Last year, I was given the honour of being able to meet the legendary cave diver Martyn Farr.
I had been following Martyn’s work for a while, being a bit of a caving weeb myself, and loved being able to learn about his caving career and listen to the many stories that he had gathered from it.
Stepping into his home, I was surrounded by all of these beautiful underwater photographs – it was like being in Wales’ most beautiful gallery. Underwater photography is incredibly difficult, and Martyn was the first to start the techniques of it in the UK.
But that’s just the beginning of this living legend.
Who is Martyn Farr?
Martyn Farr is, quite frankly, one of Wales’ coolest explorers. He is known around the world for his record-breaking cave dives and exploration of seemingly endless miles of previously undiscovered passages.
Within our interview, he told me all about the beauty of caving, his favourite caves, and lessons learned along the way.
Martyn began caving in 1961 and cave diving at Swansea University in 1971. Within ten years, he had travelled both the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland, had reached a depth record of 60 metres at Wookey Hole, and created a world water for underwater cave penetration in the Bahamas.
Following that, he made the very first cave dive in Borneo, and then the first cave dive using scuba equipment in China. He went through Llangattock Mountain, marking the longest and deepest caving through trip in the British Isles, and has since acted as support diver in the British-led expedition to Pozo Azul for the world’s longest cave diving penetration (5.5 miles).
Frankly, Martyn Farr is a very impressive man.
I love to go caving solo. I am trained and can (usually!) manage caving trips by myself – having to accommodate others means you can decide when to do this, do that, when you want. Total freedom. And because you’re so stimulated by new surroundings you never get bored or lonely. Great interview.
Such an interesting interview! Cave diving is not something I will ever do but it’s fascinating to hear why other people do it! His pics are amazing!
Wow, this was an incredible interview! I had not heard of him before, but he has accomplished some amazing things in his life. I would love to sit down and chat with him.
What an amazing interview! Such a cool guy and incredibly brave – I would never cave dive myself but it looks absolutely beautiful.
Loved watching this interview – you’ve done a great job conducting it and Martyn Farr definitely seems like such an interesting man. So many incredible stories and a wealth of knowledge! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Wow! What a cool opportunity. Cave diving is definitely not for me – I’m afraid of being underwater in general, haha – but it really is incredible to hear about other people’s adventures. And, it’s so awesome you got to meet and talk with this legend. Xx Sara
Such an interesting story! You’ve conducted the interview brilliantly as well – thanks for sharing!
Wow, such a spectacular life story. I don’t have the nerve to cave dive. People like him, totally humble me.
Such an interesting and incredible man – to say the least! I’ve been lucky to dive some cenotes in Mexico and it was an absolute dream… have been tempted many times to get trained in cave diving.
Amazed at that footage where he’s climbing out of the cave with all his gear – two tanks! I’ve tried lifting that gear and it’s too heavy.
Great interview, i could listen to his stories for hours on end.
It’s so cool that you got to interview Martyn Farr! I’ve been following his stuff for a little while and really admire what he does, so it was great to see this on the blog!
I don’t know a lot about cave diving but really admire people that do it – you’re right, Martyn Farr is a real legend!
This is such an inspirational interview. I’ve never gone caving or cave diving but it sounds so cool.
I’ve never been cave diving, but how cool.
wow, some inspirational and devastating stories collected throughout his career. what an incredible man
Wow, amazing interview.
an inspiration!!!!
Cave diving sounds AMAZING!! What a way to spend a life.
I want to travel a lot but always feel as though everything has already been seen and experienced – but maybe with the world of caving and cave diving there’s still stuff to explore??
how brave, how bloody cool. big props to this legend!
I would never have thought that you can just meet the Royal Family like that! Such an incredible opportunity!