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 Snoa
Location: Tampa, Florida
Gender: Male
 |  | Preparing for my first Urbex trip. Tips?
< on 8/10/2011 11:51 PM >
|  | | | Hiya guys. I'm a 16 year old (Just turned 16 today actually  ) kid that's pretty interested in Urbexing, I've found about 7 or 8 abandoned sites local to me that I'm interested in exploring. I think I got my friend convinced to go Urbexing with me, and also a photographer friend of mine. I've found a LOT of cool sites, factories, hotels, houses, old stores, you name it. I just don't know where to start xD But what I WOULD like to know is what mistakes should I keep from making that Rookies usually make? I think I'm being cautious enough, me and my friend were even planning on dressing in the same colors so that we looked like workers or something, at least look legit from a distance (We're both about 6' 3" and around 230lbs so we look close enough to grown-up men). Also, how could I convince my parents to let me do this? My mom doesn't want me getting a record or anything (Which is understandable, her brother got arrested for doing a similar thing, but that was in a different time and area), I tell her that I'm taking enough precautions (I think) to NOT get caught, and if I do, I don't think I'll get in too much trouble for it. But anyways, any tips you have will be welcome, I'm in the Tampa Bay area if it matters.
[last edit 8/10/2011 11:52 PM by Snoa - edited 1 times]
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G to the Race
   
Hi!
| | Re: Preparing for my first Urbex trip. Tips?
<Reply # 1 on 8/11/2011 12:38 AM >
| | | | Small folding shovel to bury the hookers. Kidding! If it doesn't look safe, it isn't and you will impress no one by macho-manning, getting hurt, and ruining the trip. Have fun!
You betcha |
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Monkeybrainzzz
Location: Cartersville, Georgia
Gender: Male
| | Re: Preparing for my first Urbex trip. Tips?
<Reply # 2 on 8/11/2011 1:09 AM >
| | | | Safe parking is the first thing I always consider. You're a lot more likely to get caught if your car is sitting in a sketchy area for hours. Even if you have to walk a little ways to get to the spot, it's worth it to not have to worry about your car being towed or the cops sitting there when you get back. As far as actually exploring goes, you're biggest risk is obviously getting in and out of locations. If getting in looks too difficult or too open to the public, don't go for it. (Or at least don't go for it in the day time). As for the parents thing, I doubt you'll be able to convince them what you are doing is a good idea, but if the trespassing laws are anything similar to what they are in GA, you are not going to do time anywhere if you got caught. In fact, if you're actually 16 you will likely just get bitched out by the cops and sent on your way. But I could be wrong, and that isn't always the case, so just use your brain and be careful and you will be fine.
[last edit 8/11/2011 1:11 AM by Monkeybrainzzz - edited 1 times]
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blacklines
Location: the red stick.
Gender: Male
| | Re: Preparing for my first Urbex trip. Tips?
<Reply # 3 on 8/11/2011 5:37 AM >
| | | | dont try to convince your parents. When i started going in drains in minneapolis, I was 14. I left my mom a note to tell her where I was going, and offered apologies when I got back. It worked out. If they are abso-fucking-lutely against it (gonna kick you out, sell you to pirates, etc if you continue to explore...) wait till youre 18 or figure out how to lie.
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Astro
   
Usually naked
Location: The Delta Quadrant
Gender: Male
Resistance is Futile
| | Re: Preparing for my first Urbex trip. Tips?
<Reply # 4 on 8/11/2011 8:45 AM >
| | | | Bring water. Lots. Especially in this southern heat.
Wear pants when you can. I've been unto places I didn't think would matter and walked out thanking myself and my jeans. Wear proper shoes. Tough sneakers or boots work fine.
Don't go alone (though you seem to have it covered)
Your parents? I would just say something like hanging with friends (not a lie if you go with friends) I am almost 21 and my parents don't have a clue what I do.
Don't act suspicious.
My motto is usually "walk in/act like you own the place until you are told otherwise"
And did I mention water? If it looks like you have enough, add a bit more.
Go get `em tiger.
[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 |
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Adv.Pack
Location: Connecticut
Adventure Pack
| | Re: Preparing for my first Urbex trip. Tips?
<Reply # 5 on 8/11/2011 12:17 PM >
| | | | The biggest mistakes I see rookies make:
Wearing bright clothing
Being loud
Pointing flashlights out windows
doing all this while being paranoid about getting caught.
Don't do these things. You'll be good.
https://www.instagram.com/chris.kiely/
ttp://www.flickr.com/photos/adv_/ |
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BeowulfBrower
Location: Mendota, IL
Gender: Male
Profession Tetanus Shot Receiver
| | Re: Preparing for my first Urbex trip. Tips?
<Reply # 6 on 8/11/2011 12:19 PM >
| | | | Take loads of pictures! If someone confronts you, be affable and polite. Wear pants. AND HAVE FUN!
Oh, and watch out for holes in floors/deep water/gator the size of a zamboni.
Is that snow or asbestos? |
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Rinzler
 
Location: New Jersey
Nomad
| |  | Re: Preparing for my first Urbex trip. Tips?
<Reply # 7 on 8/11/2011 12:34 PM >
| | | | Posted by Snoa
Hiya guys. I'm a 16 year old (Just turned 16 today actually ) kid that's pretty interested in Urbexing, I've found about 7 or 8 abandoned sites local to me that I'm interested in exploring. I think I got my friend convinced to go Urbexing with me, and also a photographer friend of mine. I've found a LOT of cool sites, factories, hotels, houses, old stores, you name it. I just don't know where to start xD But what I WOULD like to know is what mistakes should I keep from making that Rookies usually make? I think I'm being cautious enough, me and my friend were even planning on dressing in the same colors so that we looked like workers or something, at least look legit from a distance (We're both about 6' 3" and around 230lbs so we look close enough to grown-up men). Also, how could I convince my parents to let me do this? My mom doesn't want me getting a record or anything (Which is understandable, her brother got arrested for doing a similar thing, but that was in a different time and area), I tell her that I'm taking enough precautions (I think) to NOT get caught, and if I do, I don't think I'll get in too much trouble for it. But anyways, any tips you have will be welcome, I'm in the Tampa Bay area if it matters.
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First of all its UERING but as long as youre smart about it you wont have any problems. It also depends on the type of place too. If its partially active you have to figure out when to go or if you can even go at all without trying to get legal access.
Posted by astroberkman17
Don't go alone (though you seem to have it covered)
My motto is usually "walk in/act like you own the place until you are told otherwise"
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Sometimes going alone is better tho. Depends on the type of place it is. Ive gone alone a few times only because i wasnt sure how the entrance was going to be. Going in pairs with somebody who can climb is very good at times. You can use eachother as a ladder to get into 2nd story windows or on top of small roofs.
The 2nd part actually works too. There have been numerous times where ive gone to cities to explore and if you walk right in without hesitating, people usually dont pay any attention. Its when you sit on the corner waiting it out is when people start to look at you and wonder why youre there.
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barefootpoetry
Location: PA
Gender: Female
| |  | Re: Preparing for my first Urbex trip. Tips?
<Reply # 8 on 8/11/2011 3:46 PM >
| | | | Biggest tip I can offer is relax. Don't overthink things. Use common sense, and be polite to all you encounter, whether it's squatters or police (haven't run across either of those yet in almost 3 years of exploring). Being young and having a camera with you (and nothing else - don't bring ANYTHING that could constitute a breaking and entering tool! Weapons are at your discretion, I prefer not to because to me it seems I'm expecting trouble) is a decent enough alibi for most to prove that you are not really up to no good. Your age will help with this also...don't be too proud to play dumb and go "well gee officer, I just wanted to get some pictures of this cool building for my photojournalism class."
I don't know about your area, but if you try not to linger too long at a location, most people probably won't look twice if they catch a glimpse of you or your vehicle. If they do, by the time they make a call to authorities and said authorities arrive, you'll be gone. So, try not to make a day of it, unless the location is remote enough or if there's no chance anyone will see you (i.e. exploring inside a huge hotel and not being parked out front)
I always go with my gut. If a place gives me sketchy vibes, I avoid it. If I feel it'd be too risky to try to get into unnoticed, I scratch it off my list. There's plenty of places out there to explore, no need to take risks, unless of course that's your thing.
Once you have been to a few places and have a good feel for how things usually unfold and what to expect via traffic, authorities, etc., it will all be second nature.  Good luck!
She who hesitates, sees bulldozers. |
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diehard
Location: Ottawa, ON
Gender: Male
| | Re: Preparing for my first Urbex trip. Tips?
<Reply # 9 on 8/11/2011 4:56 PM >
| | | | One thing that I find helps me a lot is that I'm mentally prepared to get caught. It helps to have a little confidence when exploring instead of looking like I'm sneaking around, afraid to get caught. And, if you do... it's not a big deal. Well, it's not a big deal if you're not carrying B&E tools and are not actually doing a B&E while exploring.
So leave the B&E tools at home. If you need them, then you really shouldn't be going in. Get caught and that could stay with you for a long time.
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Rinzler
Location: New Jersey
Nomad
| | | Re: Preparing for my first Urbex trip. Tips?
<Reply # 10 on 8/11/2011 5:31 PM >
| | | | Posted by diehard
So leave the B&E tools at home. If you need them, then you really shouldn't be going in.
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Why? Going into place that are that hard to get in are usually a good thing. A lot of the time it means its untouched inside. Some of the time no, but majority of the places ive actually had to 'break' into turned out to be worth it.
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ubersecret
Location: Massachusetts/Ann Arbor, MI
Gender: Male
| | | Re: Preparing for my first Urbex trip. Tips?
<Reply # 11 on 8/11/2011 6:39 PM >
| | | | Rookie here.
I am a bit (ok more than a bit) paranoid about getting involved with the cops. The town I live in is pretty low crime so they treat every little thing as if it was a big deal. Also, they tend to assume and treat all teenagers as druggies.
Damn you white middle class town.
So, what's the best thing to do if you encounter the police?
www.flickr.com/photos/ubersecret/ |
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Snoa
Location: Tampa, Florida
Gender: Male
| | Re: Preparing for my first Urbex trip. Tips?
<Reply # 12 on 8/11/2011 6:50 PM >
| | | | Posted by ubersecret
Rookie here.
I am a bit (ok more than a bit) paranoid about getting involved with the cops. The town I live in is pretty low crime so they treat every little thing as if it was a big deal. Also, they tend to assume and treat all teenagers as druggies.
Damn you white middle class town.
So, what's the best thing to do if you encounter the police?
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General consensus seems to be that you should be honest and polite. But if the cops are as bad as you say you are, just either walk there so you won't have a car for them to stumble upon (Or just park your car in another lot), or maybe just make quick trips?
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Rinzler
Location: New Jersey
Nomad
| | | Re: Preparing for my first Urbex trip. Tips?
<Reply # 13 on 8/11/2011 7:22 PM >
| | | | Posted by ubersecret
Rookie here.
I am a bit (ok more than a bit) paranoid about getting involved with the cops. The town I live in is pretty low crime so they treat every little thing as if it was a big deal. Also, they tend to assume and treat all teenagers as druggies.
Damn you white middle class town.
So, what's the best thing to do if you encounter the police?
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run
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Astro
Usually naked
Location: The Delta Quadrant
Gender: Male
Resistance is Futile
| | Re: Preparing for my first Urbex trip. Tips?
<Reply # 14 on 8/11/2011 7:43 PM >
| | | |
Thats the best advice you have? Run?
I have encountered cops a few times. They walked up to me and asked me what I was doing. Once I told them I was taking photos and showed my camera, they caught sight of my knife. They took a look at it, then gave it back. (you should prob find out the knife laws in your area if you plan to carry one) They told me I need to leave and that if they caught me here again that I would likely get a fine. Thats all.
Running makes you look like you were doing something sketchy, and are prob going to chase after you.
Be polite and respectful and cops are usually chill.
[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 |
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Rinzler
Location: New Jersey
Nomad
| | | Re: Preparing for my first Urbex trip. Tips?
<Reply # 15 on 8/11/2011 8:03 PM >
| | | | Posted by astroberkman17
Thats the best advice you have? Run?
I have encountered cops a few times. They walked up to me and asked me what I was doing. Once I told them I was taking photos and showed my camera, they caught sight of my knife. They took a look at it, then gave it back. (you should prob find out the knife laws in your area if you plan to carry one) They told me I need to leave and that if they caught me here again that I would likely get a fine. Thats all.
Running makes you look like you were doing something sketchy, and are prob going to chase after you.
Be polite and respectful and cops are usually chill.
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Yea thats what i usually do.
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budda
Location: Cincinnati
Gender: Male
I love it when you call me Big Poppa
| | | Re: Preparing for my first Urbex trip. Tips?
<Reply # 16 on 8/11/2011 8:21 PM >
| | | | Don't run in the dark. Learned that stepping on a board with a nail.
Luckily, it was on the heel of my foot and not my ball. it only touched my heel.
Awesome Music
Why couldn't you put the bunny back in the box? - Nicholas Cage |
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Astro
Usually naked
Location: The Delta Quadrant
Gender: Male
Resistance is Futile
| | Re: Preparing for my first Urbex trip. Tips?
<Reply # 17 on 8/11/2011 9:18 PM >
| | | | Posted by Played
Yea thats what i usually do.
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I guess I just dont have it in me to run...
Plus, I'm so damn charming that cops don't wanna fine me. ;)
[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 |
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Lackluster Lake Lurker
Location: MSP
Gender: Male
Lurking in the Shadows at a Location Near You
| | Re: Preparing for my first Urbex trip. Tips?
<Reply # 18 on 8/11/2011 9:22 PM >
| | | | Flashlight, camera, and beer. Now get in there and explore the shit out of that place
Give me poo or give me death. From Antwerp to MSP if it's underground you'll find me there |
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Tamara
Location: Toronto
Gender: Female
Blindly Ever Onward
| | Re: Preparing for my first Urbex trip. Tips?
<Reply # 19 on 8/11/2011 10:40 PM >
| | | | Just tell your mom where you plan on going, and that you will be home by a certain time. Then come home by that time and tell her how neat it was.Show her pictures. Do that every time. Eventually she will just want to know where you might be if you dont make it home by what time you are expected.
In the end if your mom cant convince you otherwise, she just wants to know you are safe. Or where to look for you if you don't come home after 24hours. There is no one else to help you if you get hurt. And exploring partners tend to end up trapped with you. She'll get used to it eventually.
blindly ever onward |
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