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You are correct, but only in the sense that average people call Cavers "spelunkers". Those who participate in original hard core exploration call themselves Cav

You are correct, but only in the sense that average people call Cavers "spelunkers". Those who participate in original hard core exploration call themselves Cavers and they are highly trained individuals. We say "Cavers rescue spelunkers", because we do. I used to be on a call-out list ready to be flown anywhere in North America for a Cave rescue, I do know what I'm talking about here. I know hard core Cavers doing original exploration all around the World, they call themselves Cavers. It's a small elite World, but we exist and we're Cavers. Only the most pedantic of people would call Cavers spelunkers after learning about hard core caver culture/nomenclature.

Mister_X 8y ago
There are several types of people who visit caves. Tourists, who visit "show caves", caves made reasonably safe for average people to visit. Spelunkers are average untrained people who on a lark, go into a "wild" cave seeking adventure, often woefully ill equipped. "Real" Spelunkers, scientists and geologists who are often not very well trained in cave exploration because they are Corporate or Educational professionals and going into caves is a rare part of their job. Sport or Tourist Cavers, those who have sought out some training in safely visiting a cave, often through a Grotto (Chapter) of the National Speleological Society. This is the most common of trained cave visitor, they tend to visit well know "safe", horizontal caves. Vertical Cavers, this is where the separation of hard core and sport cavers starts. These are cavers who have vertical rope work training, enabling them to rappel into and climb out of caves that have pit entrances. Project/Hard Core cavers, these are the Worlds elite cave explorers, a small group of amazing people from all walks of life who share the passion of exploring caves that are technically difficult and extremely dangerous. There are even more minor distinctions within the caving world, but this is enough to chew on right now.

Mister_X 8y ago

There are several types of people who visit caves. Tourists, who visit "show caves", caves made reasonably safe for average people to visit. Spelunkers are average untrained people who on a lark, go into a "wild" cave seeking adventure, often woefully ill equipped. "Real" Spelunkers, scientists and geologists who are often not very well trained in cave exploration because they are Corporate or Educational professionals and going into caves is a rare part of their job. Sport or Tourist Cavers, those who have sought out some training in safely visiting a cave, often through a Grotto (Chapter) of the National Speleological Society. This is the most common of trained cave visitor, they tend to visit well know "safe", horizontal caves. Vertical Cavers, this is where the separation of hard core and sport cavers starts. These are cavers who have vertical rope work training, enabling them to rappel into and climb out of caves that have pit entrances. Project/Hard Core cavers, these are the Worlds elite cave explorers, a small group of amazing people from all walks of life who share the passion of exploring caves that are technically difficult and extremely dangerous. There are even more minor distinctions within the caving world, but this is enough to chew on right now.