Cave Leader Training Courses - not just for leaders!

[Andy Sparrow]

A lot of new cavers are keen to learn but sadly there is a lack of suitable training courses.  The only courses administered by the British Caving Association are those intended for cave leaders.  You might think that these courses are too advanced or not really relevant to a novice caver but this not actually true.  Much of what is covered is absolutely basic and essential stuff - how caves form, choosing the right gear, navigating, hazard awareness, and simple ropework.  The format is entirely practical and based on the principle that the ultimate classroom is the cave itself!  The two day course costs ?120 with local caving club accommodation available at only ?5 per night.  It's a great way to learn some essential stuff, make new friends, and get some good caving done.

The following dates have some places left:

3rd/4th March
5th/8th May

If you would like more info either send me a PM, an email andy@caveclimb.com or call 01934741623.

 

[Marshall]

You've got mail.  :read:

 

[Pitlamp]

A lot of new cavers are keen to learn but sadly there is a lack of suitable training courses.

You have a fair point there - but most cavers learn their craft very well simply by being a member of a half decent club. There is absolutely nothing wrong with going on an organised course if that's what someone wants but there seems to be an increasing sense of conviction in British caving (in some factions at least) that one must go on courses to learn properly. As far as I'm concerned the real centres of excellence for caving endeavour remain our many well established caving clubs.

(None of the above is intended in any way to denigrate Andy's offerings, which I'm sure are very good indeed - I just wanted to point out that the normal way to learn to be a caver is still perfectly OK.)

 

[Andy Sparrow]

A lot of new cavers are keen to learn but sadly there is a lack of suitable training courses.

As far as I'm concerned the real centres of excellence for caving endeavour remain our many well established caving clubs.

Quite so, and the most dedicated, highly knowledgeable and skilled cavers I know are club cavers.  If you are fortunate enough to join a club and serve an apprenticeship under the guidance of such an individual it will serve you very well indeed.

Unfortunately, the most gung-ho and irresponsible cavers I know are also club cavers.  The novice caver has no easy way to differentiate between the two.

Caving clubs at their best pass down good practice.  Caving clubs at their worst pass down bad practice, sometimes tinged with arrogance.

My advice to aspiring cavers is to get some formal training to serve as a foundation and to join a club.  The training course I am offering can't, in two days, create experienced cavers, but it can give an excellent grounding in good practice and prepare the individual for club caving.

 

[Pitlamp]

It's my experience that most folk learning to cave with a club will not encounter problems.

Your work as an instructor has a really good reputation. There is a place for people paying to go on courses but it's only one of several ways to learn and other ways aren't necessarily less good.

Keep up the good work anyway.