Urban Spelunking 101

Urban exploration has become a bit of an obscure vogue activity of late. Look around the web, and you can find folks doling out advice on food, footwear, and gear to make your urban adventure both successful and attractive. Long before Parkour was a twinkle in anyone's eyes, bored kids were exploring the heck out of their surroundings, city or country. Many of us have done some "urban spelunking" as kids, crawling through a ditch, culvert, or overpass en route to bigger adventures. These culverts and drainage systems are typically short and unimpressive. It wasn't until I got to college, a pretty big campus with a HUGE network of drainage pipes, that I came to appreciate urban spelunking for the fun, and adventure that it can be. Here are the basics for aspiring explorers.

What is Urban Spelunking?

Urban Spelunking is the willful exploration of any man-made underground structure or tunnel network. It doesn't necessarily need to be in an urban setting - the term is meant to differentiate the sport from the exploration of natural caves and caverns.

Why do it?

If you have to ask, this isn't the article for you. Move along.

Where to Look

My favorite systems to explore are those intended for drainage, rather than sewers or overpasses. Drainage systems exist to keep developed areas from flooding. They spend the vast majority of the time bone-dry. Regular rain tends to keep the systems clean. Look for along the edges of any complex developed area - the bigger, the better. Business parks, college campuses, and planned subdivisions are all pretty good prospects. In most cases, you will be trespassing, so either tread carefully or else get permission first. In this age of heightened alert, folks might get a little jumpy to see you climbing into their underground systems. At the very least, carry a copy of this article or some others like it, as proof that people actually do this. Some people just don't get it. Here's how to get started.

As with any sport or activity, safety must be your first concern. Here are some basics:

- Find a friend. Don't go exploring alone, if you can avoid it. Not only is there safety in numbers, if you don't bring someone with you, you won't have anyone around who will believe it happened.

- Check the weather before you go. Drainage systems fill up terrifyingly quickly in heavy rain, and in most systems, quick escape is just not an option.

- File a "flight plan." Campers are encouraged to do this with the local park system or police. Given the nature of our sport, I suggest a friend or family member instead. Tell this person exactly where you're going, and exactly when you expect to be back. If the appointed time passes, this person will either come looking for you or alert the authorities. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THIS PERSON ENTER AN UNDERGROUND SYSTEM LOOKING FOR YOU. They should limit their search to shouting into manholes and drains, and then immediately go to the authorities.

- Redundancy - cavers are encouraged to bring not one, not two, but THREE separate sources of light per person. You should, too. Even relatively short culverts get pretty dark with your body taking up most of the available space.

- Cell phones - bring one. Unlike a deep caver, an urban spelunker is likely to see daylight from time to time, through curb-drains or manhole covers. This allows you to call for help if needed.

- Waterproof your stuff. Your extra lights, batteries, any paper you may be using to map with, and your cell phone. A zip-loc bag will do, but a dry-bag or pelican box is ideal.

- Do not UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES open a manhole cover from below unless you've verified where it comes up. Many of these things are in the middle of the street, and a car running over your hand will really ruin the trip.

Your first trip:

You'll get the hang of things fast, once you join the few who enjoy this hobby. Here are a few tips to get you started.

- Gloves, kneepads, and elbow pads. You'll thank me.

- Wear a hat. It's chilly down there. Your mom will thank me... again.

- For long, smooth culverts, a skateboard can be surprisingly helpful.

- Watch out for standing water in the central chambers. Especially if advancing with your gear in front of you.

- Bring something to eat. Slithering is tired work.

- Wear clothing that's meant to get wet and muddy while retaining warmth. Layer your clothes. Wool socks are your best friend.

Last, but not least, take it easy on your first few trips. Get in, get out, intact. I learned much of what's on this list the hard way, and there's no reason but stupidity to repeat my mistakes - they were pretty stupid. You'll make your own. Take a few short excursions at first, and maybe someday you'll be doing underground overnights like the big boys. Enjoy.