How to get started?

[dungbeetle]

OK, I put a lift kit on my ZJ, and installed some 31 inch tires. I've also purchased some rock sliders which I will install in the next few weeks. I don't have a bumper and a winch yet, but I think that's probably worth having. I don't have lockers yet, but there are probably trails I can do without them.

What I am worried about is how to get started. I could just find some guys and go along with them, but chances are that I'd screw up my rig and end up being stuck somehow which would end up being a PITA to some guys who didn't really want to babysit me. Anyway, I end up driving my rig in situations that I have never faced before without anyone to tell me that what I am doing is right or wrong or just dumb. I would also have no experience that would tell me that what I am doing is within the capabilities of my equipment in its current state.

It seems that I ought to be able to go somewhere and hire someone to

A) look my jeep over,
B) take it out on a trail and demonstrate proper driving technique to me,
C) ride with me when I drive and comment on driving mistakes that I make, and
D) be able to deal with equipment breakdowns we might encounter.

I guess what I am looking for is a certified flight instructor for rock crawling. Has anyone ever heard of such a thing?

 

[Cody]

There are plenty of trails out there that people do that your rig is perfectly capable of. My recomendation is to jump in. Register for EJS--start with one of the easier trails and go up from there.

There is also a grand cherokee only trail ride in Moab called Grand Slam West. Thats a perfect time to go down and get some trail time in with people that know a ton about wheeling a ZJ.

http://www.mallcrawlin.com/forum//forumdisplay.php?f=65

Also, go to the U4WDA forum on here, there is a trail ride on Feb 2nd down in St. George that offers trials for every skill level. Sign up for that.

Once spring comes, there will be tons of opportunities to get out and meet new people. You don't need to pay someone to go wheelin with you, just get out there and get some seat time. Experience will come and before you know it you'll know which things you think you want and which ones you dont (lift vs. lockers vs tires vs whatever)

So, ya. there are 3 perfectly awesome organized trail runs coming up in the next 3-6 months. Giddyup!

 

[Meat_]

...Has anyone ever heard of such a thing?

No.

When it warms up a bit people will start posting on here about trips out to Rattle Snake, tag along on one of them... introduce yourself, say that you are a noob and ask for some pointers. Watch what others do, see what works and what doesn't, don't be afraid to whimp out. Remember though, just because they are out wheeling doesn't mean they necessarily know what they are doing.... even if they have a nice rig.

 

[Bodine]

OK, I put a lift kit on my ZJ, and installed some 31 inch tires. I've also purchased some rock sliders which I will install in the next few weeks. I don't have a bumper and a winch yet, but I think that's probably worth having. I don't have lockers yet, but there are probably trails I can do without them.

What I am worried about is how to get started. I could just find some guys and go along with them, but chances are that I'd screw up my rig and end up being stuck somehow which would end up being a PITA to some guys who didn't really want to babysit me. Anyway, I end up driving my rig in situations that I have never faced before without anyone to tell me that what I am doing is right or wrong or just dumb. I would also have no experience that would tell me that what I am doing is within the capabilities of my equipment in its current state.

It seems that I ought to be able to go somewhere and hire someone to

A) look my jeep over,
B) take it out on a trail and demonstrate proper driving technique to me,
C) ride with me when I drive and comment on driving mistakes that I make, and
D) be able to deal with equipment breakdowns we might encounter.

I guess what I am looking for is a certified flight instructor for rock crawling. Has anyone ever heard of such a thing?

You can achieve everything you just stated in your post right here. I am new to the scene and can tell you from experiance that the people on this board have been excellent about helping a new guy out no questions asked. I have also had the opportunity to learn out on the trail without being flamed (Thanks for your understanding and patietence)
All you have to do is jump in and do it and get involved it also helps to go to U4 meetings.
You wont find a better group of people anywhere to help you get started than here

 

[berg]

First grasshopper.... you must get rid of those chrome wheels........


( inside joke)

 

[baerpaws]

OK, I put a lift kit on my ZJ, and installed some 31 inch tires. I've also purchased some rock sliders which I will install in the next few weeks. I don't have a bumper and a winch yet, but I think that's probably worth having. I don't have lockers yet, but there are probably trails I can do without them.

What I am worried about is how to get started. I could just find some guys and go along with them, but chances are that I'd screw up my rig and end up being stuck somehow which would end up being a PITA to some guys who didn't really want to babysit me. Anyway, I end up driving my rig in situations that I have never faced before without anyone to tell me that what I am doing is right or wrong or just dumb. I would also have no experience that would tell me that what I am doing is within the capabilities of my equipment in its current state.

It seems that I ought to be able to go somewhere and hire someone to

A) look my jeep over,
B) take it out on a trail and demonstrate proper driving technique to me,
C) ride with me when I drive and comment on driving mistakes that I make, and
D) be able to deal with equipment breakdowns we might encounter.

I guess what I am looking for is a certified flight instructor for rock crawling. Has anyone ever heard of such a thing?

Dude if your willing to sign a waiver releasing me of any fault or damage of said vehicle I would LOVE to show you how to drive your jeep j/k

But seriously, just go out and experiment with someone. Pretty soon you will have experience. You just need someone to tell you to stop

 

[offroaddave]

But seriously, just go out and experiment with someone. Pretty soon you will have experience. You just need someone to tell you to stop

I thought we decided this was not a dating service site.:-\

 

[baerpaws]

hahahahahahah

 

[pELYgroso]

I say just join some guys on a trail run to the snakes and take the easier lines and you'll learn a ton. especially with other guys telling ya where you can push your rig and where you shouldn't.

 

[Slangy]

Like everyone else has said just watch for trail rides and get out and take it nice and easy. Watch what other people are doing, ask questions. If you get a little worried at any point ask any one of your group to spot you and they will all help to guide you through safely. And never feel stupid to say F*** that I will pass on that obstacle. Just go around and when you get more experience and a little more daring try it another day. Most of all just have fun with it.

 

[Todd Adams]

OK, I put a lift kit on my ZJ, and installed some 31 inch tires. I've also purchased some rock sliders which I will install in the next few weeks. I don't have a bumper and a winch yet, but I think that's probably worth having. I don't have lockers yet, but there are probably trails I can do without them.

What I am worried about is how to get started. I could just find some guys and go along with them, but chances are that I'd screw up my rig and end up being stuck somehow which would end up being a PITA to some guys who didn't really want to babysit me. Anyway, I end up driving my rig in situations that I have never faced before without anyone to tell me that what I am doing is right or wrong or just dumb. I would also have no experience that would tell me that what I am doing is within the capabilities of my equipment in its current state.

It seems that I ought to be able to go somewhere and hire someone to

A) look my jeep over,
B) take it out on a trail and demonstrate proper driving technique to me,
C) ride with me when I drive and comment on driving mistakes that I make, and
D) be able to deal with equipment breakdowns we might encounter.

I guess what I am looking for is a certified flight instructor for rock crawling. Has anyone ever heard of such a thing?

Some good advice so far but before this crowd leads you astray let me add this. First off there is such a thing as a professional off road driving instructor. A friend of mine by the name of Bill Burke is one with a lot of credentials behind him http://www.bb4wa.com/ but he doesn’t come cheap.
The best advice I can give is join a club. In your area Lone Peak 4x4 club comes to mind.
www.lonepeak4wheelers.com but if you log on to http://www.u4wda.org/clubs.aspx you may find others that appeal to you. Amy of these clubs welcomes newcomers and are more than willing to meat your requests.
Todd

 

[benjy]

like meat said, when it gets warmer just join up with a group. I'd even be willing to lead you out there from provo if you don't know the way