first time trail guide, tips?

[theotherwhitemeat]

After going on many trips to off road parks and learning dos and donuts ans how to wheel, I've signed up to be a trail guide for a local group doing an event at Rausch creek in a month or so.
I have a good amount of safety, recovery , first aid equipment and skills and a good knowledge of the trails we will run, but I want some tips on being a good trail leader.

Experience levels are going to vary, so I'm thinking leave trail choices to a group consensu..


Anyone wana share some advice

 

[Fast Eddy]

Look up the rules for any of the TLCA's events and enforce them with a pre-run inspection.

If experience level varies you might want to find a co-leader and split the group.

And always...

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Put less experienced drivers behind ones with more experience with same model vehicle.

Make sure everyone airs down.

At the drivers meet prior to leaving, the rules:

Dont loose site of the vehicle behind you.

If a driver is not 100% comfortable in a more difficult section, say something.

3 tries and you get the strap not matter what the driver thinks.

 

[45Kevin]

Guiding is all about people management.

Find out who the strong and weak drivers are. Choose a strong/responsible driver with a radio to be your tail guy.

Don't leave the decisions to the group (for the most part) because sometimes people won't speak up on important questions. This is typical in all group situations.

Don't be afraid to take the easy way if you have weak drivers/trucks. You may piss off the stronger more daring guys but no one will get hurt.

 

[theotherwhitemeat]

good points guys. already have a good tail gunner for the trail ride, he's a lot more reserved than I am, brand new jku rubicon he's still making payments on, so if he isn't willing to do a trail I think that's a good indicator.

a safety brief at the beginning of the day is a great idea, as is the keep the person in front of you and the person behind you in sight.
I remember my first time out I lost track of both and ended up teeter-tottering on three wheels half way down a narrow drop in, had to wait a minute for the people behind to come catch up.