O.R.E Training Day Waipara 17/9/06

[billyvanboheman]

The day started with the get together at the Amberley meeting point, some of the early arrivals who were new to the group apparently departed with another 4WD group but all seemed to catch up I think.

Smokey had prepared some helpful reading material for us newbie’s which covered the basics of equipment and vehicle preparation along with tips on different conditions we could encounter.

The information was well laid out along with a bit of humour to lighten the reading, (my personal favourite was “Don’t muck around taking photos while someone’s pride and joy is floating down the river or filling up with water, get it out safely and quickly.)
Also the hand out on trip guidelines was informative and helpful.

We all departed as a group to the Waipara River where all the vehicles were lined up and numbered from one to four.
The training portion of the day was divided into four stations (hence the numbering of the vehicles) and everyone departed to their starting station.

The topics covered at the four stations were.

1 Ropes strops and driving along a slope.

The different lengths of rope and their uses were explained along with snatch straps, then an exercise to help know how far you can go up an uneven surface before your centre of gravity turned you on your side(no one managed to demonstrate how far was too far).

2. Winching and fire extinguishers.

A display on single and double pull winching was put together along with a very good explanation of fire extinguishers and their mounting.

3. Tow hooks, modifications and gear stowing.

A quick inspection of each vehicle was done to check tow hook mounting and give advice on modifications as well as good storage ideas for the gear in the back.

4. Water crossings.

A couple of good exercises were discussed for method then demonstrated.
Everyone was given the opportunity to have a go which I found very helpfully for confidence in the water.

In between stations there was an exercise to follow painted rocks with the left side wheels around bends and turns for those that wanted a go.

All in all a very informative set of lessons for the newbie’s.

After a lunch break everyone was given the option to tag along on a trip up river from our training point to Stringers Bridge.

I found this trip very helpful in gauging the capabilities of both myself and my vehicle.
Also it was great fun to watch the different attempts and approaches to the obstacles.
In all cases there were different options for each obstacle that varied in difficulty.
Funny how we all try for the hardest path first.

There were a couple of minor breakages on the day, but the only one that stopped a vehicle from continuing with the group was a broken steering idler.

A valuable lesson was learned by one on the trip, it involved always having you window up if you are anywhere near Matt and mud together, the mud was not only on the outside but also on the inside and the pilot.

Thanks again for a great day that had something for us all I think.

Photos of the day can be seen at the album that Mike has posted which I have included and I have also added a link to my album from the day, although most of those photos are of me!!!.

http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/modules ... php&page=3

http://s48.photobucket.com/albums/f238/ ... Sept%2006/


Keep up the good work guy’s and I look forward to future trip with all of you.


Alex

[Leithfield]

Many thanks for the excellent write-up and pleased to hear you enjoyed the day; look foward to your joining our future trips.

[access4WD]

Excellent report, well done.
Smokey is a very experienced four wheeler and he covered the basics well it seems. I really like the fact he gave notes great idea! He was well aided by others too so even though I was not there reading all the information after the day plus this great report by Alex it seems that you all really learnt a lot and put what was learned into use. Plus had a lot of good fun too!!
Well done to everyone both teachers and students alike. This will help get the ORE onto a solid footing in my view Maybe other areas of the country can copy this idea too.
Paul

[albundy]

Point of note, this is not the first training day ORE has run in Canterbury, we got the ball rolling last year. I think we should make it a biannual event.
Al

[wjw]

Point of note, this is not the first training day ORE has run in Canterbury, we got the ball rolling last year. I think we should make it a biannual event.
Al

I agree, hope to make it next time

[Elmo]

some of the early arrivals who were new to the group apparently departed with another 4WD group but all seemed to catch up I think

We just went to check out the competition!!

I was totally confused as I had just walked over to get some food, and when we got back, everyone was leaving (even though it was 25 mins before the scheduled leaving time), so in the confusion of the rush of everyone leaving, I (and Frank) followed, but yes, we made it back.

Ken

[billyvanboheman]

We just went to check out the competition!!

Good idea Ken but I’m sure you wouldn't have learnt as much with the competition.

I hope all those who helped with the teaching didn't mind that names were not used in my report on the training day, I'm hopeless at remembering names untill I have met everyone at least three times. (Other than MATT, who can forgett MATT?)

Alex.