Where do you learn how to off road drive?

[FishTaco]

I'm totally new to off roading, but not to driving. I've been to race schools, a million auto cross, a gazillion track days, at one point I was a driving instructor at Exotics Racing in Las Vegas(where I'm originally from).
That experience is why I ask where to learn. We taught a lot of people how much technique there is in road driving and you would see people shave several seconds on a lap time in a single day with just learning.

I'm new but I'm guessing there is likely technique that can save on equipment, or make you more efficient, or make you more capable than if you are just guessing.

I'm not trying to be a Baja racer I just want to be competent to get to fun campsites and get out the apocalypse if Mother Nature comes to destroy Asheville again lol.

So where should I start?

 

[Pappy]

I would find a local 4x4 club, and do some runs with them to start out. I have yet to find a group of like minded off-roaders, especially Toyota owners, who are not willing to share what they know. Also, YouTube-U is a great place to get some book knowledge. But, the bottom line is, you can watch videos all you want. There is nothing that will replace training and experience in the field.

Need direction to finding a local club? Look into the Toyota Land Cruiser Association. They have local chapter groups all over the world. Ya, we drive trucks, but any Toyota with a low range transfer case is welcome. The forum iH8MUD.com also has a clubhouse section of TLCA affiliated groups, and others. https://forum.ih8mud.com/categories/clubhouses.144/

 

[FishTaco]

Thank you so much for the thoughtful response.
I live in an area with a lot of off roady folks so I'll start digging around, I'm sure someone will surface as being the "knowledgeable guy" lol.

 

[Pappy]

Thank you so much for the thoughtful response.
I live in an area with a lot of off roady folks so I'll start digging around, I'm sure someone will surface as being the "knowledgeable guy" lol.

Another thought as I'm sitting here. TLCA sponsors off-road events around the country. These events range from mild to hardcore, sometimes both. For instance, Cruise Moab has runs for everybody, where Rubicon is guaranteed to crinkle sheet metal. If you haven't wheeled Moab you are missing out. Even the easy trails are a kick in the pants.