Hey Just for grins how long do you folks loan equipment to newbies? I kind of have a limit of 3 or 4 trips and then figure they need to start to invest in lids or lights.
I have no problem with people using bike/skateboard helmets for easy horizontal only caves for a while (as long as they aren't un shelled styrofoam)
I have no problem lending some stuff but not everything for life.
Just thought this might be interesting for different areas thoughts. And for that matter I figure there might be an interesting story or two about what someone showed up with.
Funny thing, people I've lent real equipment to try out caving tend to buy their own equipment quicker than people who bring their own bike/skateboard helmets.
I don't like to lend or borrow safety equipment in a very hazardous situation. I try and instill that on newbies. In a very controled situation I can see using others vertical equipment to see one time if you can deal with it. but in my world once you make that choice to go vertical the most you use someone elses rope. Yeah I know that is strange but to me I know if a pal is trusting his life on that line I can trust mine. Now his old throwaway harness. rack etc I'm not so sure. But then I'm just that way.