How does a Noob un-Noob himself?

[Maineah]

Bronco order is submitted, love the outdoors but have never done any real off-roading. I want to learn the basics but don't have any friends into it and have no idea how to break into the culture. Just reading all these threads there is definitely some shyness in admitting lack of experience for fear of noob-shaming or whatever but how is a guy supposed to learn? I know there are some outfits that do tours and whatnot but not sure if that's appropriate for a beginner. I'd prefer to just learn by doing but would hope to know the basics to avoid getting stuck on my own or have stupid mistakes lead to unnecessary damage....don't even know how to find local trails or know if what looks like a trail is a trail....Any advice for a complete rookie??

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[drive21bronco]

Join a Local 4wd club. Most people that love four wheeling enough to be in a club will welcome you with open arms and teach you all about it. At least my experience

 

[Apples]

Hit up one of the Off Rodeos to get your Ford offered off-road starter course. Then look around in your area and see if there are any off-road clubs. Any club worth the time will welcome and show the ropes to newcomers. It's how we keep this hobby alive.

 

[Hey19]

I would suggest seeing if there is an off road club in your area and join them. One thing about "experts" is they seem to love to show newbs how much they know...

 

[AcesandEights]

Off road club.

 

[Outbound Exploration]

Bronco order is submitted, love the outdoors but have never done any real off-roading. I want to learn the basics but don't have any friends into it and have no idea how to break into the culture. Just reading all these threads there is definitely some shyness in admitting lack of experience for fear of noob-shaming or whatever but how is a guy supposed to learn? I know there are some outfits that do tours and whatnot but not sure if that's appropriate for a beginner. I'd prefer to just learn by doing but would hope to know the basics to avoid getting stuck on my own or have stupid mistakes lead to unnecessary damage....don't even know how to find local trails or know if what looks like a trail is a trail....Any advice for a complete rookie??

Plenty of youtube videos, and threads on here that provide great information. Definitely search on either platform!

For trails - youtube, gaia gps, onxoffroad, amazon (purchase trail books for your area or other states etc)

Recovery gear - youtube, this forum, or google searching can provide you with loads of info on what might be useful and a must have when going offroad (even if they're simple dirt roads)

To "increase your level" - go outdoors, get familiar with your rig and the different types of terrain. Test out your gear (even if not needed on the trail you're on) so you get comfortable and used to using them. Also never go alone if possible as anything can happen. Bring a friend or someone with a rig that can recover you if things get dicey!

 

[Squatch]

I would suggest seeing if there is an off road club in your area and join them. One thing about "experts" is they seem to love to show newbs how much they know...

Yes and always make them show you how easy it is with their rig and not risking yours, lol

 

[mtap]

When i had my Jeep, i was in the same situation. Weirdly enough i sold some of my old jeep parts and meeting some awesome people that I’m still friends with til this day. We’ve had Numerous adventures and wrench sessions. Now we no longer have jeeps but we still all hang out and I’m hoping to meet some amazing Bronco owners soon! See you in the trails!!!

 

[Maineah]

Thanks for all the advice so far. I've been looking around youtube and doing some basic google searches for trails but, being in southern Maine, I have a feeling most trails are just locally known and not on many maps. I'll google search for some local off-road clubs and see any will welcome a newbie.

If anyone is in a club active in southern Maine or the Seacoast NH area let me know!

 

[The Bronze]

Come on up to the mountains of Colorado. We can run you onto some trails and practice recovery techniques!

 

[The Bronze]

I am part of Colorado 4x4 Rescue and Recovery. We usually have some pretty good video and photos on the facebook and website that helps illustrate proper recovery techniques.

https://www.facebook.com/CO4x4RnR

There are also off road training organizations such as on-trail-training that can help you get more comfortable wheeling and recovering yourself.

 

[Used2jeep]

Bronco order is submitted, love the outdoors but have never done any real off-roading. I want to learn the basics but don't have any friends into it and have no idea how to break into the culture. Just reading all these threads there is definitely some shyness in admitting lack of experience for fear of noob-shaming or whatever but how is a guy supposed to learn? I know there are some outfits that do tours and whatnot but not sure if that's appropriate for a beginner. I'd prefer to just learn by doing but would hope to know the basics to avoid getting stuck on my own or have stupid mistakes lead to unnecessary damage....don't even know how to find local trails or know if what looks like a trail is a trail....Any advice for a complete rookie??

Easiest thing is to head up to "The County" and try, if you dare, some of the logging roads. Stuff like that should get you somewhere at least.

 

[BrentC]

In addition to the excellent advice above, consider taking a wilderness first aid course. Hope to never need to apply what you’ve learned, but great peace of mind knowing what you may need to deal with, and how.

 

[HotdogThud]

I remember having the same feeling when I first got into 'performance' cars. I found a couple local car groups that had meets and just started....showing up. the rest is history. Some of my best friends now are people I met in parking lots while bullshitting about cars 15 years ago.

 

[mtap]

Also not sure everywhere else, but in FL, if you get stuck, and someone bails you out, you gain a friend so maybe try getting stuck?

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