When a hobby becomes one of your greatest passions, there comes a time when you want to go further and experience new thrills. You can set goals, such as levelling up, exploring other caves, and travelling across national or international landscapes in search of new cavities.
If you feel the time has come when your skills have improved in speed, quality, and level, then you can compete. Start with regional competitions and later move up to national ones.
What types of championships can I find?
The National Federation of Speleology divides competitions as follows:
- The Spanish Vertical Progression Championship in all disciplines and categories.
- The National Vertical Progression Tournaments, which count towards the Ranking in all disciplines and categories.
- The international championships and tournaments of Vertical Progression with official status held in Spain.
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All other tournaments and championships that the General Assembly may establish for inclusion in the National Activities Calendar.
What are the most recognised national competitions?
Andalusian Championship of Vertical Progression Techniques
If you love climbing and caving as much as Andalusian art, this is undoubtedly the championship for you. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that its location changes every year. You don’t need exceptional skills to participate, as it’s designed for different categories. Vertical sections and the most astonishing caving techniques await you.Trobada d'Espeleòlegs de Catalunya (Catalan Speleologists' Gathering)
If you’re looking for a community-driven event, this gathering in Catalonia is the key. This is not a competition or tournament per se, but rather a meeting where climbers, speleologists, mountain technicians, and all enthusiasts of this world come together to share experiences.
Valencian Community Vertical Progression Techniques Championship
A full-fledged tournament where you can compete with climbers and cavers of your own category. You’ll have to overcome cavities, ziplines, rappels—all the obstacles you might encounter inside a cave. It’s a perfect scenario that fully recreates an underground cavity.Murcia Region Vertical Progression Techniques Open
The competition that concludes the Murcia Region TPV circuit. Experts and newcomers alike mark this date on their calendars to avoid missing this final competition and close the circuit in style, as it also counts towards the overall ranking.Spanish Speleology Championship
The flagship tournament for all who admire this world. Top speleologists and climbers rush to participate in this competition, as it brings together the best professionals. Additionally, after the reorganisation of the Spanish Federation of Speleology, this championship has returned, and you can participate in different categories.
Competition Specifications
Competitions will vary depending on the category (children, youth, or adults) and discipline (female or male). They consist of several phases where participants must overcome three major tests: speed, endurance, and completion of a vertical progression circuit, whether outdoors or indoors, natural or artificial.
The rules of the competition you wish to enter should be provided by the organising entity. You’ll also need to follow basic conduct guidelines; failure to do so will result in penalties.
