Beginner Off-Roading Hub
Everything you need to get started with off-roading β gear, safety, trail ratings, recovery basics, radios, spotting, and what to expect on your first trail run.
π What to Expect on a Trail Run
- We ride as a group β nobody gets left behind.
- A Trail Leader sets the pace; a Tail Gunner keeps everyone together.
- GMRS radio helps keep communication clear and safe.
- Spotters guide you through tricky obstacles β go slow and steady.
- We take breaks for photos, regrouping, and trail conditions.
π Beginner Gear Checklist
Essentials:
- Full tank of fuel
- Air pressure gauge
- Water + snacks
- First aid kit
- Phone + charger
- Recovery points if available
Highly Recommended:
- GMRS Radio
- Portable air compressor
- Soft shackles / recovery rope
- Gloves
- Traction boards
- Headlamp or work light
π Tire Pressure: Airing Down
Lowering tire pressure increases traction and comfort.
Easy Trails
18β20 PSI
18β20 PSI
Moderate Trails
12β16 PSI
12β16 PSI
Advanced (Beadlocks)
8β12 PSI
8β12 PSI
Ask a trail leader if you're unsure what PSI to run.
π Trail Difficulty Ratings
- Green (Beginner): Dirt roads, light obstacles.
- Blue (Moderate): Rocks, ledges, uneven terrain.
- Black (Difficult): Technical obstacles, careful lines.
- Red (Expert): Serious rock crawling only.
π‘ Radio Basics (GMRS)
- βClear obstacle.β
- βHold up β group is catching up.β
- βTraffic coming down the trail.β
- βTake the right line here.β
π Spotting 101
- Only one spotter should guide you at once.
- Move slow β let the spotter set the pace.
- Look at the spotter, not the obstacle.
- Use hand signals β not verbal noise from the crowd.
π§° Recovery Basics
- Use soft shackles over metal D-rings.
- Never stand in the danger zone during a pull.
- Use frame-mounted recovery points only.
- Communicate clearly: βReady?β β βReady!β β βPulling!β
β First-Time FAQ
Do I need a modified rig?
No β many of our events are beginner-friendly.
Will my vehicle get damaged?
Beginner trails are generally safe. We warn you if anything is risky.
What if I get scared?
Totally normal β weβll help you every step of the way.