The Value of 4 x 4 Training

[STosen]

I am considering doing a Basic 4 x 4 Training course.

Before I go ahead, I would like to know:

1. As a 4 x 4 enthusiast (owner), what value have you derived from a course you have attended?
2. As a commercial member with a training facility. what value does your 4 x 4 training bring to the owner?
3. As a person employed in the 4 x 4 short-term insurance industry, what value does a 4 x 4 course bring to you? (Raymond - TuffStuff)
4. Has anyone done a Basic 4 x 4 Course at ADA (Broederstroom), and what was you experience?

Looking forward to your views, opinions and feedback.

Shaun

[Hedgehog]

I have a question...or more



Do you want to do the course?

Do you think you need the course?

Do you think you will actually use what you learn?

Why don't you just do the course?

[Hedgehog]

Oh... btw. No there are no discounts to your insurance if you have done the course

[Dirk]

I am considering doing a Basic 4 x 4 Training course.

Before I go ahead, I would like to know:

1. As a 4 x 4 enthusiast (owner), what value have you derived from a course you have attended?
2. As a commercial member with a training facility. what value does your 4 x 4 training bring to the owner?
3. As a person employed in the 4 x 4 short-term insurance industry, what value does a 4 x 4 course bring to you? (Raymond - TuffStuff)
4. Has anyone done a Basic 4 x 4 Course at ADA (Broederstroom), and what was you experience?

Looking forward to your views, opinions and feedback.

Shaun

I am a very firm believer in 4x4 training as early on as possible. Get training before the bad and wrong habits sets in. There are many drivers who wing it based on horsepower and voet in die hoek moves, where a bit of training might have taught them differently, to read lines, use vehicle features where possible etc.

[Miems]

I am a very firm believer in 4x4 training as early on as possible. Get training before the bad and wrong habits sets in. There are many drivers who wing it based on horsepower and voet in die hoek moves, where a bit of training might have taught them differently, to read lines, use vehicle features where possible etc.

True however I went for a basic course (got it for free when I bought my Jimny)
I felt extremely intimidated and out of my depth I got the certificate and promptly forgot everything (becauce I was so nervous I did what I always do when I don't know what I'm doing I do exactly what they tell me to and thevrest I just wing)
The most I ever learne was at the rivertrip the guys were awesome and supportive they explained why we did something and I was relaxed and took in what was said. The fact that I had no choice but to go onward also contributed to my learning curve

[theunsb]

Without training you are a disaster looking for a place to happen.
Knowledge is power.
If you never learned to write you know the rest..
Tools are as good as the person trained to use them.
A 4x4 is a dangerous tool for the simple reason ... arguing that they can drive and have the best 4 x 4 by far.

[hbannink]

As an owner you have the tools to go and play and that is it. I had previous experience and was one of Herman's first guinea pigs all of 9 years ago. The first free training weekend, it was the best think I ever did. I got to see important aspects of the game from a completely different angle, most important I had guys like Uys and Sakkie helping as well and had the opportunity to pick their brains, it is surprising what one can learn if you shut your mouth and opens your ears.
You will learn where your limits are and how to avoid vehicle damage but most important you will learn how to do it without hurting yourself or anyone going with you.
You should not stop at one course but continue your training by going on play weekends, you get to test your skills in a controlled and safe environment and if things go south there are competent folks to get you out of a sticky situation.
I have done my training with Herman (Angel offroad) here on forum and made a friend that I will go with, anywhere, anytime. Besides being someone you can trust he does also have some skills he can teach

[Stan Weakley]

Another important issue is to do the course in your own vehicle. It will teach you what you need to know about the capabilities and possible limitations of your chosen overland vehicle.
I agree that the earlier a reputable course is done, the better, before bad habits are ingrained. Finally encourage your co-driver (wife) to do the course as well. Choose a course that includes a full vehicle recovery component.

[STosen]

I have a question...or more

Do you want to do the course?

Do you think you need the course?

Do you think you will actually use what you learn?

Why don't you just do the course?

Do you want to do the course?
Between here and there... don't want to be disappointed. Hence the post.

Do you think you need the course?
If I knew everything, I would most probably be the one offering the training. There is always something to be learnt.

Do you think you will actually use what you learn?
Yes, although am likely to become rusty when you do not practise that which you have learnt.

Why don't you just do the course?
I don't want to be disappointed, and value my time, even though the course is free.

[Fluffy]

How important is training. Well some people, including various authorizes some time ago viewed it as so important that there where moves to make it a legal requirement. Due to in fighting and vested interests and too many people with dollar signs in their eyes this seems to have died.

I view it as vitally important from a safety point of view. How to negotiate side slopes, how to recover from a stall on a steep up slope or stop a car sliding or running away on a down slope. How and when to use momentum vs crawling.

And then you learn techniques, line choices and wheel placement, how to avoid a debead, different surfaces like mud, thick sand, loose gravel, rocks etc.

Most people who have never had training, either formal like Henk had with Herman, or informal like Miems experiences on the river trip, get 50% of the stuff above wrong, quite simply because some of the techniques required are counter intuitive. Preventing a rollover in a side slope being one of the most famous.

And here is the best part, a days traing will probably be one of the most fun days that you have ever had in your 4x4.

[Bogaards]

Another important issue is to do the course in your own vehicle. It will teach you what you need to know about the capabilities and possible limitations of your chosen overland vehicle.
I agree that the earlier a reputable course is done, the better, before bad habits are ingrained. Finally encourage your co-driver (wife) to do the course as well. Choose a course that includes a full vehicle recovery component.

I want to add to this, do some courses in other vehicles as well. That way you understand the other systems as well and how they work. Helps to assist other people that might drive with you who don't know there vehicles.

[EHoffmann]

Very good points made in favour of training in this thread.

Keep in mind - the more you know - the harder it becomes to learn something from a course. But you always learn - even if only one thing at a time. I have been driving plaas bakkies since before the age of 10 on the farm. I have never had an accident. I owned a Porche 928 - and drove it as it should be driven. Then I got me a 4x4. Without training I would have tried to drive it like a Porsche. I think we all know how that would have turned out.

I have been giving courses in another field - and inevitably I have at least 50% of "student" arriving wanting to do an advanced course because they believe they know a lot. Those are the ones knowing squat.

[DVR]

I am going to step on a few toes here. Being in this trade for +_ 40 years being there , done that , bought the T shirt and the factory.
I would go so far to say that 80 % of all 4x4 trainers , no I would go to 90 % does not even know the basics about 4x4 driving never mind giving training to other people. The certificate is not worth the paper it is written on.
By this I'm not saying there is no good guys out there , but in the whole of SA I can count those on one hand. The reason for this is simple ! even the governing bodies that is controlling this whole circus is fighting among each other over who gives what accreditation.

My 2c if you can find one of the 5 guys go for it , other wise don't wast your money !
Rather team up with a couple of well known guys on the forum for their 4x4 skills and go out driving and learning. You will be surrounded by experts in this field , and by far a better option than a one day course.

[bfreesani]

Agree with DVR. I have never been on a formal training course, but had the privilege of going on outings and learning from guys who have been doing it for years. Way more relaxed and hands-on.

I'm not even going to try and name the guys that have "trained" me on and from this forum.

Get out there with clubs and the forum guys. Unlike the bitcoin thread, most of the guys here don't want to see you, or your vehicle, get hurt. Just let everybody in the group know what your level of expertise is, so they know where and how to help you. Ask questions if you don't know how or why someone did something.

No such thing as stupid questions... We all had to start somewhere.

That said, unfortunately you will find pompous groups that will frown upon your choice of vehicle, and are of no help out there. Never be scared to walk away from a situation where you feel uncomfortable, or even worse, in danger.

[mercenary]

Have been doing 4x4 since 1953 when I got my license. There were four of us with jeeps and we enjoyed ourselves.We learned the hard way. I think it is better for a newcomer to have an experienced friend to teach him . The whole thing has now become too much of a big business with all sorts of gear and training being offered at a price. Vehicles were much more fun fifty years ago when we had Willys Jeeps and Series Land Rovers. There was the odd Austin Gypsey and Dodge Power Wagon .The vehicles did not have chips , automatic drive, computers and the electric gadgets that we have now. They were easier and cheaper to repair and there was no long wait for parts. All repairs were mostly do it yourself. I feel that we all owe a big Thank You to Dirk for maintaining this Website as it is, otherwise it would develop into one large commercial advertisement for business affiliated to the 4x4" trade". I know I will be shot down in flames for this thread, but I have survived that already.


Mercenaries never die, they just go to hell to regroup.

[STosen]

I am going to step on a few toes here. Being in this trade for +_ 40 years being there , done that , bought the T shirt and the factory.
I would go so far to say that 80 % of all 4x4 trainers , no I would go to 90 % does not even know the basics about 4x4 driving never mind giving training to other people. The certificate is not worth the paper it is written on.
By this I'm not saying there is no good guys out there , but in the whole of SA I can count those on one hand. The reason for this is simple ! even the governing bodies that is controlling this whole circus is fighting among each other over who gives what accreditation.

My 2c if you can find one of the 5 guys go for it , other wise don't wast your money !
Rather team up with a couple of well known guys on the forum for their 4x4 skills and go out driving and learning. You will be surrounded by experts in this field , and by far a better option than a one day course.

... Not to worry... I have steel-capped safety boots on!

From comments made so far, there are many things I definitely want to learn - so thanks to all for mentioning them.

You have touched on a point here which is my basic concern - there needs to be standards, and this needs to include grading of courses/obstacles (which most probably exist) and then the certification of instructions by an independent body for the grades on the course, as well as certification for vehicles - they are all different. When I took my vehicle for a drive, the sales person did not know how to engage 4WD or high-range. This will vary across vehicles depending on design.

If I may digress, I am looking for information on bodies within 4 x 4 training which address what I have mentioned above.

[Hedgehog]

Please also be aware that some "Training" sessions are setup so that they can flog you stuff that you will not need.

[mercenary]

To DVR and bfreesani Well said.


Mercenaries never die, the just go to hell to regroup.

[Oppies3800]

Please also be aware that some "Training" sessions are setup so that they can flog you stuff that you will not need.

The people that gave me training warned me not to go out and buy everything the shops tell you you need

[Mike Nel GX]

It's a catch 22 type of question.

I had training years ago. Helped me sweet nothing. And the training wasn't bad. It's just so much information to take in.

And, when you do find yourself in a sticky situation, you do not apply what you learnt in any case, or stuff up trying.

The best training you could get, is to go out with the guys and girls that have done it many times before. They will guide you, this I PROMISE you. Some will even get into your vehicle with you and take you over certain or most obstacles.

Lot's of guys in your area that will be more than willing to show you the ropes. The 4x4 Action Group goes out regularly. Join them. You will have a blast