cheap dry caving gear

[applepie]

ok not really diving related but since they are close linked.

err anyone know where i can get cheap kit? after simply stuff like kneepads, possibly elbow pads. maybe an LED helmet torch so I dont have a battery pack around my waist.

i had a quick google look around and was rather suprised at the cost of knee pads and similar, around 15GBP a pair and probably a couple of quid for P&P.

I am happy to make some as well if anyone knows of a good way, I had a look round for some spare neoprene and I have something similar but its not as tight fitting as i would like it to be.

forgot to mention that i am a right tightwad

[chrisch]

Clarke - CHT160 Protective Knee Pads - Safety Footwear & Clothing - Machine Mart

Chris

[g4ssg]

Please don't scrimp/save with undergroud lighting ,it just ain't worth it ....!

[ssteve]

Please don't scrimp/save with undergroud lighting ,it just ain't worth it ....!

: : Bernies Cafe : :
try above site, he knows his stuff
i used to use miners lamp/ battery,built my own charger
ssteve
(ex mine explorer)
(too dangerous so took up diving !!!!!!!!!!)lol

[cgrosart]

Hi
Where are you based ?? If you are anywhere near the Mendips, I have a couple of spare oversuits you could borrow for dry-ish trips. Think I remember you once saying you were near Bath ?? Your nearest caving shop (if you are !) will be Mr Jarratt of Bat Products in Wells. He stocks everything you will need to get started. I assume you are a member of a club and not going it alone (not wise..) therefore there should be people who will lend you a good lamp and some kit. Don't be fooled into thinking caving (dry - before you even get into cave diving) is cheap. I reckon, on adding up my own gear with lights, wetsuits (caves can be bloomin wet even without the diving element), neofleeces, fleeces, SRT kit, helmet, rigging gear, oversuit, tackle bags, knee and elbow pads.... the list goes on - adds up to about half a grand - and gets wrecked very quickly if you do a lot of underground activity and needs replacing quicker than you'd like. If you want to cave dive - it is a bottomless pit I'm afraid when you take it seriously (and there is no other way to go about it I'm afraid, other than to take it seriously..).
pm me if you want to borrow anything and I'll see if I can help as caving is an acquired taste and I wouldn't reccommend that sort of outlay until you are sure you want to take it up. At that stage, you will definately want your own gear.

6 Tucker Street, WELLS, Somerset, BA5 2DZ. 01749 676771 No website as he does very well without one !! Tony is ace and knows his stuff.

Chris

[applepie]

cheers for the help everyone!

nope not in the least interested in cave diving in the UK at all at the moment, quite frankly I am nowhere even approaching capable of doing it

i'm still seeing if i enjoy caving or not, its kinda varies alot. I have absolutely loved a few I have done and thought it was top five experiences in my life.

then there was one where halfway through "WTF am i doing here?" not from fear but just tiredness and thinking am i really enjoying this? or i am just pushing myself for no good reason. in the end i enjoyed it, it was awesome finally coming out of the cave.

I'm not very good since i am just starting off, but have realised there are several key things I think i really want to invest in since i know it will make it more enjoyable and safe. e.g kneepads and possibly an oversuit that fits better (so i can move normally-ish).

then again weighing up if I want to effectively invest or not? hate to find out a few months later, its not my bag and wasted alot of dosh.

[cgrosart]

Pm your size (height and rough build) and I can GIVE you an oversuit to get started. You need a pair of wellies. And knee pads are worth the investment (get the ones with velcro fastenings - trust me...) and get some neoprene glue from Tony (ring him first). Use your scrap neoprene to glue an extra layer onto the back of your knee pads and they will last you AGES.
Do not buy cheap nasties from a company which has the same name as a large mammal which builds dams......they are shite !!
Have fun and seriously, suss out a club, it's the best way to go .....
Chris

[peterdevlin]

i'm still seeing if i enjoy caving or not, its kinda varies alot. I have absolutely loved a few I have done and thought it was top five experiences in my life.

then there was one where halfway through "WTF am i doing here?" not from fear but just tiredness and thinking am i really enjoying this? or i am just pushing myself for no good reason. in the end i enjoyed it, it was awesome finally coming out of the cave.

As someone who came to caving (albeit some years ago) from an open water background I have had my fair share of "WTF" moments, but picking the right trips should get you over that hump.

Join a local club (membership costs around £30 a year plus BCA membership and get underground.

Good luck,
Peter

[applepie]

sorry forgot to incl. previously that I have since then joined the wonderful reading caving club, great people.

chris - you wont happen to be chris/CJ? in which case i spoke to you over the past weekend at the Belfry.

thanks for the advice again.

[Sheff diver]

sorry forgot to incl. previously that I have since then joined the wonderful reading caving club, great people.

chris - you wont happen to be chris/CJ? in which case i spoke to you over the past weekend at the Belfry.

thanks for the advice again.

That'll be Chris Jewel. Chris above is Christine.