Caving?? What's it all about?

Well, contrary to popular belief caving is NOT about squeezing through tight spaces, though there is some of that (if you like that sort of thing!). Most of the time the passages are big enough to walk through! Sometimes they're so big you can't see the top! or even the sides!! In fact Gaping Gill, in the Yorkshire Dales could fit St Pauls Cathedral inside and still have room left over. if you don't believe me then have a look at some of our pictures.

Basically caves can be separated into two types; Potholes and Caves. Potholes are generally vertical, whilst caves are mostly horizontal.

What equipment do you need?

To start off with all you're really going to need is; some old clothes (lots of layers) and a sleeping bag. If you've got some thermals, a boiler suit, wellies (the club has spares) or even a wetsuit bring them too.

As you get more into it you're likely to start buying small items that make life easier such as; wet socks (~£14), undersuit (~£30) or even knee pads (~£20). Then one day you'll find you've got the lot (caver in full SRT kit).

Lights, ladders, ropes and other hardware are provided by the club.

This is a rope!

If you plan to continue you'll probably end up buying most of the basic stuff eventually. As there will be plenty of opportunities during our numerous 'gear fondling' sessions in various caving shops (NB link to other server) around the country.

How much does it cost?

The average weekend trip will set you back a mere £20 and that includes transport, accommodation, food and of course caves. Some extra money will be needed for essentials such as motorway snacks and booze!

Where do we cave?

Basically all over the country. There are regular weekend trips to the Mendip Hills, South Wales and the Peak District. With a New Year's trip to the Yorkshire Dales for a week! Then in the Summer there'll be an expedition abroad. In previous yearswe've been to France (Vercors), the Pyrenees, Slovenia and most recently the Haute-Savoie.

SRT rescue practice, Kingston Hill Gym.

How do you join us?

Any student of Kingston University with an NUS card can join. Also staff members and ex-students, who will have to obtain an associate membership card from the Guild of Students. All this for 1 quid, A bargain! methinks.

You can join at the Intro Fayre at the start of the year or pop down to the Spring Grove Pub any Tuesday evening. You can spot us by referring to the mugshots on the Committee page. But! Where is the Spring Grove? I hear you ask! Oh look. There's a map down here.

And remember anyone who is interested in starting it up again should contact the people at the Guild.

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