I started caving in 1990, squirming my way around as many of the local caves I could find near my home in South Wales, before moving to more adventurous trips with various friends and clubs in South Wales and frequent weekend trips to the Dales. Splitting my interests between caving, climbing and paddling adventures both local and further afield.
I started to share my passion for adventures of all sorts, gaining my Local Cave Leader Award in 1997.
In 2005 I left the caves of South Wales and moved to North Wales taking a great interest in exploring the mines and caves in North Wales, as well as taking advantage of being closer to the Peak and Dales.
I hold the Cave Instructor Certificate (with the mines module), as well as L2 (now Vertical Cave and Mine Leader) LCMLA. I am a BCA trainer and assessor for Cave, Mine, Vertical Cave and/or Mine and Tyrolean for Groups awards.
In addition to underground exploration I enjoy and instruct a rage of other outdoor and adventurous activities such as rock climbing (both single and multi pitch), mountaineering, hill walking, canoeing, kayaking, surfing and mountain biking. I hold the Mountain Instructor Award (MCI, previously known as the MIA), Level 4 Open Canoe, Level 3 kayak and a degree in Outdoor and Science Education with Qualified Teaching Status (QTS).
I am Head of Centre at Plas Dol y Moch Outdoor Education Centre
I am also an active member of the North Wales Cave Rescue Team, being a team leader (or controller) for the team, and currently Training Officer. At present I sit on the British Caving Associations Qualification Management Committee as Deputy Chair and the Area Liaison Representative for the North Wales LCMLA Trainer/Assessor Panel (all voluntary positions).
I also manage the North Wales Mines Inspections, more information on which can be found here: https://nwminereports.co.uk
Gethin Thomas