new player

[trevor1128]

hi im a new player and i have tried to find a catch twice now but the thing is i cant afford a GPS,( i don't no if that's why i cant fine one)

but i want to find out how to enjoy the game without spending money i don't have, if u have any ideas plz let me know plz. ty

[+6NoisyHikers]

If you study the cache pages, there are some easier caches that you should be able to locate. But! Christmas is coming! Maybe you could ask your parents for a basic GPS as a gift?

[+kunarion]

hi im a new player and i have tried to find a catch twice now but the thing is i cant afford a GPS,( i don't no if that's why i cant fine one)

but i want to find out how to enjoy the game without spending money i don't have, if u have any ideas plz let me know plz. ty

People will be along with some pointers on how to find a Geocache, and which ones you should try first.

 

But with no GPSr, you may start by looking at cache descriptions and maps (especially satellite maps), hunt an area that you're familiar with, and be sure you have a good idea exactly where you'll look when you get there.

 

Maybe you prefer the small log-only containers in town. But if you can find someone who has a GPSr, and load some caches, then you can expand your caching to bigger, more rural ones.

[+niraD]

I found hundreds of geocaches before buying a GPSr. It certainly can be done. All the GPSr does is get you to ground zero so you can start searching. If you can get to ground zero without a GPRs, then go for it. There is more info here: http://www.cacheopedia.com/wiki/Geocaching_sans_GPS

 

And here are some beginners tips that I've posted before:

 

A common recommendation for beginners is to stick with small size, regular size, and large size caches. Until you're more experienced, avoid micro size caches, some of which are smaller than most beginners can imagine (sometimes called "nanos"). Save those for later, after you have some experience.

 

Also, stick with caches that have a difficulty rating of no more than 2 stars . Save the more difficult ones for later. You may also want to choose caches with easy terrain ratings. (The difficulty rating tells you how hard it is to find the cache once you get there. The terrain rating tells you how hard it is to get there.) And it is often best to start with traditional caches, which will be at the published coordinates. Multi-caches or mystery/puzzle caches or other cache types can require more work just to figure out where the container is located.

 

Under ideal conditions, a consumer GPSr will be accurate to about 3m (10ft). That applies both to your device, and to the cache owner’s device, so you may find the container 15-20ft from ground zero under ideal conditions. Under less than ideal conditions, both GPSr readings can be much less accurate. Once you get within that distance of ground zero, put your device away and look around for places where a container could be hidden.

 

Go ahead and read the cache's additional hints (if provided), and read the past logs and look at any photos in the cache's image gallery. They may help you understand what you're looking for, and how/where it may be hidden. It may also help to look at some of the cache containers available online. For example, check out the cache containers sold by Groundspeak. Also, take a look at the Pictures - Cool Cache Containers (CCC's) thread in the forums.

[+The_Incredibles_]

How about finding a local cacher to go caching with? All you need to do is ask. I'm sure you can find someone to go with.

 

Other than that, you may be able to find some urban caches without a GPS. You can zoom in to the map really well, plug the coordinates into Google Maps and do a streetview. Read the description and hints well.

[+Pork King]

If you have a smartphone, the Geocaching App (about $10) or even some other geocaching-related apps (much less) can point you to the cache just like a handheld GPS...

[+Maconb]

I don't have a "GPS" I use my Android for everything from finding to placing caches. I don't know what your finances are like but if you have or can get a smart phone easier than you can get a handheld GPS then you should be good to go.

[+Bushwalker53]

That's OK, Try and find easy and big caches. If you have an iphone you can get an app that is really good that uses the phone's GPS Some other phone companies have geocaching apps too but I don't know much about those. It's Christmas. You could try asking a close relative or a friend. Give it a try!