310-613-5473
 
 

Short Description of Clinics and Adventures

-------------------------------------- Quick Index ---------------------------------------------


Clinic Descriptions

Getting Started Off-Road Driving and Safety Clinic (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
Designed for the novice, this is a one-day session. The session includes classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. You may also sign up for the second day, "The Advanced Beginner" clinic to immediately follow or at a later time.

" The camping was great - A lot of solitude in the most beautiful settings. The traction on the slick rock was excellent especially with aired down tires-my tires stuck like glue on all the steep parts. I felt like Elephant Hill was straightforward and pretty easy after all my training with you even though it was rated a 7. It was steep, rocky, off camber with narrow switchbacks but nothing that we did not cover in our classes. I felt confident the whole time and I knew exactly what lines I needed to take. I walked a few portions of the trail like we learned in class and that got me through the toughest portions. Mary spotted in a few sections as well using the hand signals we learned in class. It was great! Even the 2 Jeepers( 2 lifted Rubicons) from Colorado who followed us from the campsite down the Silver Stairs and up and over Elephant Hill said we drove the trail very smoothly for a first timer. They were impressed. We got to chat in the parking lot after the hill when we were airing up. I told them we had taken classes with you to get prepared for the hill. One of the jeepers had lost the tip of his finger in a winch accident-finger caught in between winchline and roller. (gave him the hint about the loose fitting gloves!) I also told them that I took a class with you about how to use my winch properly. I let them know we did practical applications using the winch for recovery. They both agreed they should have done this first. We were happy to meet them and their families and we were also glad to have their company up and over the hill. Thanks again Tom! "
Charlie Yoon


"I recently took a run at the Rowher Trail. This trail is rated difficult. As a result of your training, I was able to successfully work my way through the trail without any damage to my jeep and with a high degree of comfort. The benefits of your training were even more apparent. Another jeep owner with a lift kit busted his transmission on the same trail. He had a better equipped jeep than mine but his lack of training caused him to damage his equipment. Keep up the great classes. Will definitely be taking more of them."
Bruce Krell


Advanced Beginner Off-Road Driving Clinic (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
The class is an extension of the last 4 hours of the Getting Started Off-Road Clinic, to provide more driving experience, better wheel placement, obsticle visalization, and exposure to varying terrain. It is designed to meet the needs of the novice who has completed the Getting Started Off-Road Driving Clinic and is looking for more behind the wheel experience. We have ratcheted it up a notch and incorporated many elements of "Picking lines" from the Ruts & Ridges clinic which has been discontinued. The session is all behind-the-wheel instruction.

It is also a great clinic to test your vehicle after making upgrades.

" I just wanted to thank you again for such a great weekend. You were able to exceed my expectations on all levels. I have so much more confidence on what my Jeep will do in different situations.
The beginner clinic was awesome as it really gave me more of an idea on what I should be looking for not just on the trail but also in regards to safety.
The advanced clinic was even better as it gave me more real world or should I say trail experience. I have gone out on my own with friends 2 times before I took your classes. Both of those times I felt the terrain we were on seemed difficult. Now after taking your classes I can look back on those 2 outings and realize that the terrain wasn’t anything near as difficult as the advanced day, it was the fact that I didn’t feel comfortable out there.
So thanks again for the instruction. I have already been recommending to all of my friends that they take your classes. I myself am really looking forward to taking more of your classes as well as going on some of the adventures. "
Alan Viado


Basic Sand Off Highway Driving (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
This is an introductory 4WD session dealing with driving in very soft sand and sand dunes, held at Oceano Dunes north of Santa Barbara. The session is behind-the-wheel instruction. It is helpful to have completed the Getting Started Off-Road Driving Clinc above, first, but is not a requirement.

Basic to Advanced Winch & Recovery Clinic (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy) If you are considering installing a powered winch on your vehicle, or have one already but need training to learn how to get the best from it and do it safely, you need to take this class. The one day course covers: safety related issues, basic operation of the winch, simple and complex riggings, stuck assessment, winch capability, and minimizing environmental impact. This is a hands on class. If you do not have a winch on your vehicle, you will be paired up with another student.
All attendees receive a coupon from Winchline.com good for 10% off any recovery gear purchase.

Rock Driving Clinic (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
The Rock Clinics are designed for beginning rock crawling. While we use some quite difficult trails in the clinic, our pace, our emphasis on careful wheel placement, our coaching and spotting makes it a great learning experience for new or first timers. The clinic is open to everyone who wants to practice or do the trail again. The second time over the same trail, you are much more relaxed. You begin to pick up on nuances missed the first time. The more times you engage rocks, the more comfortable you will be. There is no substitute for practice. The local rock trails will give you plenty of feedback on how modifications you made work and what other modifications you might still need to make to your vehicle. Even if you will not drive the famous Rubicon trail this year, you can benefit from the Rock Clinics. Sign up for several. The more Rock Clinic you do the better!

" Just wanted to thank you again for a fantastic day of wheelin' fun yesterday. We had a great time with you & Aaron. Your instruction & advice were much appreciated & helped me to learn a lot. I'm still pumped up from yesterday & can't wait to get back out on the trails to practice more of what you taught. Thanks again. "
Marty Zaritsky


Wilderness Advanced First Aid Certification (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
The Wilderness Advanced First Aid clinic will provide you with skills, knowledge and training to handle life threatening medical emergencies and allows you to be better prepared to protect your family in an emergency. Wilderness First Aid is a four day immersion into general medical concepts and Basic Life Support skills. This course teaches what to do with a medical emergency when help is miles away and calling 911 isn’t an option. If you plan to become a Wilderness First Responder, this is the first 4 days of the 8 day Wilderness First Response course. You can take the second 4 days at a later time.

" The Wilderness First Aid was one of the MOST USEFULL clinics I have ever attended, due in large part to the effort you and Josh put in to make it all possible. "
Joe de Kehoe


Tire Repair & Hi-Lift Jack Mini Clinic (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
This 3 hour clinic will provide you with the knowledge and skills to repair the most common tire problems and to use a Hi-lift jack safely to aid you in the process.

Adventures

Jeep Adventures Packages USA (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
We offer a number of " turn key " adventures in the Western United States. All you need to do is schedule your adventure. Then show up with your personal gear and we are off on a 2, 3,or 4 day Jeep adventure. We will pick you up at LAX airport, provide a Jeep all necessary camping gear, coolers, ice, firewood, meals, snacks, soft beverages, cooking gear, group first aid kit, permit fees and a knowledgeable guide.



Death Valley Expedition (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
This is a 4 day trip covering the west and north end of Death Valley and Saline Valley. (Saline Valley is also part of the Death Valley National Park). We will start near Ridgecrest, CA. The plan is to camp each night. Death Valley is quite remote with long distances (and drive time) between destinations. Cell phones get no signal. There are opportunities to buy expensive gas. Just don't rely on a gas station to be there when you need gas - bring extra - at least 10 gallons. We will avoid the paved road as much as possible. Expect plenty of washboard roads (and we mean extreme washboard that will shake every part of your vehicle, gear and shocks. This is not the trip for you if you abhor washboard, dust and scenic beauty. Death Valley abounds in history, mines, ghost towns, and natural wonders. It will not be possible to see it all even thought it will seem like it. At least one night, we will camp next to the warm springs. Bring a swim suit so you can enjoy the pool. However, it is clothing optional so make your own decision! 4 Day and 3 night camping tour of Death Valley and Saline Valley.

Mojave Road Adventure (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
Traveling the Mojave Road isn't a picnic but it is a great family style 4-Wheel drive trip / Expedition. It's a 3-day excursion, best made in convoy with other 4-wheelers. The Mojave Road was a main wagon trail for settlers coming to California. The trip begins on the bank of the Colorado River. The terrain is mostly desert; some hills over the various mountain ranges; a dry lake; water crossings; canyons; and areas of soft sand. Because of the length of the trail and the isolation, we recommend you bring an extra 5 gallons gas. The road is 120 miles long. In addition bring a few gallons of water. There is nowhere to get fresh water. Bring your own food and a means to cook it. You will need appropriate clothing/shelter/sleeping arrangement. This is the desert. It gets cold at night. The trail is rated as 2 (out of 10) which requires good vehicle clearance and use of 4WD with no special driving skill required.


Barstow to Vegas Aka Mojave Road Adventure (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
On this trip we run the Mojave Road starting near Barstow and end up on the Colorado River about 95 miles south of Vegas. This is the way Miners traveling from LA made their way to the gold fields.

Traveling the Mojave Road isn't a picnic but it is a great family style 4-Wheel drive trip / Expedition. It's a 3-day excursion, best made in convoy with other 4-wheelers. The Mojave Road was a main wagon trail for many years between the Beale wagon road in AZ and the West Coast. The terrain is mostly desert; some hills over the various mountain ranges; a dry lake; water crossings; canyons; and areas of soft sand. Because of the length of the trail and the isolation, we recommend you bring an extra 5 gallons gas. The road is 120 miles long. In addition bring a few gallons of water. There is nowhere to get fresh water. Bring your own food and a means to cook it. You will need appropriate clothing/shelter/sleeping arrangement. This is the desert. It gets cold at night. The trail is rated as 2 (out of 10) which requires good vehicle clearance and use of 4WD with no special driving skill required.


T&T Rail Road Adventure (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
Our goal is to cross through Johnson Valley, enjoying what it has to offer, and making our way North along the old Tonopah & Tidewater (T & T) Rail Road bed to the Rasor OHV, Afton Canyon and the western edge of the Mojave Preserve. On the way we will skirt the Rodman Mountain Wilderness and cross I-40.
This adventure is 2 days of scenic, historical, light wheeling and a night ( 2 if you prefer) of primitive camping under the stars. We can plan a Dutch Oven pot luck for our evening meal.

GPS Adventure (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)

Everyone who goes off-road needs some navigation skills. A GPS receiver is a highly useful tool when there are no road signs. This is a hands-on class combined with a weekend of camping and 4-Wheeling! You need to bring your own self-contained GPS receiver unit. The focus of the class is how to operate your GPS unit and how to use it for basic navigation in the field. We will not delve into the details of on road navigation or criteria for purchasing a new GPS. The clinic will show you how a GPS can answer the questions:


Rubicon Road Trip & Adventure (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
The Rubicon Trails is the stuff of legends. It is considered the Grand Daddy of trails. If your vehicle has a weakness, it will find it. Any serious four-wheeler needs to "Do the Con" at least once.
There is no guarantee of avoiding vehicle damage. Even the most skilled driver can succumb to the fatigue of 12 unrelenting miles of rocks. Just bring a good attitude and the best prepared vehicle you can. This could be a once in a lifetime trip but a life long of bragging rights.

Club Events (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
Join us on the next Club Event.




Events

Customer Appreciation Event & Trail Ride (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
Thank you for being our customer. Plan on spending the day with us at Hungry Valley State Vehicle Recreation Area. Bring the whole family. There will be demonstration, and obstacle course, trail rides, GPS geocaches, a raffle and food! Kids are welcome! Look for optional events planned for the day prior. No charge.


Easter Safari for First Timers (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
Badlands Off-Road will assist First-Timers attend the Easter Safari with details on expectation, preparation, driver's skill training, vehicle inspection, equipment review, accommodations, and logistics, To ensure the most successful experience possible, Badlands Off-Road will accompany clients to the Moab event and assist in every way to promote safety and fun on the trails and to experience the utmost enjoyment of all the entertainment activities.

Other

Tread Lightly! Trainer Clinic (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
Upon successful completion of this course, each participant will become a Tread Lightly! Tread Trainer and receive a completion certification and become eligible for benefits provided through the Tread Trainer program. Successful completion requires participation in all course activities and teaching exercises.

Congratulations to Jan & Steve! In the summer 2008 issue of the Tread Lightly! News Letter Steve and Jan Chaney were recognized as Tread Trainer Superstars. Here is a quote from the newsletter. " They love to spread the Tread Lightly! message which is why Steve and Jan have been selected as our newest Tread Trainer Superstars! One of the many off-road clubs the couple actively volunteers for, the San Diego Off-Road Coalition, has a big orange trailer that is taken to several off-road events in California each year. Jan sets up a " Kids Zone " with Tread Lightly! coloring books and games to attract kids, while Steve keeps the parents busy talking to them about the importance of treading lightly and other local off-road issues. " Tread Lightly! is important because we can only improve our image through education of responsible off-roading " say Steve. " We use the guidebooks, one page tips and other material available through Tread Lightly! to show people how to ride and camp with the least amount of impact on the land. " "

Wilderness First Responder Class (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
Badlands Off-Roads Adventures does not teach this class, but highly recommends it to anyone who recreates in the outdoors -- when dialing 911 is not an option. With your 4WD or SUV, you can easily be beyond 911 services in a mater of hours. You need to rely on your own medical skills for a prolonged period of time. Just as important, is to know when an injury or accidents is life threatening and warrants extraordinary efforts or when you have the time to transport someone yourself to a higher level of definitive care. Wilderness First Responder (WFR) courses have become the standard of medical training for many outdoor schools, camps, guide services, and government agencies. Check it out!

In Southern California, I recommend you contact Josh Jackson. Josh is a lead Instructor for Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA) and runs great Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Clinics. Contact him at Josh Jackson (josh@wildlead.com); or 619-303-5688 to find out when and where the next class will be held.

For a complete USA wide Training Schedule - Wilderness First Responder, EMT, Medical Training offered by WMA
http://www.wildmed.com

Badlands Off-Road Adventures Gift Certificates (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
Purchase a gift certificate to be used for an event, clinic, and adventures. You can purchase in dollar increments of $50.00. You can also register someone for the specific clinic or event and we will send the confirmation to you for presentation.


TrailHead Tire Deflators (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
TRAILHEAD Automatic Tire Deflators will automatically reduce the air pressure in a tire to a predetermined level and stop,preventing any further loss of air from the tire. They will function properly whether your vehicle is stationary or traveling at speeds of 20 mph or less. Two separate adjustment ranges are available: 5 psi to 20 psi, and 15 psi to 40 psi. Choose from; RED, BLUE, and Silver. (Specify range and color when purchasing.)


NotScheduled

Urban SUV Survival Driving Clinic (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
This clinic is not scheduled this year. It can be scheduled on request. If you have a group or would like to be put on the waiting list (call or send us an email), we will notify you when a class is scheduled.
Living in Southern California we are exposed to many potential natural disasters - Fire, Mud slides, and Earth Quakes. Do you have the skills to drive your SUV in the aftermath of an earthquake? If ordered to evacuate, can you navigate your SUV through broken streets, downed trees, fallen telephone poles, flood waters, and deal with many other obstacles? Knowing how to use the capabilities of your SUV might save you and your family.

The SUV survival clinic will provide you with skills, knowledge and training to handle these tasks and allows you to be better prepared to protect your family in an emergency.


Women Only - Off-Road Driving and Safety Clinic (Basic Clinic) (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
This clinic is not scheduled this year. It can be scheduled on request. If you have a group or would like to be put on the waiting list (call or send us an email), we will notify you when a class is scheduled.
Designed for the novice, this is a one-day session. The session includes classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. This is a women only class. Prior women students attend free when a friend signs up.


4-Wheel Drive Spotting Clinic (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
This clinic is not scheduled this year. It can be scheduled on request. If you have a group or would like to be put on the waiting list (call or send us an email), we will notify you when a class is scheduled.
The Spotting Clinic provides practical experience and instruction. You will learn spotting etiquette, hand signals and when to spot. You will learn what to watch and how to communicate with the driver. You will learn your role and responsibility. The clinic allows time to practice and fine tune your spotting skills. Sign up for the Rocks clinic the folling day (when offered) and use your new skill.

"I can't imagine a smarter investment than taking the Badlands spotting clinic. The class my husband and I attended was great fun, and nothing could have given me more faith in our communication in tight situations. If it only saves us a single dent, it's paid for itself! "
Lori B.


Bread Crumb Trail - A Basic GPS Clinic (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
This clinic is not scheduled this year. It can be scheduled on request. If you have a group or would like to be put on the waiting list (call or send us an email), we will notify you when a class is scheduled.
Everyone who goes off-road needs some navigation skills. A GPS receiver is a highly useful tool when there are no road signs. This is a basic, basic hands-on class! You need to bring your own self contained GPS receiver unit. We will be outside all day. The focus of the class is how to operate your GPS unit and how to use it for basic navigation in the field. We will not delve into the details of on road navigation, criteria for purchasing a new GPS, or interfacing the GPS with laptops and electronic maps. The clinic will show you how a GPS can answer the questions:


Field Repair Clinic (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
This clinic is on a request basis only. If you have a group or would like to be put on the waiting list (call or send us an email), we will notify you when a class is scheduled.
Before you hit the hard trails, you need to stock up on some spare parts and information necessary to replace them in the field. Bring your tools, some old clothes and learn how to fix the most common drive train problems.

Trail Leader School (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
This clinic is not scheduled this year. It can be scheduled on request. If you have a group or would like to be put on the waiting list (call or send us an email), we will notify you when a class is scheduled.
Guides are skilled individuals who are willing to share their passion, knowledge , skills, and respect for the outdoors with other. Some outfitter / guides use horse and pack mules. We use 4-Wheel drive vehicles. You need to earn the right to lead a group. It requires dedicated planning and scouting. You must develop new skills and hone your current ones. The Trail Leader Clinic is both field and class room with lots of hands on. A trail leader needs to have solid individual skills (recovery, navigation, spotting, 4WD driving, first aid, field repair, camping / bush craft, etc.); Leadership skills; Communication plans and tools; planning & contingency checklists, etc. and a mythology to plan , scout, market, and lead the trip. And on top of that be " customer focused ".

4-Wheel Drive Instructor Training Clinic (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
This clinic is on a request basis only. If you have a group or would like to be put on the waiting list (call or send us an email), we will notify you when a class is scheduled.

If you want to become a certified 4-Wheel Drive Instructor or just want to challenge yourself to a higher level, we offer a 3 day Instructors clinic. The class reviews the fundamentals to make sure everyone is on the "same page" with understanding and terminology. During the 3 days you will cover driving skills, recovery techniques, vehicle components, vehicle concepts and dynamics, safety, navigation, environmental concerns, and training issues.
This clinic is not sufficient for you to pass the I4WDTA Certification and is not a guarantee of passing. You need years of prior experience and a wide range of knowledge to draw on for the certification process.
It does give you a tune up of your skills, validate your knowledge, and help you assess your current readiness - Perhaps pointing out areas requiring more study and experience. It provides you with a multitude of ideas and tips.

Vehicle Inspection (Terms, Cancellation and Alcohol Policy)
This clinic is on a request basis only. If you have a group or would like to be put on the waiting list (call or send us an email), we will notify you when a class is scheduled.
Before you embark on any significant off-road adventure, it is a good idea to do a comprehensive inspection of the mechanical shape of your vehicle. This inspection goes way beyond the normal walk around you do before every off-road trip. In the vehicle inspection clinic you will learn to check 120 plus items. You will be able to identify the part, its location and how to check it. You will crawl under and all over your vehicle looking for problems.








Back | Deadly Mistakes | Visiting the USA? | Phone 310-613-5473