Be careful where you park Brit...
Trip Preparation
On The Beach
Towing on the beach:
* Always try to arrive at low tide (tide info can be obtained at
http://www.oceanodunes.org)
* Air down all vehicle tire to 20 pounds
* If needed, air down trailer tires as well
* Put vehicle in 4 high along the beach
* When pulling in the softer sand, some recommend 4 low
* Don’t make sharp turns in the sand
* Try not to stop pointing up hill
* If you stop moving forward, try backing up and getting a running start
* If you miss low tide, cross the creek at the point closest to the water (the upperpart of the creek has some very sharp edges that are tough to maneuver)
* If you’re not sure about the creek crossing, watch someone else cross, and then follow in their tracks
Camping on the beach
* Make reservations in advance through
www.reserveamerica.com for weekends or busy times
* Always park above the high tide line
* Park your trailer with the door facing away from the beach
* Place boards or tarps along the side of the trailer facing the ocean to help block the wind
* Put keys on long bright colored lanyard. (If you drop them in the sand, they are much easier to find!)
* Put a glow stick on your pets. If they get away from camp, they are much easier to find with a glow stick on their collar!
Safe Kids on the Beach
* When walking around the campfire, walk behind the chairs
* Keep a close eye on the kids while they are playing in the surf (a rogue wave can wipe out a child in a hurry)
DO’S AND DON’TS
DO’S:
* Carry cell phone for emergencies (dial 911)
* Keep dogs on a leash
* Ride Sand Highway to the back of the dunes. This is an easy path for all ages
* Post an observer at the top of a dune if you are riding the other side for any amount of time
* Be considerate of those camping around you
* Offer to help a fellow duner if they need help
* Be careful, the dunes are ALWAYS changing
DON’TS:
* Deflate your vehicle tires too much; they may pop off the rim!
* Ride or camp before Pole # 2
* Ride with a passenger/double
* Ride without a helmet
* Bring glass bottles to the beach OR throw them in the fire pit!
* Bring pallets for the fire (they are full of nails)
* Ride without a whip.
* Ride at night without a headlight or a taillight (it’s against the law and you may get stopped by the ranger)
* Speed through the camping area (15mph, plus there are unseen “potholes used as tracks” that people have dug that you may not see!)
* Spin the tires if you get stuck, rock back and forth and dig the sand away from the tires. Loading ramps work well as traction in front of the tires
* Ride in the closed areas!
* Ride outside your capabilities
* Drive your ATV drunk! A DUI is a DUI and it shows up the same on your record
* Chase or scare the birds
* Ride alone or without someone capable of getting help if you need it
* Leave your gas cans in the sun
* Try to camp illegally (without a permit). If you get caught, the fine is big!
* Leave your trailer awning out if it is really windy. It can become a kite in no time at all!
Things to Bring
* Bring a shovel
* Bring a tow strap (if you get stuck, it’s easier to get towed out if you have your own strap)
* Bring jumper cables
* Bring extra trash bags
* Bring extra tarps/bungee’s to make a “wind block”
* Bring firewood
* Bring everything you’ll need (food, water, etc..)
* Bring extra whips
* Bring wood for toy hauler stabilizers
* Bring a tool kit
* Bring spare keys for EVERYTHING. If you lose it in the sand, it’s hard to find
* Bring a pop up garbage can
