.edu |
| Links | Medical Form |
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9/9/25 | 6:00pm to 9:00pm |
| Wednesday (optional) | 9/10/25 | 3:00pm to 5:00pm |
| Fri-Sun | 9/12/25 - 9/14/25 (overnights) | 5:00pm (Fri) to 9:00pm (Sun) |
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9/15/25 | 6:00pm to 9:00pm |
| Wednesday (optional) | 9/17/25 | 3:00pm to 5:00pm |
| Fri-Sun | 9/19/25 - 9/21/25 (overnights) | 5:00pm (Fri) to 9:00pm (Sun) |
PE 1630: Caving Equipment List
* These items are provided by COE and are covered in the course fee.
** These items can be rented from the COE Outfitting. Prices below reflect 25% discount, tax not included.
INSIDE THE CAVE
Long underwear top
- Long underwear bottoms
- An insulating top layer
- Wool sweater shirt, fleece vest
- A sturdy protective outer layer
- Coveralls or sturdy pants and jacket
- Thick wool or polypropylene socks
- Durable and Supportive Shoes
- Hiking Boots or sturdy athletic shoes
OUTSIDE THE CAVE
- Long underwear top
- An insulating top layer:
- Wool sweater or shirt, or synthetic fleece jacket
- A winter jacket
- A pair of long underwear bottoms
- Insulated pants (synthetic or wool)
- **Waterproof rain jacket with hood, available for $7.50 from COE Outfitting
- A warm hat, wool or synthetic
- A pair of warm comfortable camp shoes
- Extra wool or polypropylene socks
PERSONAL GEAR
- *Closed cell foam sleeping pad (available from COE Outfitting)
- *Sleeping bag/stuff sack (available from COE Outfitting)
- Small stuff sacks, garbage bags or ziplocs
- Camera, optional
- 2-1 quart water bottles
- 1-2 bandanas or wash cloths
- Cup, bowl, spoon, fork
- **Duffel bag or pack (to put it all in) (available from COE Outfitting)
PERSONAL MAINTENANCE KIT
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Feminine hygiene, ziploc bags to carry out
- Contacts, solution, glasses
- Medication (let instructors know)
OTHER ITEMS
- Snacks (candies, nuts, etc.)
- Money for food on the road
- Disposable Camera?
- Book or journal?
- Something to share?
Group Gear
- * Tents and Tarps
- * Cooking gear & Food
- * First Aid Kit
- * Caving Equipment: headlamp, helmet, knee pads
TWO IMPORTANT NOTES ON CLOTHING
It is better to dress in many layers. Many layers provide you with more options to regulate your temperature, which can vary widely in response your activity level and changes in the weather. We strongly recommend that your insulating layers and long underwear be made of wool or synthetic materials (polypro, thermax, capilene or the equivalent.) These materials retain their insulating qualities when damp. The "fabric of our lives," cotton, does not insulate well when it becomes wet. So, dress smart! At the very least, it will increase your comfort and enjoyment of the trip!