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When you first sit on your brand new ATV, you might want to rev the engine then max out your speed while tearing through the woods. You might even want to try some sick jumps or ATV stunts.
Before you hit the (off)road, remember you are a beginner and you should brush up on a few things to make sure you are going at it the right way.
It will take some patience and practice before you can truly enjoy what your ATV has to offer. Get started on ATV riding with these helpful tips.
Always Wear Protective Gear
Wearing the right protective gear can spare you from injury and can save your life. Start with a DOT-certified helmet and an ATV neck brace. Protecting your head and neck may be the single most important safety precaution there is.
Other protective gear includes a protective jacket, ATV boots, goggles, gloves, chest protector, and knee and shin guards. Not only can this gear protect you from injury, but it makes riding more comfortable by protecting you from dirt, branches, and flying insects.
It’s a good idea to install extra safety features on your ATV. Investing in a heel guard, nerf bar or other can am parts can help you have a secure ride. Remember, ATVs do not have seatbelts, so always ride with caution.
Learn the Basics of ATV Riding
Some of the best practices are to work on your ATV posture and riding positions to feel comfortable and in control during your rides. Distribute your body weight evenly and lean against momentum while turning. When increasing speed, practice hovering or standing while riding.
Your controls might be confusing at first, until you become familiar with them. Practice throttling, shifting and getting familiar with your controls on short trips before you go on longer treks. The more these become second nature, the smoother your rides will be.
Make Safe Decisions
There are a lot of professional safety training courses for beginners, to start you off on the right foot. As a beginner, it may be beneficial to see what these courses can do for you.
Unless your ATV is specifically designed to carry you and a passenger, you should ride solo on your ATV. Piggybacking can be dangerous and can result in injury.
Always try to ride with a partner, on a separate ATV. If you get into an accident and need help, having a friend to assist or call for aid can save your life.
Under no circumstances should you drink alcohol or be under the influence of any substance. Not only can this be dangerous to your safety and the safety of others, but you can get a DUI while driving an ATV while intoxicated.
Ride in Familiar Areas
As a beginner, it’s good to be familiar with your surroundings and to be able to anticipate what’s around the bend. If you are familiar with the area you’re riding in, you will understand when to slow down or where not to ride. Being aware of your surroundings is critical to ATV safety and can save your life.
Practice Makes Perfect
Get out there on the trails but take it one step at a time. You can still have fun with ATV riding without rushing into a potentially dangerous situation. For more info on sports and riding, check out our blog!
