Hi guys,
Found this page with a lot of important information. It kind of made me a bit worried about what could happen to my car but it is useful nevertheless so here goes:

http://www.biglap.com.au/big-plans.html

It's talking about Australia but desert is desert :smiley2:

Nice article and guess it could be a bit of an eye opener for many. The point of the article is exactly what this club and for the most part any 4wd club is all about, Learning and enjoying. The first few trips into the "unknown" can be intimidating but when you are with a group with experienced leadership then you will slowly relax and enjoy while learning these new skills. This is why we required all new members to participate in a "Rookie" trip regardless of their experience. It helps us to get to know you and your rig as well as the reverse. It also is why we have a grading system in place. It not only considers your driving ability but also your preparedness and ability to handle different situations like stucks, popouts and field expedient repairs.

There are many good things in the article but to me the most important thing to take away from it and probably the most over looked is this "...Driving is a mental skill built by knowing your vehicle intimately, and its relationship to and behavior under different road conditions..." You must be one with your rig as its really just an extension of you. Your rig talks to you - listen to it. Only you can do this but we can help you with the rest.

I am looking forward to this Friday's trip but still...scared too. A friend told me that I shouldn't risk my main car on these trips but I really want to learn and I don't think I will be doing any crazy stunts. Can anyone here recommend a store where I can get some necessary gear for my car and this trip? Thanks. "Go easy on use newbies ok?"

Hi haytham,

Don't worry about your car. Our intention is to make sure you get in and out of the desert safely. Heck, we've even had to rescue some people on their way home so we even try and make sure you get all the way home safely where possible!
We would never expect any driver to do anything they are not comfortable with. If you feel uncomfortable, which I am sure all will and have at some point, then just say and we will take you around another way.
The whole reason for tomorrow is to show our new members how to safely enjoy the desert in a way that will have you begging for more.
We are not stunt men/women, and we don't drive crazy (unless on a wild boys trip, you will get there one day) and we always have professional and extremely experienced and patient marshals and expert level drivers on the trips to take great care of you and your ride.
You just have to listen to our instructions on your first couple of trips and you wil slowly become more confident and comfortable with your rig.
As for equipment, don't buy anything until you have done at least two trips to be sure you really enjoy it and don't waste any money on items you will never use.

Otherwise, see you tomorrow. Make sure to bring along your smile and a big sense of humour (the chairman is silly)

Regards

Tony

interesting article and as said above this is what clubs are about, getting you ready, and helping you to understand your car and equipment,
most of us when started had no idea at all, of anything to do with cars, sand and all this stuff, but after the first few trips it gets easier,
the founders and marshals are there to help you along the way. so listen carefully and ask if unsure, if you dont feel comfy with anything just say.
the most important thing is enjoy yourself, OH AND MAKE SURE U HAVE UR CAMERA [ FOR WHEN THE MARSHAL GET STUCK]

we have all been were u are now and have eenjoy the travels to where we are now, it is fine to scream, cry, yell, just relax and enjoy the experience,
REMEMBER YOU AND YOUR CAR ARE IN GOOD HANDS

see you friday

An excellent article that reminds us how unprepared most off-roaders are in the UAE... and that's why clubs such as UAE Offroaders are so important to share expertise and experience with newbies, so that they can gain confidence step by step. Never underestimate the desert, because wen you feel you know it all - wham! - you learn the next lesson...

Thanks guys for the vote of confidence. I feel better and be sure you'll see me tomorrow. Got the PM and will be there on time. Thanks again.