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Grading System

How it works

The Process

The AD4x4 upgrade process is designed to allow members to learn and develop the skills required for a safe and enjoyable off-roading experience by providing a clear path forward, identifying skills to develop and promoting direct feedback between the Marshals and Members at the end of each trip. While Marshals will try to ensure logbooks get signed, it is ultimately the MEMBERS RESPONSIBILITY to bring their logbooks to the Leading Marshals at the end of each trip for any signoffs. 

The LogBook

The logbook is used to record the member’s trips and experience in dealing with different areas, skills and tracks.  It is the member’s responsibility to ensure the log for each trip is completed in full prior to presentation to the trip leader for confirmation signature. Incomplete trip logs will not be eligible for confirmation. Trip logs can only be verified at the end of each trip and cannot be presented retrospectively for confirmation.


Newbie to Intermediate
Requirements to be upgraded from Newbie to intermediate


 
Description of requirment
  • Understands the risks involved in Off-roading.
  • Able to follow a Newbie trip fluently and safely without being a hazard to themselves or others.
  • Follows Marshal’s instructions and adheres to AD4x4 guidelines during trips.
  • Have required equipment and completed equipment signoff.
  • Completed and logged a minimum of 4 Newbie trips excluding ANIT.
  • Competent at designated skills.
Required Equipment
  1. Rated snatch strap (kinetic type).
  2. 2 Rated Shackles.
  3. Shovel.
  4. Air compressor.
  5. Base plate for jacking vehicle.
  6. Fire extinguisher.
  7. Flag pole including flag.
  8. Communication device.
Skills Required
  1. Cresting Small Dunes
    Member can safely crest small dunes straight on with proper amount of power and control (without jumping or launching).

  2. Descend Small Slip-face
    Member can safely descend a small slip-face in a controlled manner.

Intermediate to Advance
Requirements to be upgraded from Intermediate to Advanced


 

Description of requirment
  • Able to follow an intermediate track at normal pace in a safe and controlled manner without being a hazard to themselves or others.
  • Follows Marshal’s instructions and adheres to AD4x4 guidelines during trips.
  • Completed and logged a minimum of 5 intermediate trips.
  • Have required equipment and completed equipment signoff.
  • Competent at designated skills and completed skill signoffs
Required Equipment
  1. Basic tool kit appropriate for your vehicle..
  2. GPS Device.
Skills Required
  1. Basic Recovery 
    Perform basic snatch recovery under the supervision of a Marshal demonstrating proper position, clear communication, safe equipment use and vehicle control.

  2. Cresting Medium Dunes 
    Member can safely crest medium dunes straight on with proper amount of power and control (without jumping or launching).

  3. Descend Medium Slipface 
    Member can safely descend a medium sized slipface in a controlled manner.

Advanced to Expert
Requirments to be upgraded from Advanced to Expert


 

Description of requirment
  • Understands the limitations of his/her skills and has enough experience and control to handle all types of dune conditions and driving without being a hazard to themselves or others.
  • Mastered all skills at the advanced level and completed equipment signoff.
  • Follows Marshal’s instructions and adheres to AD4x4 guidelines during trips.
  • Completed and logged a minimum of 10 advanced trips.
Skills Required

Crest and Descend Large dunes
Member can safely crest large dunes and descend large slipface with proper amount of power and control.

Side Sloping
Member can safely sideslope in a controlled manner and knows when to turn down - not fighting gravity.

Side Cresting
Member can safely crest a dune at an angle other than straight on in a variety of different scenarios in a safe and controlled manner appropriate for their vehicle.

Enter and Exit Bowls
Member can safely enter and exit small and large bowls with proper amount of power and control.

Advanced Recovery
Member can safely manage all aspects of an advanced recovery under the supervision of a Marshal demonstrating proper safety assessment and position, clear communication, safe equipment use and vehicle control. An Advanced Recovery is a recovery that cannot be pulled straight on, or is performed on a steep slope or angle.

Winch Recovery
Member can safely manage all aspects of a winch recovery under the supervision of a Marshal demonstrating proper safety assessment and position, clear communication and safe equipment use.

Navigation
Member can confidently and safely navigate to defined points and a safe exit point during day or night conditions, program waypoints into their GPS and use the GPS to navigate to a waypoint.

Second Leading
Member can safely perform the role of second lead in a trip, stopping the convoy if the leading Marshal discovers an unknown hazard, rerouting the convoy at the leading marshals direction and assisting the leading Marshal with managing the convoy.

Sweeping
Member can safely perform the role of sweeper in a trip, keeping the leading Marshal aware of any problems or stucks in the convoy and coordinating any recoveries with the leading Marshal.

Leading
Member can safely lead a convoy under the supervision of a Marshal, demonstrating awareness of the group, proper track selection for the group, ability to navigate and clear communication with the group.

High Dunes
Member can safely drive in the high dunes of LIWA or similar without being a hazard to themselves or others, demonstrating awareness of the risks, their capabilities as drivers and the capabilities of their vehicle.