PERMISSION
Have permission/check signage to ensure you are allowed to drive on the beach.
Is your vehicle insured when driving on a beach or sand dunes?
SAFETY
Check tides.
Fit a bright coloured flag on a tall pole at the front of your vehicle.
Have the right equipment for you and your vehicle.
Protect your eyes from glare. Wear sunglasses – preferably Polaroids.
Ensure that your rego plate is secured, particularly if going through water.
Turn off any traction or stability controls.
Road rules apply. Stay left when approaching traffic.
TYRES
Lower tyre pressure to increase footprint.
Don’t block tracks when deflating or re-inflating tyres.
AWARENESS
Be aware of changing beach conditions.
Watch the tide.
Don’t drive on vegetation.
Be aware that you will use more fuel.
Watch your water temp gauge/EGT gauge/transmission temp gauge.
Don’t follow too close to the vehicle in front.
DRIVING TECHNIQUES
Drive up the beach to turn around.
Park facing the facing the water – so you can observe any changes in conditions.
Don’t turn sharply. Tyres with reduced pressure could roll off the rim.
Don’t brake. Roll to a stop.
Don’t spin your wheels.
Take off slowly.
Maintain momentum.
As a general rule use low range. High range if the surface is firm.
If bogged try going backwards and forwards to create a track.
Keep revs high. This applies for most circumstance but it is pointless to spin your wheels if bogged.
Keep your thumbs pointing out from the steering wheel.
RECOVERY
Use correct recovery techniques and safety precautions.
Secure your gear afterwards/check you have it all (sometimes MaxxTrax get buried, shackles get dropped into soft sand).
DUNES
Straight up or straight down a dune – never at an angle.
Never turn on a dune/slope.
Pause/brake/slow down at the top of dunes.
AFTERWARDS
Wash your vehicle underneath after you are off the beach.