Speleosports

Speleosports are back for ASF Conference 2027! This is a series of fun, challenging events designed to test real caving skills: efficiency on rope, squeezing, knot tying and dexterity with equipment.

The speleosports will run across three afternoons during the week, so we have plenty of time for everyone to get through all the events. Intermediate results will be published at the end of each day so competitors can track individual and club standings as the competition unfolds.

There will be individual awards as well as a club award for the fastest average time, with clubs needing a minimum of three participants to qualify. There are some epic prizes on offer, but more importantly, some highly coveted trophies.

Not all events require remote or vertical access. While some challenges take place in the spectacular Castle Cave, a dedicated town-based event ensures that everyone has a chance to compete, regardless of mobility, fitness, or appetite for sharp limestone scrambles.

25 Metre Speed Ascent

Location: Castle Cave

A classic test of vertical efficiency.

Competitors ascend a 25-metre rope as fast as possible using their preferred SRT setup. No rebelays or redirects. At the top, you may either detach or perform a changeover and abseil back down, your choice.

SRT Skills Course

Location: Castle Cave

This event focuses on applied rope skills.

The course is still being finalised, but the current plan includes:

• Ascend 8 metres

• Zip line down

• Zip line up

• Traverse past three intermediate anchor points

• Abseil 5 metres to finish

Rules and Technique Notes

• While on the traverse, you must always have at least one cowstail attached. When crossing an intermediate anchor, clip your second cowstail in the next section before unclipping the first one.

• Staying low with your weight on the cowstails often makes sideways movement safer and easier on traverses.

• If the traverse or zip line steepens, a hand ascender clipped with a cowstail can help maintain a safe rope angle while moving to the anchor.

Technical Skills Challenge

Location: Chillagoe Town Hall

A multi-part challenge testing dexterity and technique.

Competitors will:

• Transfer three types of carabiner between two ropes one-handed:

  • A screw-lock carabiner

  • A twist-lock carabiner

  • A triple-lock carabiner

• Navigate a squeeze box, simulating tight cave passages

• Tie three fully dressed knots:

  • Figure-8

  • Alpine Butterfly

  • Bowline

Locations