Sand Driving

Jock69

Friends that know what they are doing is the best thing to take with you..

They will help you before and WHEN you get stuck, because you will get stuck if you are a novice venturing out for the first time alone.

Do not go alone.

That friend can then advise you on the many, many things you need to understand.

http://www.exploroz.com/Vehicle/4WDriving/Default.aspx
Use the link to access driver training on this site.

Then, and only then, go on the sand and enjoy the thrill of getting to the top of your first dune.
Colin.

Read up on the basics of sand driving in mags or on thisSite .
For the first couple of times go with someone who knows the area, a friend, 4x4 club or tour opperator etc.
Pick up some basic recovery gear, an air compressor, tyre gauge, snatch strap, rated D, jack base plate and most importantly a decent shovel. Have Fun :-)
Cheers Craig....

Depending on where you are going as well - Ngarkat Cons. Park and Big desert are good sand driving and relatively easy I think for a learner. Beaches - different beaches need different 'care' (right word? dunno). Eg. I wouldn't drive below the high tide line at the Coorong in a fit but had no hesitations at Fraser Island. Just examples...

Reduce tyre pressures - 20 psi or thereabouts as a starter. Keep your momentum up. Don't drive in the salt water if you can avoid it - pretty obvious, but its amazing how many people do it.

Appropriate recovery gear is a must. As the others said, go with someone who knows what to do. Then they can pull you out. Dont forget to pack a big box of common sense. Its easy to get amped up with the fun of it all and come to grief. I find if you take your time and enjoy the scenery you are less likely to get into trouble.

Jock, 1st principle of sand driving is let your tyre pressures down. Buy a set of Staun deflators if you don't already have a set. They are usually factory set at 18psi. This is usually a good starting point for sand driving. The type of beach sand, softness, time of year, tide conditions, prevailing winds, temperature of the day and previous days will have a big impact on the beach and your tyre pressures.

Get basic recovery gear such as a shovel, mates to use the shovel, snatch strap/s, load distribution strap if you don't have rated recovery points for and aft. Plenty of water and patience.Water is to drink and the patience is for when you get stuck.

Usually high range will be the go. If an auto start in 2nd and work up to drive once you've got momentum. When stopping don't break but come to a rolling stop. Don't drive over mounds of seaweed as you don't know what is hidden. Stay clear of the water as it will stuff up your car.

Seek local advice and as the other guys have said go with friends.
If you're new to 4wding do a course they aren't that expensive, are heaps of fun and you'll learn a lot more than the basics.

All the above have some merit in their answers except for the fact that you have not told where you intend driving in the sand , each and every beach is different or are you planning to play in the sand aka the simpson ??

All the above have some merit in their answers except for the fact that you have not told where you intend driving in the sand , each and every beach is different or are you planning to play in the sand aka the simpson ??

as above

have your own recovery gear
have your own recovery gear
have your own recovery gear

turning up to someone bogged on the beach without even a snatch'n'strap is frustrating

Beach and Sandy Track driving is great fun. Take your time and enjoy where you are and you are half way to having a trouble free day.

As has been said lowering your tyre pressures will reduce the stress on you, your family, your vehicle and the track.

Carrying the appropriate recovery gear -and knowing how to use it, remember that there is no guarantee that the first on the scene if you do find yourself in trouble didn't learn from a mate of a mate who knew a bit- is essential.

MAXTRAX are your friend, they are simply the single most versatile and useful piece of recovery equipment that you can own.

you could also do a course...

cheers

Please spare me, you can't possibly imagine that you can get all the tips on sand driving by asking on a forum then just go out and give it a go do you?

Sign up for a 4WD training course that involves sand driving.

Join a 4WD club that teaches and does sand driving.

Find a mate that does sand driving and get them to show you the ropes.