Hi, What makes you do it?

[philtaylor38]

Hi, I'm building a sports and activities website which also has a club finder facility. It is my intention to, over a period of time, list all sorts of activities from skydiving to women's institute, so it includes caving.
I've had a go at most sports but not caving, although perhaps I should have tried it in my youth, the questions I'd like to ask are what makes you do it and as a beginner what would you need to really get involved.
I've read a couple of the experiences, particularly Steve H, so I understand it is an activity open to most, dependant on cave.
Appreciate any comments.

 

[Maggot]

Firstly, congratulations on your two 9-dart finishes in the final on Monday!

I just sort of got drawn into it; I'd had an invite to go look at the Bath Stone Mines, and enjoyed those, then a Wessex member on one of the trips said 'We're going to Swildons next tuesday, fancy coming along' so I did, and although I'm not the most dedicated of cavers I do enjoy being underground.

 

[gus horsley]

The first time I went caving was really just an excuse to get away from my parents for a weekend, then I realised I was really into it, although later on (after a trip into Quaking Pot I think it was), I wondered why I was doing it.  Now I don't do it as much as I'd like and I get withdrawals.  I suppose I could wax lyrical about the joys of discovery, not knowing what's around the next corner, team spirit, overcoming adversity, the sheer beauty of an environment that relatively few get to see, etc but I've got to do some work now, so I won't.

 

[philtaylor38]

Thank you, after 15 world titles and two 9 darters I thought I'd turn my attention to something new!

 

[Burt]

As a 5 year old (back in 1972) was helping my dad carry food bags in for the divers in what is now the Croesor-Rhosydd through trip. Can remember the divers circling down into a crystal pool for what seemed like ages deep in the mine. We dumped the food and left them as I was getting cold!
Hooked ever since......

 

[cap n chris]

I'd like to ask are what makes you do it

Mostly the money but also the fame, power, glory, occasional bouts of misery, sense of freedom, achievement, grandiose and lofty sense of supremacy, lording it over other lesser mortals. Mostly the money, though, tbh. Yes, the money. ;-)

 

[Elaine]

Cap'n Chris does not do it for the money. He does it because it means he can buy and wear lots and lots of shiny things.

 

[Peter Burgess]

Cap'n Dandy

 

[philtaylor38]

OK, so a mixture of some life changing moments, the thrill and enjoyment of the underground environment, teamwork in adversity and a natural progression from childhood, I can understand those but dressing as a Pearly King!

 

[JAM]

Better than dressing in me regular gimp gear.........  Ooop's, cats out 

Rich

 

[Brains]

The voices in my head?
Those nice young men in there clean white coats?
The wife mostly, she insists we go on a frequent and regular basis

 

[linuxfanatik]

I worked downm pit (in a coal-mine) when I was nineteen. I went on to other things like a salt mine, then caving in Ingleborough and some others as well as traversing Kinder Scout (which is a hill not a cave in Derbyshire), I also walked the length of Edale, Pindale studying stratum. I've been in the caves near Castleton, Debyshire such as around Shining Tor and enjoyed each and every one. At one point (close to shining Tor) I removed from the roof of one cavern, what I believed to be a huge chunk three inches by two inches of Blue John crystal. It wasn't blue John and gently introduced me to gemstones such as Amethyst's as this one was - that was back in 1972. I still have the stone to remind me of the days I went caving - Today I am 68 - yes an old 'un but sometimes, we old uns can help out where its needed for advice... linuxfanatik

 

[cavermark]

Exploration, exploration, exploration

 

[Peter Burgess]

The wife mostly, she insists we go on a frequent and regular basis

That's the "Syrup of Figs" approach to caving, if I am not mistaken......

 

[Big Jim]

Road side nudity before and after a trip.

 

[cap n chris]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indecent_exposure

 

[MadPierre]

Mud, Beer, and PVC oversuits.

 

[Earth Worm Jim]

I'm intensely agoraphobic and have an almost pathological hatred of society, I find being underground is the only time I fell truly happy! 

 

[mrodoc]

What's around the next corner?

 

[Rachel]

I can't run, throw, catch or move in a co-ordinated manner and I look stupid in sports gear, so it's the only physical activity open to me