Planing 1st 4x4 Trip..Things to know/Your Experiences pleas

[Tiny]

I agree that just getting out there will give you great experience and I thought the same thing before I joined a club.

However after joining the club I soon realised there is always a lot more to learn. Clubs are great for lots of other reasons too. Like the fact I go 4x4ing so much more often now
Just getting lots of different perspectives from other members is great too. Although I wouldn't do a non-club 4x4 course but that is not saying they are worthless.

Same here......and there is no point reinventing the wheel, if you can learn without breaking to much stuff all the better

[Ryano]

There is a lot of valuable information on safety that is better learnt from experienced 4wdrivers. IMO it's better to be shown this sort of stuff, rather than learn as you go.
You don't always get a second chance.

The beach is good fun.... make sure you know what the tide is doing, watch out for wash outs, drop your air pressures, reduce your speed to suit and enjoy it!!
Have a good snatch strap and shackles handy, and some payment booze spare. People are always willing to help, especially if you provide your own recovery gear and a thirst quencher as thanks.