Wannabe caver....

[JAM]

Hi all, names Rich and i'm from Derby. Now i've had a strange draw to caves all my life, always nipping in to one whenever I spotted a hole in rock face. I never really ventured to far into these though, knowing what dangers may await an unequipped individual.

Now I'm interested in getting into this sport for real. I've looked around the internet and found a few good pointers (and this site) but I've not been able to find a "single" comprhensive list of the caving clubs in the Derbyshire / Staffordshire region..

Anybody got such a list ?
Oh, and where's the best place to buy gear?
AND.... what is considered an acceptable level of illumination (based on lumens) ?

Cheers for any and all advise.

Rich 

 

[teabag]

Hi Rich and welcome to caving.  There is a list of Derbyshire based (ish) clubs here : http://www.trycaving.co.uk/component/option,com_comprofiler/task,usersList/listid,8/Itemid,29/action,search/

There are two good caving suppliers in Derbyshire - Caving Supplies in Buxton and Hitch and Hike in Bamford (I realise that neither of these are close to Derby itself, but neither are the caves!)  However, when you first start out with a club they can usually lend you gear for your first trips so you can see its really for you before lashing out on expensive equipment.  Don't worry about how many lumens your light will have, you may not like the brightest - as you will see in the equipment section of this site it's down to personal preference whether you have super-bright, wide beam etc...
Good luck

 

[SamT]

Check out the Orpheus -

http://www.palydon.demon.co.uk/index.html

their hut is down the south peaks (Off the A515)  - which is a lot closer to Derby than most.

 

[paul]

Check out the Orpheus -

http://www.palydon.demon.co.uk/index.html

their hut is down the south peaks (Off the A515)  - which is a lot closer to Derby than most.

Thanks Sam.

That URL will work (it's is a forwarded URL) - but it would be better to use www.orpheuscavingclub.org.uk for the long term.

 

[bubba]

Welcome to the forums Rich.

Also have a look at the Wiki caving FAQ and there is also a list of clubs.

 

[JAM]

Thanks for the pointers chaps and the welcome to the forum. I'll no doubt be asking more questions in the future, be warned !! 

Rich.

 

[owd git]

If you are mobile n want a 'taster ', safe look into a fairly impressive cave with myself and a mate or two (on two nights this week )
p. m .we can talk re' safety / insurance.
I have lights / helmet you can use .
won't need more than boots, overall if you want.
Owd Git. 

 

[JAM]

Hey Owd Git, sound like a great idea... What evenings would they be and where ?

Oh yeah, i'm mobile

Cheers

Rich