Professional Off-Road
Backroads Training
Join us on a foundational 4x4 backcountry training in British Columbia led by our team of expert guides and certified trainers. Learn skills to prepare you for your excursion through Canada and to Alaska.
Bringing together like-minded individuals who share a passion for adventure, exploration and nature.
Driving up to Alaska through British Columbia might look like this on your way to the Midnight Sun Meetup with Wings and Wheels Alaska...
THE REVEL CLUB BRINGS YOU
3-Full Days of Van-specific Overlanding and Backcountry training
For those who want to
Gain more 4x4 van technical driving knowledge and experience
For those who want to
Learn how to drive safely and responsibly, understanding the limits of your van
For those looking for
Pro-instructor-guided off-pavement adventure, training, support and guidance
OVERLANDING
Vehicle-based, on-road and off-road, adventure travel with a focus on self-reliance, resilience, and enjoyment of the journey.
BACKCOUNTRY
A geographical area that is remote, undeveloped, isolated, or difficult to access.
PRE-Training
Participants will have access to the Resource Road Driver Knowledge Unit, an online learning resource, that is then followed by three days of in-field training starting from Vancouver under the guidance of our certified and experienced instructors.
Includes online learning registration, bounded manual, live demonstrations and instruction, and official BCFSC certificate of completion.
DAY 1
* Daily topics will be interchangeable depending on weather, road conditions and route
Basic safety and decision making skills for driving on the backroads and resource roads in British Columbia and further afield.
- Overview of basic 4x4 systems
- Off-pavement driving situations
- Pre-Trip Inspection
- Blind spots, spotting, vehicle dimensions in relation to the terrain
- Vehicle dynamics
- Driving techniques for safe operation on resource roads
- Emergency manoeuvres
- Radio use and resource road procedures
- Resource road safety
- Driving strategies for deactivated roads (if interest)
- Winter driving (discussion if interest)
DAY 2
More basic safety and decision making skills, as well as techniques for addressing hazards commonly associated with traveling on the backroads and resource roads in British Columbia and further afield.
- Vehicle recovery overview
- Types of recovery equipment
- Using properly rated equipment: Working Load Limits; Minimum Breaking Strength; Safety Factors
- Load management and estimation calculations
- Inspection and maintenance
- Pre-recovery vehicle stabilization
- Safe use of vehicle-mounted winches
- Safe handling of steel wire rope and synthetic materials
- Correct use of recovery points and anchors
- Safe rigging techniques
- Cargo securement
- Trailer towing (discussion if interest)
DAY 3
More basic safety and decision making skills, and more practice with driving on the backroads and resource roads in British Columbia and further afield.
- Supervisory and marshaling skills
- Avoid getting stuck
- Basic bush mechanics
- Slow moving vehicle control and dynamics
- Reading the terrain and how to make accurate driving decisions
- Including technical terrain and severe off-camber situations
- Mechanical sympathy
Meet Your Professional Instructors and Guides
Chris Walker
Chris Walker is a professional specialist driving instructor and expedition leader experienced in all aspects of off-road driver education in both the recreational and commercial sectors. Chris was recently appointed as Overland Expo's Director of Overland Vehicle Training, having served as lead trainer in the Vehicle Expedition Skills area for over five years. He is charged with overseeing the Overland Experience hands-on driver training program from tack builds and trainers to class curriculum.
Chris is also the owner of Overland Training Canada, a leading provider of high-quality off-road driver and operator training in both the recreational and commercial industries specializing in professional/commercial vehicle operations training, machine operation, vehicle recovery, winter driving, dynamic driving, expedition skills, and commercial certification. He is passionate about training students to become critical, thoughtful, productive, safe, and experienced individuals who are prepared to operate safely in their chosen environment.
Chris is also very involved with providing his professional training services to the Rebelle Rally as one of their trainers and as part of their operations/safety team during the competition itself, working with automakers on press drives, vehicle launch events, consumer ride and drive programs, specialist events, and providing off-road certification and training for industry professionals in a wide range of environments including oil & gas, forestry, mining, military, government, automakers and many more.
Jim West
Jim is a retired Fire Fighter/Paramedic based out of Phoenix, AZ. He represented the USA on the 1992 Camel Trophy team in Guyana, and then was hired back the following year to pre-scout and create a route book for the 1994 event in Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile. As a result, Jim was asked to assist with the selection and training of every US team from 1993-1998. Also, from that event he developed a working relationship with Land Rover North America in which he has provided driving instruction and emergency medical support while on their events.
Over the past 30 years, Jim has worked on Vehicle based events in 29 different countries on 5 continents. He has a passion for teaching, whether it's emergency vehicle operations to Fire Fighters or off-road driving, recovery, vehicle selection/prep, or wilderness medicine to civilians. Along with Emergency Vehicle Operations Instructor, Paramedic, Wilderness Paramedic, Jim also is certified as a City & Guilds NPTC Off-Road Assessor and British Columbia Forest Safety Council Instructor.
What You Will Experience:
Spend 3 days with us as we teach you the foundations of overlanding and expeditionary backroads driving
SMALL GROUP INSTRUCTION
1:3 van-to-instructor ratio
We will have plenty of opportunity to discuss all aspects of off-road and overland travel. We share a campsite and gather around an open campfire at the end of each day having informal discussions.
With our expert team of certified 4x4 trainers and new friends, you’ll hear some fantastic stories – it'll only make you want to travel more!
This course starts with the fundamentals, but quickly shows you how to build on those to gain confidence and skill for your own adventures.
A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
On completing this 4x4 foundational driving course you’ll have a good understanding of four-wheel drive systems, basic maintenance, off-highway driving techniques, route selection, basic vehicle recovery, driving on challenging surfaces and safe winching operations.
Although not necessary, we recommend that you bring any recovery equipment you may already own as there’s no better way to safely explore your Revel's limits in a controlled environment and build your own experience, confidence and level of comfort. There will be plenty of demonstration time to learn how to utilize all the equipment and to practice your new skills that you will want to go out on your own with your new Revel friends immediately afterwards!
You'll be amazed at what you and your Revel together can accomplish!
CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM THE REVEL CLUB'S 2023 BRITISH COLUMBIA 4x4 VAN TRAINING
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MOAB 4X4 VAN TRAINING
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Hear what people have to say about our instructors at our Moab training...
Hoping to create new ones in British Columbia!
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Past attendees speak about their experience with The Revel Club's 4X4 Van Training in Moab, UT.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Amenities?
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BRITISH COLUMBIA 2024
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Thanks so much for joining our community and for adding to the fun! Let's find friends, become family, and go out into the wild and enjoy every minute exploring with our vans!
