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~ Getting started in caving ~
by Lizzy das Neves
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What is caving all about?
Caving is becoming more and more popular, as people discover the underground
world. It's not a sport that can be described in a couple of words. Caving
trips can involve scrambling, walking, crawling, climbing, sliding and
even swimming through caves, with passages as big as a mansion or some
as small as a chimney.
There are all sorts of trips available for all levels of experience and
fitness. We are very safety conscious and we have cavers with many years
of experience.
No excuses?
It doesn't matter if you are afraid of confined spaces or don't use the
gym everyday, caving can be for everyone ranging from walking trips through
massive limestone passages to sporting caving trips that involving climbing,
crawling, and stomping through fast flowing water. There's something for
everyone.
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What kit will you need?
Starting off caving, the best option is to hire out or borrow some kit.
You will need the following:
~ A one-piece oversuit (made of proofed nylon or pvc), a helmet and head
lamp and a belt. At the club we can probably find a helmet, lamp and belt
to lend you for your first trip.
Things you can buy to start off, or that you might already own:
~ Wellington boots with a good grip! Old warm clothing, like thermals
and warm trousers and a fleece top, to wear under the oversuit. Don't
wear jeans or anything else made of cotton - they are cold when wet.
Hiring kit
Simon and Anne Amatt (club members) in Abercraf (just down the road)
have Lights, Belts and Helmets for hire for £2.50 for the day or
£5.00 for the weekend. All proceeds go to Cave Rescue.
simonamatt AT btinternet.com
or ring them on 01639 730336
Also Absolute
Adventure (at the bottom of the hill) can hire you pretty much all
the basic kit you need for about £10 for the weekend. 01639 730518
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Caving trips
Caving trips can involve anything between 4-8 cavers per group, depending
what sort of trip you're doing. The most important part of a trip is that
it is safe and enjoyable. ~ Always make sure that you join a reputable
club and learn caving with experienced people.
In preparation for your trip there are a few items that are a good to
take underground in a small tackle bag: An extra light, something small
and light like a Petzl Tikka, a bottle of water, some small snack food
like chocolate. If you are doing longer trips or trips involving getting
wet, it is always advisable to take some extra dry clothing (keep it in
a dry bag) and a balaclava.
Through these group trips you can meet new people and build up friendships.
Since starting caving I have met lots of amazing people and have been
more involved with the club, which has lead to becoming a member and attending
loads of social events, and even going on club expeditions.
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So what's next?
If you're interested in caving, please get in touch with our Membership
Secretary who will be able to suggest a good time to visit when someone
will be able to take you on an easy trip. We do also have Provisional
Members and Try Caving weekends from time to time, so take a look at our
Calendar.
If this all sounds appealing here's some useful links for other clubs
that might be closer to you, as caving is also popular in the Mendips
(Somerset), Derbyshire and Yorkshire.
Try Caving
(loads of info)
Feel free to email me
elizabeteneves AT hotmail.com
if you have any questions or just want a chat about caving
or club life in general!
Go caving without leaving your seat - have
a look the Virtual Tour
of the awesome caves right under our cottages - Ogof Ffynnon Ddu - The
Cave of the Back Spring.
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PCW
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