MEET THE TEAM

CAVER / CARTOGRAPHER

Adrian began alpine caving in the WIM region (Wyoming, Idaho, Montana), where deep, remote systems shaped his efficient and reserved style. With over a decade underground, he remains a quiet figure in the caving world, known for his precision, grit, and minimalist approach. He contributes to expedition work across both WIM and TAG, often assisting with multi-day pushes, rigging, and remote survey. A self-proclaimed “special prototype,” Adrian lives by the belief that his story isn’t told — it’s lived.

CAVER / SCIENTIST

Aidan began exploring caves when he first moved to Tennessee from New York in 2013, only taking up cave exploration in earnest in 2018. Beginning with his work with the SCCI, Aidan began finding and mapping caves while researching karst systems. Through active partnerships with fellow explorers and conservation scientists, Aidan has initiated multiyear mapping projects and karst hydrologic investigations (dye traces) with the team. Aidan is an active karst researcher in the Southeastern United States focused in the heart of TAG.

CAVER / DIVER

Joseph got into caving in 2016 while studying the structural geology of Snail Shell Cave. This sparked a deeper curiosity for what lies underground. After two years of caving, he set his sights on sump exploration and became one of the few active sump divers in the Southeast. Since then, he’s explored and mapped underwater passages across the region, pushing into places few have ever seen.

@Mineral_dude

Just a dude with a passion for minerals, rocks, and chasing adrenaline underground. What started as a casual interest through cave YouTube videos quickly turned into a full-on obsession. After connecting with a few of the creators he used to watch, he found himself crawling, climbing, and exploring alongside them—and he hasn’t looked back since.

@zmurr_ay

Zach got into caving after stumbling upon a wild cave while hiking near Chattanooga. Driven by curiosity and stubborn determination, he pieced together a makeshift rope system through YouTube and taught himself the basics of vertical caving. He made it out safely — and was immediately hooked. Since then, Zach has joined his local grotto and steadily become a part of the Southeast caving community, building skills and connections underground.

@Cavezip

Wes has been chasing adventure since he could walk. Introduced to vertical caving at 11, he was hooked — spending his first paycheck at 15 on rope, webbing, and a figure 8. From wild caves in the woods to roadside show caves, he wanted in. Now the owner of his own cave adventure park, Wes has spent the last decade guiding others into the underground world. When he’s not running trips at home, he’s out exploring caves across the country, both on expeditions and for the thrill of discovery.

@Underground_Adventures

Growing up in the heart of TAG near Pigeon Mountain in northwest Georgia, Ryan got his start early exploring local show caves. His curiosity quickly turned into a deeper passion, and by the time he had his first truck, he was venturing into the region’s wilder, more remote systems. Today, Ryan is an avid vertical caver with a strong background in SRT, always seeking out new challenges below the surface.