Off-road Recovery 101

Off-road Recovery 101

One day. Actual vehicle recoveries. No extended PowerPoint. Recovery 101 is built around getting you onto the ground with real gear in your hands as quickly as possible.

This course is appropriate for overlanders, hunters, ranchers, emergency responders, and anyone who drives off pavement. You do not need prior recovery experience — but you should own or regularly use a 4WD vehicle.

What You'll Cover

• Risk assessment: the decision to recover vs. wait for help
• Kinetic vs. static straps: understanding the difference, when to use each, and what happens when you use the wrong one
• Traction boards: placement, technique, and where they fail
• Hi-Lift jack basics: safe usage and common failure points
• Anchor selection: trees, vehicles, and deadman setups
• Recovery kit essentials: what to carry and why

What This Course Is Not

Recovery 101 focuses on the fundamentals. Detailed kinetic rope rigging, winching technique, and advanced multi-vehicle operations are covered in Recovery 201 and private instruction. You'll leave 101 with solid foundational skills and a clear picture of what you still need to learn.

What to Bring

Your vehicle if you have one (4WD, stock or modified — all are welcome). Recovery gear if you own it. Waypoint provides vehicles and gear for students who don't have their own. Wear clothes you can get dirty.