Are 4WD Parks Good for Learners?
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I have long missed the point of a four-wheel drive park.
I find it hard to understand why people drive to a commercial location where they push their daily-drive into unrealistic angles and situations where damage to their pride and joy is almost certain.
I’ve seen and heard stories where people boast of bending driveshafts, damaging panels, bashing the undercarriage and breaking CV joints etc etc. Plus there’s the following weekends spent cleaning mud and sand out of all the crevices (including those in the car).
I am an Overlander not a 4WD Parker
I am instead a self-professed ‘Overlander’ – believing in self-reliant adventure travel to remote destinations where the journey is the primary goal where history, wildlife, culture, scenery, self-sufficiency – these are the rewards (source: https://overlandjournal.com)
For me, I have long seen little or no reason to go wheels in the air, showing off the flex (or the lack of) in my axles or drowning the bell housing in mud.
I say this because I’m often travelling many kilometres for the rest of that day and most likely the next – often well away from others.
But!!!! If there’s a few kilometres of mud, sand or ruts etc to get the that secret camp or beachside retreat with spectacular views etc I’m in.
How Can 4WD Parks Help Learners?
While I prefer overlanding the skills required to negotiate the terrain are often (and should be) gained in the learning stages by four-wheel driving. You would be brave to tackle a track if you’re inexperienced in what you and your vehicle and rig can do.
This is where the 4WD parks comes in.
Sometimes, just driving out to these 4WD parks can be an adventure in itself. Then there’s the element of including a camping getaway as part of the visit. These short-term camps can prove to be a great shakedown for many.
So, you’ve driven out to the park and you’ve set up camp. How do you learn 4WD skills?
Well… my big tips would have to be:
- Check out the other cars in the park – you’ll probably find that they’ve been lifted and have panel protection around and under them. You may even find that several have bashed panels or bush pin-striping (scratch marks) down the sides; and
- Simply go for a walk and watch some of the others on the tracks or in what is sometimes called the ‘playpen’. Here you’ll see (or should see) how clearance, speed, momentum, grip, tyre pressure, recovery techniques, mateship and trust come to the fore.
If you find that this isn’t for you then, guess what, you’ve learnt your first lesson. Pats on the back for you.
If, on the other hand, you decide that this is your new hobby then I suggest you start by ‘dipping your toes’ in the water and take the easy tracks – learning your approach and departure angles, your wheel placements and momentum.
Go With a Mate or Two
My other strong recommendation is to go with a mate of two – or make friends quickly in the camping area.
But be sure to know your (new) mate well enough to trust them in those tricky situations where the capabilities of you and your car are being pushed.
Also, it’ll be of great benefit if those you go with have recovery experience and equipment to assist if needed. I know for a fact that my confidence with those I last 4WD parked with was enhanced by watching how they identified a safe passage through a somewhat technical track. Their eyes saw things I didn’t and perhaps, more importantly, didn’t allow themselves to focus solely on the perceived hazards my eyes and mind focused on.
Your tools, equipment, knowledge and experience will grow – but from the very beginning make sure you have rated recovery points. The rest will grow (check out my blog on Equipment for 4WDing – https://campandtravel.com.au/equipment-for-4wding/).
‘Trust’ will be your new watchword.
Accredited 4WD Training
Before you go too much further get some off-road basics and more detailed recovery training by an accredited provider.
Even if you never actually recover anyone, you’ll have gained invaluable insight into the dos and don’ts when it comes to safety and what’s going on around you.
For those in South East Queensland I have assisted in trading through Offroad 4WD Training & Tours (https://offroad4wdtraining.com/) and recommend them to you – even if you think you know it all.
Last Words
If you do take your pride and joy – new or old – on the tracks or off road, just be prepared for some damage. Be it a scratch or a bump, or perhaps something more serious, wear it with pride.
Just be sure that you have the appropriate insurance and roadside assistance – or perhaps a Plan B.
Be sure to to have appropriate first aid and communications.
But most importantly, have the right frame of mind and get out and about.
Enjoy
