Meet Dave
Meet Dave
About.
Born in Pennsylvania and raised with a love for the outdoors, David “Caver Dave” Brumbaugh has been fascinated by caves for as long as he can remember. Although he earned a degree in elementary education
and spent years in traditional classrooms, he has always believed that nature offers the richest lessons.
His lifelong dedication to caving has taken him across the continent—exploring vast underground systems, assisting researchers, leading travelers into the dark beauty below the surface, and speaking on cave conservation.
The Basics
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Dave’s expertise is grounded in both formal training and real-world experience. He is certified in cave rescue, wilderness first aid, OSHA compliance, Emergency Medical Training, and a range of safety and survival programs. Over the years, he has had the privilege of learning from some of the most respected speleologists and veteran cavers in North America.
During his time living in British Columbia, Dave dove deep into single-rope technique (SRT) and worked as a vertical cavern guide and rappel instructor, refining the technical skills needed for complex underground environments. His travels have taken him through caves of all types, each shaped by unique geological forces. These firsthand encounters with different forms of speleogenesis have strengthened his dedication to cave conservation and safe, educated exploration.
For Dave, adventure and education are inseparable.
He approaches caving as a science first—an intricate world shaped by geology, time, and delicate ecosystems.
Dave is a true advocate for responsible exploration.
At the heart of his work is a simple belief: when people understand the environments they enter, they appreciate and protect them more deeply.
To him, learning is the greatest adventure of all.
Whether guiding, teaching, or consulting, he invites participants to ask questions, explore ideas, and deepen their understanding of speleology and conservation. His years as a classroom educator shine through in every experience he offers, blending excitement with insight.
Experience
Philosophy
