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Q) I’m thinking of caving for the first time what will I need ?
A) It will depend on which cave you wish to do, but for your first novice trip old warm clothes of fleecy style will normally do, you will need a pair of wellies with good grip, old waterproofs are normally necessary just to keep out the mud etc. (in wet caves even the best experienced caver will get wet !)!) You will also need a helmet and lamp These can be hired from any good caving shop for around £3-4 for a full days hire, or alternatively for about £15 you can hire the full kit this will include every thing from wellies, oversuit helmet/ lamp even a pair of wet suit style socks in our eyes this would be the way to go for the first time caver.

Q) Do I have to join before going on a trip?
A) No, any good club will be more than happy to take you on a suitable trip although you may be asked to fill in a disclaimer form

Q) What happens if I don’t like it when I get underground?
A) Be honest and tell the group leader it wont be a problem but if you don’t like it once caving is probably not for you. Like wise if you are feeling cold and tired please say this can prevent incidents, Even if you are super fit it can take a few trips to become cave fit as you will use muscles that you never new you had

Q) Will I get stuck,? IM not keen on small holes?
A) 99.9% of times if you can fit in you can always squeeze back out I don’t know of a caver yet that likes low small wet crawly bits but that is just part of the underground experience as normally they are very short lived and open up in to a larger part of the underground network of caves

Q) If there is a major incident what’s the procedure?
A) In the history of rescue most incidents are minor but unfortunately the press only ever pick up on the major ones, now I want you to think how many have you herd about this year ? My guess is probably none?
But in the case of rescue, first the police are informed, then they in turn will inform the cave rescue organization (CRO) who will send the call to volunteer cavers who will put the rescue plan in practice for that particular cave. 9 times out of 10 rescue call outs are to assist lost or injured walkers please click the link