How to Master the Dunes in a UTV

Sand Dune season is finally here! The dunes are an exhilarating riding scene for UTV riders and passengers alike. Sand is one of the most fun and enjoyable surfaces for any UTV, but riding in the sand is a little different from riding on flat ground. If you make the wrong move, your vehicle can roll sideways, downhill, get swept away with the tide, or sink in quicksand. Here are some tips that will help you stay safe and master UTV sand riding like a pro!

Have the Right Equipment:

When riding the dunes, it is very important that you are prepared with the appropriate gear.

Helmet: The most important piece of gear anyone riding the dunes needs is a Helmet. Not only is it used for safety, but it is the law to wear one in the Imperial Sand Dune Recreational Area. The rider and passengers must all wear a helmet to be able to ride the dunes.
Safety Flag: The Safety Flag (or whip) is a requirement for any vehicle being driven in the sand. The flag is flown a minimum of 8’ above the ground so that it can easily be seen by anyone coming across your path while riding in the sand.
Safety Belts: Proper safety restraints are a very important part of riding the dunes. UTV riders will install four or five-point harnesses for additional protection. Make sure all belts are securely fastened before heading out for a ride with family and friends.
Good Set of Tires: Hitting the dunes with super skinny or dangerously old tires won’t get you far. Having a good set of tires will a good tread pattern that will allow you to ride the dunes and avoid sinking.

Keep up the Momentum

When riding the dunes, make sure you keep your momentum to a balance. Try to keep the momentum going uphill but not too much because too much RPM can damage your vehicle. If you are climbing a steep dune, try to gain some speed and drive up without turning until you reach the top. If you are going back down a dune, do not turn your vehicle sideways unless you want to flip over. If you are driving with other riders, follow the person that is in front of you because that rider has packed the sand down for you so his tracks are a firmer surface. It will make riding the dunes so much easier.

Avoid Rapid Acceleration/ Quick Braking

When riding the dunes, avoid rapid acceleration and quick braking. Riders get so excited riding the dunes that they immediately accelerate trying to take off, but it will actually slow you down. Instead of moving forward, you will dig your wheels into a hole. If you brake quickly, you will also cause a mound in front of your vehicle and it will take longer to take off. You should glide to stop if possible and park facing downhill to help with takeoff.

NEVER Go Straight up a Dune

One of the most important things any dune rider should know is to NEVER go straight up a dune because you never know what could be on the other side (Razor Edge, Witch Eye, drop-offs, incoming vehicles, etc. ). Instead, always go across the dune in a sweeping curve so you can have better visibility and balance of your SxS on top of the dune. This will allow you to have great momentum and access to the next dune safety as well as a safer exit if the dune is too steep.

Getting Unstuck

If for any reason you get your UTV stuck do not panic, we are here to help. Although it is tempting to floor the gas when you get stuck, this will only make it harder to get out because you are digging yourself into the sand even more. It is better to ease yourself in reverse and use your compacted tracks to back up. If you cannot reverse yourself out, ask a friend or fellow rider to help you push, pull you with a snatch strap or winch you out.

Never Ride Alone

A good rule of thumb when riding the sand dunes is to never ride alone. If something were to happen to a lone rider in the middle of the dunes, it can be a long time before they are discovered by another rider. There is nothing worse than being stranded miles from nowhere with a gas tank running low. Riding with other dune riders is safer because there is someone else around who can help you if there is an accident or mechanical issue that needs assistance. Riding with friends or other dune riders in a designated area is the safest way to go riding in the sand dunes. The Sand Dunes can be the most exhilarating and FUN ride any UTV rider can ever experience, but you have to know how to ride the dunes safely. Wearing the appropriate gear, and knowing how to manage your vehicle are key points to riding the dunes. These tips will allow you to not only ride safely but also have fun doing it!

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