B
BenM
Guest
Are you "older" guys seriously telling me that the 1950/60's (apparently the Hay day of British caving) was really that bad that you don't want it back?
I read and hear many stories about how it was "better" in the old days! The packed nights at the Hunters and 'Craven Heffer' - where cavers from all over the country would be laughing and exchanging tales of adventure.
The exploration at home and abroad that went on, the characters that were formed and are now remembered. The friendly club rivalry, and the ?young tigers? pushing the sport forward and into new territory.
Do we really not want to get back to those ?heady? days?
I find that caving is more about the people you meet and the life/scene you?re involved with rather than just the challenge of the caves themselves. Try caving on your own ? it isn?t really that much fun!
In my opinion? the more cavers we can get the better! Its all about the people!
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So:
How we do that is up for debate ? but I ?m starting to believe the best option is to support the University clubs through helping train and offering advice to University leaders. I think a lot of the skills and knowledge that allows Uni clubs to do more interesting (and technical trips) has been lots over the years. Example: When I came to Bristol, hardly any of the ?young? UBSS people had done the Swildon?s Short Round!
But, I think the sport is actually beginning to turn around and we are approaching the critical mass of 20/30 something?s that will mean other ?young? people (both male and female) feel there is a place for them in this sport ? rather than just caving with lots of old men with beards! (Sorry old men with beards)
Just look at the people who are now appearing on this board as a prime example?.and the comments regarding Hidden Earth.
I read and hear many stories about how it was "better" in the old days! The packed nights at the Hunters and 'Craven Heffer' - where cavers from all over the country would be laughing and exchanging tales of adventure.
The exploration at home and abroad that went on, the characters that were formed and are now remembered. The friendly club rivalry, and the ?young tigers? pushing the sport forward and into new territory.
Do we really not want to get back to those ?heady? days?
I find that caving is more about the people you meet and the life/scene you?re involved with rather than just the challenge of the caves themselves. Try caving on your own ? it isn?t really that much fun!
In my opinion? the more cavers we can get the better! Its all about the people!
------
So:
How we do that is up for debate ? but I ?m starting to believe the best option is to support the University clubs through helping train and offering advice to University leaders. I think a lot of the skills and knowledge that allows Uni clubs to do more interesting (and technical trips) has been lots over the years. Example: When I came to Bristol, hardly any of the ?young? UBSS people had done the Swildon?s Short Round!
But, I think the sport is actually beginning to turn around and we are approaching the critical mass of 20/30 something?s that will mean other ?young? people (both male and female) feel there is a place for them in this sport ? rather than just caving with lots of old men with beards! (Sorry old men with beards)
Just look at the people who are now appearing on this board as a prime example?.and the comments regarding Hidden Earth.