What can I expect on a typical SOC caving trip?
We usually meet en route and car share when we can, then typical trips start with a rendezvous at a cafe at around 10am (the most popular being either of those in Ingleton). This enables us to discuss the planned trip and pre-load bodies with the energy required for the rest of the day. Departure for the parking spot for the trip is usually around 11am. We change into caving gear, pack the necessary tackle for the cave (ropes, etc.) and walk to the cave. A variable period of underground adventure follows (usually 2 or 3 hours for an easier trip, 3 to 6 hours for moderate and longer for the harder trips). We emerge at some point, walk back to the parking spot, get changed and usually rehydrate at a local pub before heading home.
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What is available for a beginner?
Please read this article
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What is available for an experienced caver?
Please read this article
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What equipment can SOC provide?
We can provide a range of suitable clothing (undersuits, oversuits, knee pads), lights and helmets. We keep a well-maintained stock of ropes, ladders and rigging kit to enable us to tackle any of the country's caves (including exchange trips in some of the more complex systems). We have 2 SRT kits for those new to 'vertical caving'.
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How risky is caving?
As with most of SOC's activities, caving is a potentially hazardous activity. Part of the enjoyment of such activities is to assess and manage the risks involved. This includes monitoring previous, current and forecast weather, knowledge of the cave to be visited, use of up to date techniques and plain common sense. If all these are applied, the most risky part of a trip is probably the drive there and back (not that our driving is particularly bad, just that many more people come to grief on the roads than in caves).
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What do grades shown on the programme mean?
Easy - suitable for cavers with little or no previous experience. The trip will usually be short (up to 2 or 3 hours) and involve no major difficulties.
Moderate - longer trips (generally 4 to 6 hours), which may have strenuous sections or require competence in SRT (single rope technique).
Hard - long trips (perhaps 7 to 12 hours) requiring significant stamina and experience.
There is significant variation within the grades and it is often worth checking the suitability of a particular trip with the trip or section organiser. Sometimes plans are changed owing to weather or the composition of a group or easier or harder variants may be possible from the programmed trip.
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What other activities come under the aegis of caving section ?
There are some outdoor activities that don't have their own section in SOC. Canyonning is one such activity, but the equipment and techniques have a great deal in common with caving, so caving section are best set up to cover this activity. Please read our Canyonning article
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Is any guidance available for trip organisers and participants?
There is a risk assessment document that offers advice for trip organisers and participants.
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