School caving trip-what footwear?

[Cherrychops]

Hello all, I'm hoping you can help...

My son is going caving on a school trip (class age range is 7-9). I'm guessing as it's a school trip it won't be hardcore caving so I'm wondering if the rule that I've read of online of no hooks on boots still applies? Having never been caving myself I have no idea... If he can't wear that type of boot, would snow boots suffice (slightly padded top part with a kind of rubber to just above the ankle-all in all very lightweight)? I should mention that he hasn't any wellies at the moment!

Alex.

 

[Andrew W]

I wouldn't worry about hooks on boots. This can be an issue when climbing ladders where it is possible to snag the boot on the wire ladder but I can't imagine that any school trip is going to take a bunch of 7 year olds down a ladder!

 

[AndyF]

At that age it won't be very demanding. Wellies would be fine, but any "above-the-ankle" would be o.k.

I'd agree the "rule" for no -hook boots won't be a factor at this stage.

They'll have a great time and really enjoy it Im sure!

 

[gopher]

I'm sure if you contact the school they will have an advised clothing list but last time I took a school party using Edale YHA they provided everything. Even so, some of the cherubs took their own wellies.

 

[martinb]

As someone who works in school that takes kids on residentials - assuming that is what he is on - then the centre will provide everything - oversuit, helmet and light and wellies.

Just ensure he has warm clothing underneath that you don't mind getting wet/trashed. Don't give them cotton as it retains water and makes the little 'uns cold.

All too often have I seen parents send their kids on outdoor residentials with brand new adidas/nike/whatever and it comes back absolutely knackered.

 

[cap n chris]

Any reputable provider of caving will either provide all necessary equipment, including footwear, or will supply information to parents regarding personal attire which pupils should bring with them. This information is usually provided in good time ahead of the event. If you haven't been provided with the information it's most likely because the caving supplier has everything already sorted.

 

[seddon]

Or because your lad has not brought the paperwork home yet (a cynical parent, me!)

All reputable centres would provide *some* sort of appropriate footwear. If you have concerns about this, or are very keen on sending him with his own, then a cheap pair of wellies (or borrowing some) is a better plan than walking boots or ski boots; both will be more expensive, and far more likely to get damaged when caving, than wellies.

And remember - send nothing away on a residential trip that you wouldn't mind *not* coming back - except your child.