How to begin caving
If you want to go caving there are several avenues you can choose – perhaps the easiest is to engage the services of a professional instructor or outdoor pursuit organisation who will provide you with all the necessary equipment and guide you underground on a suitable trip. This does cost but is a good way of testing the water.
A second avenue is to contact one of the many caving clubs which are based all over the country – not just in caving areas. Many clubs are on the look-out for new members and some offer ‘try out’ days especially for this purpose. For a trial period some clubs will provide you with basic equipment and guide you on a suitable trip underground. It is a good way to make new friends. If you enjoy the experience you can join the club and start getting your own gear together.
The third avenue is to go it alone, caving with your friends. A few cavers began this way but it is more hazardous learning from a trial and error approach. There are many groups of independent cavers, people caving with just their friends but they tend to have gained the necessary experience by other means first.
