New to Caving

So you're interested in taking up caving? Maybe you've explored a cave or two yourself, or an obsessed friend has dragged you on a trip, or maybe you've just seen a few videos and think you'd enjoy giving it a try?

Join a Club

Well the good news is that the caving 'community' is very friendly and welcoming and usually willing to help a new victim learn. By far your best bet is to join a local caving club. Advantages include:

Expert knowledge on suitable trips
Clubs have lots of experience in teaching caving techniques
You'll meet lots of interesting, experienced and often 'unusual' new people
Depending on the club, they may be able to lend you equipment while you give it a try, so you don't have to commit to expensive gear early on
It's a very cheap way to get into the sport - often a year's membership will cost less than a single commercial guided caving trip

The British Caving Association (BCA) has an excellent website, New To Caving, which includes a lot of the basics you'll need to know as well as contacts for finding your local caving club.

Equipment

Some of your first caving equipment investments will include:

Wellies! There's a high chance you'll be expected to bring your own wellies for your first trips with a club, as it's hard for them to hold stocks of all the different welly sizes whereas other gear you might need can be lent to you.
An early investment should definitely be in wetsocks. These will keep your feet toasty in your wellies even when stomping through deep water.
A pair of Caving Kneepads is absolutely essential in most British caves, as you'll be crawling at some point on most trips.
You'll eventually be expected to equip yourself with your own caving helmet and headlamp.
An Oversuit, which is your main shell against the caving environment. Water resistant, wind-proof and hard wearing, this suit will keep you sliding snag-free through rough passages and at least delay getting damp! They will eventually wear out in the harsh environment of caves though, and may need replacing once every 1-3 years depending on how many times per week you cave.
While a full tackle sack isn't needed early on, especially when caving with a club who'll have that sort of kit, you might want to invest in a personal bag which will easily hang at your waist on a belt or harness, and let you carry a drink and a few snack in on longer trips.

Take It Slow and Steady

Caving is not a race. It's important to take it slow and steady, especially when you're just starting out. Take breaks when you need to and don't be afraid to ask your guide or fellow cavers for help or advice. Pay attention to your surroundings, and be mindful of your movements to avoid accidents.

Respect the Environment

Caves are fragile environments that are home to unique ecosystems and filled with vulnerable formations. It's important to respect the environment and minimize your impact on the cave. This includes not touching formations, avoiding disturbing wildlife, and properly disposing of waste.

Tackle Sack Size Guide

One of the most important pieces of equipment for a caver is a rope bag, which is used to store and transport rope during a cave exploration. However, choosing the correct size of rope bag can be a bit tricky. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of selecting the right size of rope bag for caving.