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UER Forum > Archived Rookie Forum > I am a novice Urban Explorer, I have a couple of questions (Viewed 1198 times)
solomon22 


Location: Atlanta, GA
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I am a novice Urban Explorer, I have a couple of questions
< on 12/30/2012 3:12 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Hello, I consider myself to be completely new to urban exploration and UER. The most important question I have is where to explore. I do not want specific locations. I just need to know what type of location is best for a beginner like me who does not have much gear, except for climbing gear (I am an experienced climber). Mainly, what type of location does not have much security/is easy to access? If you have any links to other helpful threads, I'll be glad to see them.
Thanks,

Solomon

meanwhileinfoco 


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Re: I am a novice Urban Explorer, I have a couple of questions
<Reply # 1 on 12/30/2012 3:24 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Typically smaller out of the way places are going to have more security, whereas the larger places in more densely populated areas are going to be a bigger risk. But that's just common sense. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I can't think of many low risk places that would require climbing...

solomon22 


Location: Atlanta, GA
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Re: I am a novice Urban Explorer, I have a couple of questions
<Reply # 2 on 12/30/2012 3:31 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by meanwhileinfoco
Typically smaller out of the way places are going to have more security, whereas the larger places in more densely populated areas are going to be a bigger risk.


So basically what you're saying is that small places in rural areas are going to have more real security, but larger places in urban areas will have more dangers like being spotted by someone that just happens to be near the place/building that I am exploring?

Astro 

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Re: I am a novice Urban Explorer, I have a couple of questions
<Reply # 3 on 12/30/2012 3:43 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
I disagree, the more rural locations tend to have less security. Like barns and such...ever seen a guard at a barn? I haven't.

Drains are one of my personal faves. I have never seen any sort of security at a drain, they're easy to get into and I love them. Exploring a drain is usually like truly exploring a complete and total mystery. You really never know what you are going to find.

Your area has a lot to do with the type of places that are best for noobs. Areas in really run down parts of town are usually really easy to get into but they run the risk of there being people in them, like hobos. Whereas harder to get into locations will be less likely for you to run into people and more likely for there to be "stuff" inside still because it's a location less traveled, but it's got more of a chance for security. So, really "easy" is relative to the things in your location.

[02:33:56] <Valkyre> Astro your whole life is ruled by the sentence ' life is better without clothes on'
[22:16:00] <DSomms> it was normal until astro got here
Astro: Patron Saint of Drains
CaptainSqueaky 


Location: Worcester County
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Re: I am a novice Urban Explorer, I have a couple of questions
<Reply # 4 on 12/30/2012 3:44 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Find someone experienced to go exploring with. That person will have info on security and such.
Don't explore alone its stupidly dangerous.

Aleksandar 


Location: United States
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Re: I am a novice Urban Explorer, I have a couple of questions
<Reply # 5 on 12/30/2012 3:46 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
hi solomon. try not to overthink it -- though you are new, exploring in cities is pretty straightforward. common sense will get you far. try to follow these simple tips which are just off the top of my head. im sure others have more/better/different tips.

1. read a lot of the content on this site. do your homework and 75% of exploring will begin to make more sense to you.

2. go driving. use google maps. use street-view. do some scouting and you'll probably find a lot. in cities, the locals or the owner will usually try to create a hard perimeter but once you get past it you've got the run of the place. there are always ways in, often created by homeless.

3. be safe and be smart. if something looks dangerous, it probably is. if something looks safe, it might still be dangerous.

4. security in truly abandoned sites isn't all that common, though it does happen. periodic police drive-by's of abandoned buildings is more common, especially in cities.

5. don't get seen. if you are seen, assume they will call it in and take it as your signal to leave and come back some other time.

6. don't be dumb. don't carry weapons, breaking & entering tools, etc.

7. be polite if you're caught. if you can't get away, give yourself up and explain that you are just taking pictures. a lot of the time you will get off with a warning.

8. GET OUT THERE AND EXPLORE and then post your work. You can't reasonably expect to meet too many people from your area, until you show some of your own work. Once you do, try to meet up with the locals.

Freedom breeds war; and Peace, slavery. So it shall be forevermore: Men who love freedom buy it with their lives, and lovers of peace with their freedom.
Rob91DA 


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Re: I am a novice Urban Explorer, I have a couple of questions
<Reply # 6 on 12/30/2012 3:49 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Guess it would help to know what kind of area you are in. Being closer to rural areas here, it is easy to find old farms and such to explore, minimal risk or exposure or running into anyone who matters. Closer to the cities here there are many more police/security patrols to worry about, as well as hobos, thugs, etc...

I tend to spend a bit of time on Google Earth, tracing railroad lines and rivers for buildings that seem to be falling apart or old run down cars with lots of grass and such growing around them.

Then there is just plain old driving around looking for places to snoop.

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meanwhileinfoco 


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Re: I am a novice Urban Explorer, I have a couple of questions
<Reply # 7 on 12/30/2012 4:26 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Woops, my bad, I definitely meant to say that the smaller rural places would have much less security, whereas larger places would have higher security. Sorry about that.

solomon22 


Location: Atlanta, GA
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Re: I am a novice Urban Explorer, I have a couple of questions
<Reply # 8 on 12/30/2012 4:42 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Where I live, I can get to downtown Atlanta or rural farmland in less than an hour. From what you guys have said, it seems that I should start scouting out the rural areas before exploring downtown ATL. Thanks for all the information.

Astro 

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Re: I am a novice Urban Explorer, I have a couple of questions
<Reply # 9 on 12/30/2012 4:51 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by solomon22
Where I live, I can get to downtown Atlanta or rural farmland in less than an hour. From what you guys have said, it seems that I should start scouting out the rural areas before exploring downtown ATL. Thanks for all the information.


If you live in Atlanta area, go to the Festicle, meet people, and explore. Seriously, that's the best course of action for you. Hit up Once-ler and he can give you details on the Festicle and such.

[02:33:56] <Valkyre> Astro your whole life is ruled by the sentence ' life is better without clothes on'
[22:16:00] <DSomms> it was normal until astro got here
Astro: Patron Saint of Drains
crows 


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Re: I am a novice Urban Explorer, I have a couple of questions
<Reply # 10 on 12/30/2012 7:16 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Also fairly new to this, and sort of stumbled into doing it early last spring from what started as just driving around looking at factory lights at night with my partner.

It's been really based in driving around, looking at stuff, which has its own pleasure in it even if you don't find a location you're comfortable getting out of the car and crawling around in. By far we were most comfortable cutting our teeth on out of the way, totally abandoned old farm houses on remote rural roads. We've grown more intrepid since then, but yeah, no one around and often decent places to pull a car a little bit out of the way. The tip about google maps is fantastic... the satellite maps are also fantastic, especially if you're not sure what kind of buildings are on a property (like, is there an occupied house a little further back in them thar woods?).

Biggest thing is get out of town, get off the interstate. Our best finds have just been... rambling along the rural roads. It's hard to see much when you're going 75 in traffic, and harder to stop for it. Also, at least in the midwest, small towns are dying. Meander off the beaten path toward little, out of the way communities that aren't attached to a major thoroughfare or don't have something they're famous for. Reading up on some local history about industries or rail lines that have blown through your area and aren't so big any more might help you zero in on specific corners of the grid to comb. Look for places whose post offices have closed, that's a sure kiss of death.

I also definitely have to echo the suggestions of not going alone. Even if you can just take someone who's along for the drive but isn't comfortable going onto a property or something, so that if you got hurt someone would know could keep you out of a bad situation.

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Weirdlig 


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Re: I am a novice Urban Explorer, I have a couple of questions
<Reply # 11 on 12/30/2012 3:54 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
If you're new, unsure of yourself, and have no idea what exploring is like...start with houses.

Find one on your own, you see them driving to work or the store. Choose one you can tell is blatantly abandoned. Don't make your own entryway...breaking and entering is largely frowned upon here not just because it's risky and disrespectful, it can also get you into some serious shit.

If the door is wide open you have minimal chance that anyone will even care. And a very small chance of alarms [although that has happened to me in doorless places].

Park in a parking lot nearby, in particular plazas with multiple stores are good because none of them will be able to pinpoint whether or not you're in one of them. Trailheads are also good or not-overly-residential roads. Anything that won't make people say 'the fuck is that car doing here?'

Don't look around like you're afraid. Do try to find the easiest path to the backway [I find the google maps satellite view helps alot for planning] but act like you own it. Act brave and proud, people subconsciously register you as not breaking the law alot of the time they see that.


Once inside, take some time to get used to it. There will be sounds and smells you're not used to. The smells are rarely anything to worry about, although mold can make you dizzy and nauseous [a respirator is a good investment for reasons beyond asbestos]. Houses aren't always an asbestos concern.

Take it slow. Take it easy. Don't do anything stupid. Listen to the sounds and try to figure out what they were. At first everytime the wind blew and the buildings would 'settle' I was sure I was about to get arrested. These places are noisier than you think. Get used to how YOU FEEL when you're in these places, honestly that's one of the hardest adjustments and not something you would expect to be a challenge. You'll be afraid at first.


Although every single time I've ever gotten myself into trouble was while leaving, leaving is really the easiest part. You just...walk out. People don't usually assume you were just in there. Don't run away, don't look around like it's a jail break.

If anyone tries to talk to you on your way in or out, just be friendly and respectful. Ask them questions about the place...tell them why you're interested or how photogenic and unique you find it. Ask about the future plans of the place, anything at all.

If you get caught, which is rare rare rare for houses, use the 'I'm just the photographer!' plea. Many people will simply tell you they're curious sometimes too and might even relate with you.

Every time I've ever been caught they told me to leave. Or keep exploring. Or they were interested in the photos. It goes without saying, though. Don't break anything. Don't steal anything. Don't do anything idiotic.

Practice on the houses a few times until you know yourself better. Then move up from there. Take it slow. Places with security might be a joke to alot of the regulars on these boards, but that's some terrifying shit when you're new to this.

Hell, I still fear them...but now're days I chat with them before or after exploring the place they're watching.

http://www.flickr....irdlingphotography
Keaven 


Location: 15 miles from the Grassy Knoll
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Re: I am a novice Urban Explorer, I have a couple of questions
<Reply # 12 on 12/30/2012 6:45 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by Astro
...the more rural locations tend to have less security. Like barns and such...ever seen a guard at a barn? I haven't.

...Drains are one of my personal faves. I have never seen any sort of security at a drain, they're easy to get into and I love them. Exploring a drain is usually like truly exploring a complete and total mystery. You really never know what you are going to find...


Echoing Astro's suggestions for easy (and fun!) places to start.

There are a couple of dangers in both, but they are easy to overcome.

Drains can fill quickly if there is any rain. Check the forecast and look at the sky. Take a flashlight with fresh batteries, a reserve flashlight, a backup flashlight and an emergency flashlight. It is dark down there.


The biggest dangers in rural areas are neighbors. If approached by a neighbor it is usually easy to talk your way out. Just be super polite, act interested in the property and like you absolutely intend no harm.


Keaven 


Location: 15 miles from the Grassy Knoll
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Re: I am a novice Urban Explorer, I have a couple of questions
<Reply # 13 on 12/30/2012 6:50 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by Weirdling
...If anyone tries to talk to you on your way in or out, just be friendly and respectful. Ask them questions about the place...tell them why you're interested or how photogenic and unique you find it. Ask about the future plans of the place, anything at all.

If you get caught, which is rare rare rare for houses, use the 'I'm just the photographer!' plea. Many people will simply tell you they're curious sometimes too and might even relate with you.

Every time I've ever been caught they told me to leave. Or keep exploring. Or they were interested in the photos. It goes without saying, though. Don't break anything. Don't steal anything. Don't do anything idiotic.



I should have read the whole thread before I posted my first reply. Weirdling nicely addresses the strategy I share about neighbors you might encounter.

NotBatman 


Location: MSP
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Re: I am a novice Urban Explorer, I have a couple of questions
<Reply # 14 on 12/30/2012 8:31 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Wait, what???

It sounds like you're not so much "new to exploring" as you are curious about exploring.

This isn't rocket science:

1. Walk/bike/drive/fly/teleport/whatever to something that looks interesting.

2. Venture as close and/or deep as you are comfortable with.

3. Go a little further.

4. Leave, find something else, and repeat.

Advice on what to explore...??? How could anyone possible give you a meaningful answer to a question like that?

I'm a "Leave only footprints, take only pornography" kind of guy, myself.
ue20 


Location: Ontario
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Re: I am a novice Urban Explorer, I have a couple of questions
<Reply # 15 on 12/31/2012 3:30 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by solomon22


So basically what you're saying is that small places in rural areas are going to have more real security, but larger places in urban areas will have more dangers like being spotted by someone that just happens to be near the place/building that I am exploring?

... this advice is completely ass backwards


meanwhileinfoco 


Location: Fort Collins, CO - Brooklyn, NY
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Re: I am a novice Urban Explorer, I have a couple of questions
<Reply # 16 on 12/31/2012 3:56 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 


... this advice is completely ass backwards



hence me correcting myself

Once-ler 






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Re: I am a novice Urban Explorer, I have a couple of questions
<Reply # 17 on 12/31/2012 8:02 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 




All very sound advice, and most welcome to the Festicle when you can make it. Otherwise just PM me.

~the Once-ler






















SP.E.C.T.R.E.
Asher0719 


Location: MSP
Gender: Female


The World Abandoned

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Re: I am a novice Urban Explorer, I have a couple of questions
<Reply # 18 on 1/2/2013 1:23 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Sometimes what's best is to start out rural. Rural sites are rarely patrolled or watched and are very easy to access if you're smart. They rarely take gear, the most you'll need is a flashlight (which I'm assuming you own). Look out for sites that aren't near homes or busy streets. Check out the surrounding area and head on in. Once you've visited a few rural sites (or sites on the outskirts of a larger town) you'll have learned some valuable exploring skills that will allow you to head to bigger and better sites whether rural or urban.

If you're into underground exploring, drains are generally pretty low on security and the most gear you'll need is a headlamp and water boots (which you can buy for about $20 at Walmart).

Eventually you'll want to invest in some gear. I'd recommend a high quality flashlight (believe it or not the Rayovac Virtually Indestructible is pretty awesome), a headlamp (Black Diamonds are the best but pricey. I have an Energizer lithium that I love), gloves (PVC dipped are best. I have a pair of Ninja Gloves and love them. They're only about $5 online), and a good pair of thick soled boots.

Have fun and welcome to the community!

~Asher
conkretespeech 


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Re: I am a novice Urban Explorer, I have a couple of questions
<Reply # 19 on 1/21/2013 2:04 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Old warehouses, stay grounded. Usually most cities have an industrial area where warehouses will be, some of them are abandon with a good chance of easy access and not much climbing. Perhaps a chain link fence.

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UER Forum > Archived Rookie Forum > I am a novice Urban Explorer, I have a couple of questions (Viewed 1198 times)
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