Overland Training: Educating the Adventure Traveler

[Scott Brady]

http://www.overlandtraining.com/home_images/OT_LOGO.gif (http://www.overlandtraining.com/)

Graham Jackson and I have been a bit quiet on the forum as of late, and for good reason. We have been building an Overland / Vehicle-dependent Expedition curriculum for adventure travelers desiring a structured, lock-step academic program for preparing themselves to push beyond the borders of their city, their state and eventually their country.

From that effort, Overland Training and the Overland Institute was born:
www.overlandtraining.com

Training has always been a part of Expeditions West, and we have principally offered training to NGOs, SOCOM and custom training and consulting to individual travelers. This commercial experience, and the experience we have gained during our own travels facilitated the development of a comprehensive curriculum, which we called "Overland Certified". In addition to the Overland Certified™ program, we have assembled a series of elective and advanced training courses ranging from Advanced Field Repair to Advanced Videography.

The Overland Certified program includes the following modules, which can either be taken individually, or in a week-long session. They will typically be offered in Colorado and Arizona.

Overland Certified:

Module 1-Vehicle Operations; 4-wheeled vehicles

Students will become familiar with vehicle systems and equipment specific to cars and trucks. Significant instruction and practice on driving in dirt and special circumstances that arise in expedition environments. Special attention will be paid to keeping expedition vehicles running in arduous conditions. The training will end with a comprehensive vehicle-recovery segment.

3-day course
6-vehicle max

Colorado: September 5th – 7th, additional dates soon
Arizona: October 14th – 16th

Module 1-Car Vehicle Operations; 4-wheeled vehicles – Women Only

The same as the standard module 1 for 4-wheeled vehicles, but open to women only.

3-day course
6-vehicle max

Module 1-Adv Vehicle Operations; Adventure Motorcycles

Familiarization with motorcycle systems and ergonomics will be covered. Practice in riding at low speed in tight environments and for recovering a stuck motorcycle. As with Module 1-Car, special attention will be placed on keeping motorcycles running under expedition conditions.

3-day course
6-motorcycle max

Arizona: 14th – 16th

Module 2 Equipment Operations

Learn the fundamentals equipment selection from clothing to computer systems. Emphasis placed on how equipment operates to allow intelligent selection for specific conditions. Integrating equipment with your selected vehicle is also covered.

3-day course
8-person max

Arizona: October 23rd – 25th
Colorado: November 1st – 3rd

Module 3 Expedition Logistics

Learn how to get from here to there on land as well as through the international paperwork maze without getting lost. Planning for contingencies, calculating consumption and needs for water and fuel and criteria for tem selection are all covered.

3-day course
6-person max

Arizona: November 8th – 10th
Colorado: November 14th – 16th

Module 4 Cultures, Conservation and Addendums

Learn how to travel and camp making as little impact on the land as possible. Also approaching other cultures and languages will be covered along with additional resources available to the overlander.

3-day course
8-person max

Arizona: November 21st – 23rd
Colorado: November 28th – 30th

Module 5 Requirement: Wilderness First Aid Certification (or equivalent)

In order to receive the overland certificate, it will be necessary for the student to complete the Wilderness First Aid course, typically offered through the Wilderness Medical Institute. These are a three-day course, which prepares the adventurer for basic life support and medical trauma treatment, stabilization and transport.

Module 6 Requirement: HAM Radio License or other Elective

In order to receive the overland certificate, the student will need to provide proof of completion of the HAM technician level license or greater. The requirement can also be satisfied with another Overland Training elective, if the student's travel plans preclude group communications (the same applies for Adventure Motorcycles). Waivers may be granted based upon other research and humanitarian/NFP experiences.

Additional information, pricing and course details are available on our course catalog (http://overlandtraining.com/catalog/):

[TACODOC]

Scott, this is super cool! :punk03:



Looks like you'll be needing more Instructors soon! :peepwall:

[Scott Brady]

We are going to open registration to ExPo member first, with a few cool benefits:

1. All ExPo members who attend a course will receive an Overland Training Alumni hat.

2. The first six to complete the Overland Certified certificate will have a spot reserved for our master trainer program (only offered once per year), allowing you to work as instructors for Overland Training, and apply for various instructor openings and special projects (like testing for Overland Journal, vehicle testing and commercial contracts).

We look forward to meeting up with many of you in the field!

[TACODOC]

I wish my schedule would permit... I'd be all over this like nobody's business.

[vengeful]

Scott,

It's really too bad that you hacked my brain waves and stole this idea from me. I was really looking forward to your help in building this. :elkgrin:

Great idea, good luck with the new venture man!

[RHINO]

2. The first six to complete the Overland Certified certificate will have a spot reserved for our master trainer program


having looked at the catalog, what does this entail? all courses or some combination?

[Scott Brady]

Looks like you'll be needing more Instructors soon! :peepwall:

Yes, we have several instructor positions open at the moment. We are hoping to evaluate competencies, attitude, etc. in the first couple rounds, and then pick from that pool.

[gjackson]

having looked at the catalog, what does this entail? all courses or some combination?

There are six modules that make up the certification. Those are the six that Scott listed in the first post. You can choose either the 4wd module or the adventure motorcycle module for the first. Module six is an elective. We suggest HAM Technician certification for that, but being an elective, other courses can be substituted. Overland Leadership is one example.

Once all six are complete (order not important), then you get the Overland Certification. First six to complete that is what Scott is referring to.

Hope that is more clear?

cheers

[HMR]

Module 1-Adv Vehicle Operations; Adventure MotorcyclesWho will be teaching the motorcycle course?

[mountainpete]

Very nice gentleman. Very nice.

[adventureduo]

Scott, congrats on another new Division. I noticed on your site you list Claremont, CA as a training Facility. What will be taught there? This would be much closer than both AZ and CO for any training we would be interested in.

[gjackson]

Who will be teaching the motorcycle course?

Tim Hillsamer and Megan Applegate are the instructors for those. Both have significant adventure riding and racing experience.

http://www.overlandtraining.com/staff/

cheers

[blupaddler]

Scott,
This sounds REALLY cool!

Couple of questions...
Do you have to take the modules in order? i.e. Are they prerequisites for each other?

Any plan in the future to try and have these classes accredited through a local college?


Now I just have to try and get time off...

[taco2go]

Awesome! Looks like a very comprehensive curriculum.
Arizona and Colorado:( .......I guess some of us will be plugging away at the Institute of Hard Knocks......

[gjackson]

I noticed on your site you list Claremont, CA as a training Facility.

Currently that will be the trailer driving courses. But in the future many of the courses will be offered there.


Do you have to take the modules in order? i.e. Are they prerequisites for each other?

No, modules can be taken in any order.


Any plan in the future to try and have these classes accredited through a local college?

:) All part of the plan. :26_7_2:


cheers

[gjackson]

Arizona and Colorado .......I guess some of us will be plugging away at the Institute of Hard Knocks......

This is just the beginning. We hope to be able to expand to your neck of the woods sooner rather than later.

cheers

[nwoods]

Wow, I am so impressed with this, and so wanting to do it. I am seriously thinking of ditching the family this year and doing the December 7 day program... Where in AZ would it be held? Prescott? Should I do the Wilderness First Aid course first?

Can I mix in some the Photography modules as electives, or are there no electives during the 7 day comprehensive program?

As an unrelated question, where in CO are the Colorado classes held?

[Paul R]

Wow! This sounds too cool! :D

I would love to take these courses, any scholarship programs for those currently in school? ;)

When are you branching into UT?

[Scott Brady]

Couple of questions...
Do you have to take the modules in order? i.e. Are they prerequisites for each other?

No, they can be taken in any order, and over any length of time. You can also just take a module you are interested in, without going for the cert.




Any plan in the future to try and have these classes accredited through a local college?

Yes, that is in the works. The curriculum is structured to move in that direction, in the future.

[Tanto]

Congratulations, very interesting outgrowth of your current endeavors. If I recall correctly your group had been conducting some LR training. I wish you luck.

[Skylinerider]

When are you branching into UT?

X2, we're only a state away:sombrero:

[gjackson]

Where in AZ would it be held? Prescott? Should I do the Wilderness First Aid course first?

Yes, training will be based out of Prescott. You can do the WFA either before or after, so that's entirely up to your schedule.


Can I mix in some the Photography modules as electives, or are there no electives during the 7 day comprehensive program?

The 7-day program just covers the core courses. You would have to complete the WFA and the HAM / elective separately. As things progress, and depending on interest, we will most likely have a system in place to have the elective either right before or right after the 7-day.

CO courses are based just outside of Boulder.

cheers

[Maximus Ram]

Very cool...now if I can just hit the lottery to take all of these courses:bike_rider:

[BriansFJ]

Cool. Wish I had the time...:26_7_2:

[JeepinBear]

Great idea!

PS...you should make this a sticky!

[jcbrandon]

Gents-

Most outstanding. Fantastic idea. Huge potential. Bright future.

All the best,

-J.

[cruiseroutfit]

Congrats and best of luck the new endeavor. I'm confident it will be an enormous success like its counterparts. I'll be watching for course offerings for the winter months when business and travel around these parts slow down, I've got plenty to learn :costumed-smiley-007

[nwoods]

Yes, training will be based out of Prescott. You can do the WFA either before or after, so that's entirely up to your schedule.

The 7-day program just covers the core courses. You would have to complete the WFA and the HAM / elective separately. As things progress, and depending on interest, we will most likely have a system in place to have the elective either right before or right after the 7-day.

Thanks Graham

Got my HAM already, just sent in an email to sign up for the December 7 day course. I would like more info on WFA course reccommendations so that I can take care of that prior to the 7 day cert. course.

Also, my wife is super excited to particiate in the 3 day woman's course. She can't wait until it gets scheduled!

[bovw]

This is just the beginning. We hope to be able to expand to your neck of the woods sooner rather than later.

cheers
Is the East Coast in the plan? I'd love this.

[gjackson]

Nathan,

Where are you located? Let me know and I'll email WFA courses close to you.

cheers

[gjackson]

Is the East Coast in the plan? I'd love this

Yes. :coffee:

cheers

[gjackson]

For Colorado we are now offering:

Introduction to Expedition Photography (OT125) on Sept 28.

and

Advanced Expedition Photography (OT425) on Nov 8-9

Both will be taught by Brian Slobe. Here are some examples of Brian's work as a teaser:

http://www.africaoverland.org/images/botswana/Bots-063.jpg

http://www.africaoverland.org/images/botswana/Bots-087.jpg

http://www.africaoverland.org/images/botswana/Bots-054.jpg

cheers

[bovw]

Yes. :coffee:

cheers
Outstanding! Thanks Graham

[RoundOut]

Scott or Graham,

Any chance we could piggyback the first course with the Trophy?

:jumping: .

[nwoods]

Nathan,

Where are you located? Let me know and I'll email WFA courses close to you.

cheers

I am in Orange County, California. Right near Disneyland. Very close to your Claremont Overland Training location.

[gjackson]

Any chance we could piggyback the first course with the Trophy?

Certainly. Of course you have to be signed up for the Trophy, but piggybacking shouldn't be a problem.

cheers

[nwoods]

Nathan,

Where are you located? Let me know and I'll email WFA courses close to you.

cheers


Thanks for the email Graham. For others interested in the Wilderness First Aid course, there are a number of classed offered, and they are quite diversely located. Here is the link:
http://www.nols.edu/wmi/courses/schedule.shtml#wfa_wfr_recert

I signed up for one, sadly, not the Sweden one this time around :-)

[Willman]

Congrads on the training idea guys!

I know Scott B. is a busy guy.....but now he will even be busyer!

:camping:

[p1michaud]

Gents,
You never cease to amaze me with your new and innovative ideas in the field of Overlanding. If the course offered at last year's Expedition Trophy were any indication of the material that will be covered, the students are in for some great classes. Well done :bowdown:

[gjackson]

Hello all,

Things are expanding rapidly! We just added dates for the Expedition Women's course in Arizona. This is a 3-day course.

OT219

A weekend workshop where women learn Overland Essentials, from basic trail spotting and vehicle recovery, proper clothing for the environment, staying fit and clean, food preparation and storage, trail etiquette and awareness, basic first aid, water usage and conservation, and the importance of positive group dynamics. Tread Lightly/Leave no Trace principles will be applied.

Dates are:

Arizona: 10-12 Oct.
Arizona: 14-16 Nov.
Arizona: 5-7 Dec.

The course is taught by Kristina Hall who does an amazing job with the instruction.

cheers

[haven]

Beyond cool! Congratulations!

Does the tuition fee include use of a vehicle, or does the student
provide his or her own? Can people share a vehicle, or should
each participant have their own? How about meals and lodging?

Chip Haven

[gjackson]

Chip,

Generally I think it's better if people use their own vehicle, and that's what we encourage. Having said that we can provide vehicles on request for an additional fee. Lunch is provided, but lodging isn't. Amenities and options will grow as business expands. :sombrero:

cheers!

[travel dodge]

So the first classes in Colorado are the photo classes? It looks like I have the days off and would be very interested in getting some formal photo instruction as I have not had any since high school. Any idea on cost? Is it possible to camp on site were the classes are offered? What gear should we bring, cameras, lens, computers ect.. Do we need to sign up in advance?
thanks

oh found the web site looking forward to the class

[gjackson]

Travel Dodge,

Yes, you should sign up for the class beforehand as space in limited. shoot an email to:

admissions(at)overlandtraining.com

You should bring your own camera. There are no crazy lens requirements, this is aimed at teaching you to do better with what you have.

cheers

[nwoods]

I just completed the 2-day Wilderness First Aid (http://www.nols.edu/wmi/courses/wildfirstaid.shtml) course through WMI (http://www.nols.edu/wmi/), which is one of the required prerequisites for obtaining the Overland certification.

The class was fun and very informative. A little light on field treatment & remedy's, but very good on identifying severity of injuries, knowing when to evacuate or continue on, and patient stabilization techniques.

I also learned a lot about how to fine tune my onboard first aid kit, and just how much of what I had been previously taught is wrong, outdated, or simply not applicable out in the wilderness (more than 1 hour from a trained First Responder).

Though this course was something I didn't really want to do, I'm grateful for Overland University in requiring it. I found it very worthwhile, and a good stepping stone into more advanced training in the future.

[pint]

Wow, this is a great idea guys! My schedule is full the rest of the year, but I will definitely jump into the classes in 2009 if you continue the Colorado offering!

[Scott Brady]

congrats on completing the WFA course. You might end up being our first student to become Overland Certified. Nice job.

[Streakerfreak]

Wow, I just noticed this thread! So this is what Graham was mentioning while we were at Devils Tower.

All the fun stuff has to be so far away... bummer. It looks like a fantastic new endeavor. Good luck with it!

[Beowulf]

What would constitute an equivalent to the WFA? How about PADI Rescue Diver Certification?

http://www.padi.com/padi/en/kd/rescuediver.aspx

Which requires Emergency First Response courses.
http://www.emergencyfirstresponse.com/english/

[gjackson]

Beowulf,

Sorry for the delay in replying. I have not had a chance yet to check out the PADI course, so I can't say if it could be a substitute. I'll let you know as soon as I get a chance to thoroughly check it out.

cheers

[Scott Brady]

Overland Training has just completed our first comprehensive course, and a big congrats to our first group of students.
http://www.overlandjournal.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/_mg_8981.jpg

1. K. Hall
2. J. Valdes
3. D. Nordstrum
4. B. McVickers
5. J. Edgar

5. R. Hanson (audited three days of the course)

Roseann wrote-up a nice overview of her diesel powered 60 series, which was first tested during this course. The complete entry is available on the Overland Journal blog (http://www.overlandjournal.com/blog/).

http://www.overlandjournal.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/img_6630.jpg

http://www.overlandjournal.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/_mg_8963.jpg

http://www.overlandjournal.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/_mg_8893.jpg

http://www.overlandjournal.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/_mg_8947.jpg

http://www.overlandjournal.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/_mg_8896.jpg

[Scott Brady]

A few more images:

Classroom segments: (there is about three days of classroom instruction)
http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/IMG_9753.jpg

Dave, with his new XV-JP
http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/IMG_9757.jpg

Brian, negotiating an eroded route
http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/IMG_9762.jpg

http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/IMG_9758.jpg

Kristina, in the mighty FZJ80
http://www.overlandjournal.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/_mg_8970.jpg

http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/IMG_9771.jpg

[Streakerfreak]

Very jealous!

[olympiccop2002]

Looks like a great time. Maybe if a few of the students could hop on here and give us a review? Likes and dislikes...? This will help others decide which courses are worth attending (all of them I'm sure :)) and which ones could use a little fine tuning.

Bjorn

[jorge]

A few more photos from the Overland Training week.

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot2.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot3.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot4.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot5.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot6.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot7.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot8.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot9.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot10.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot11.jpg

[jorge]

More photos

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot12.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot13.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot14.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot15.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot16.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot17.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot18.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot19.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot20.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot21.jpg

[jorge]

More...

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot22.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot23.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot24.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot25.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot26.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot27.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot28.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot29.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot30.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot31.jpg

[jorge]

and a few more..

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot32.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot33.jpg

http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot34.jpg

[nwoods]

Nice photos! Everyone's dressed so....professionally! I suppose I will have to go buy a vented safari shirt before I attend my class :-)

Question: What was the scenario or lesson objective where Scott was doing the spotting down that little decent? I had assumed (perhaps incorrectly?) that spotting or guiding was going to be taught to the course attendees. Prior to seeing the photos, I envisioned the student doing the spotting, with the instructor standing next to the student providing input.

I am not being critical, just curious. I figure that that photos are showing a different scenario or objective being demonstrated at that time.

Seeing this image here makes that EarthRoemer extremely attractive to me!
http://terraultima.webng.com/terraultima/album/ot/ot2.jpg

[desertgirl66]

Awesome photos Jorge!

Nathan, actually we all spotted different rigs through various obstacles. I spotted Scott coming down that obstacle in the white EarthRoamer. And we had many opportunities to spot each other. That last obstacle was pretty darned tricky! Each rig had to be spotted down a different line due to clearance issues.

This is a superb course, with lots of hands on training and field work.

And yes, you will have to wear a vented safari shirt :costumed-smiley-007 helps keep the sun off the shoulders, and keeps you warm on the cooler mornings.

[overlander]

Couple questions:

Was this course in AZ? Sure looks like it..(lamenting every leaving Phoenix right now).

Didn't' Rose put a 2.8 TGV into that Cruizer rebuild? Doesn't look at all like mine, which I'm surprised about.

[Flounder]

I figured Scott was up to something when I saw Dave's XV-JP driving through Prescott. The Jeep in front of me about crashed as the driver craned his neck to get a better view of Dave's rig. I could almost hear him say, "what the heck was that.....?"

Looks fun, fellers!

[gjackson]

Just a note to all who are interested, we have changed some course dates around to reflect the interest we see. I have added a comprehensive course for Colorado from Nov 16 to Nov 22. Check out the catalog at:

http://overlandtraining.com/catalog/



Was this course in AZ?

Yes the course was in Arizona, based out of Prescott.

cheers

[skephart]

The classes look great. I was in Phoenix last weekend getting my WMI firstaid class. When will the schedule for 2009 be out? I interested in the vehicle ops & recovery. After February I will be retired so I am open then.

[gjackson]

I'll post up the 2009 schedule before the end of November.

cheers

[gjackson]

Overland Training provided new driver instruction at the AZLRO rally just outside Phoenix. Scott posted some pics here:

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=290174&postcount=245

cheers

[gjackson]

We still have a few slots available in the comprehensive course in Colorado. Class runs from Nov 16 to the 22 and will cover all of the Overland Certification material except the HAM license and the Wilderness First Aid. Cost for the course is $1240 and includes the text book by Tom Sheppard.

Contact me if you are interested, or email admissions (at) overlandtraining.com

cheers

[UK4X4]

Dam ...you mean I should have been trained before I set out alone into the cursed earth to bring law to the unlawful...?

oops bad movie quote.....:D

Actually even though I'm an old dude and significantly travelled.....I still learn things every day...I love the learn it the hard way- and learn by experience thing...but these days
and especially in the US with such limited vacation time courses are often well worth while.

One thing I meant to do before leaving the US was the wilderness first aid course..but babies got in the way

Nice idea dudes...best of luck with your new endevours

[jeepmedic46]

Beautiful pics. Excellent idea. Any plans to come to New England to start a school?

[Scott Brady]

We are starting to develop video shorts to demonstrate the type of field course training that is conducted.

This video shows the performance benefits of reduced tire pressure in sand. Now everyone knows that airing down is important, but how much? What situations dictate even lower pressures? How to reseat a bead, etc.

Most importantly, we conduct a series of progressively more difficult sand obstacles to allow the driver to gain proficiency and confidence.

Watch the first video here: Overland Training Demo Video - Sand (http://www.overlandtraining.com/videos/)

http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2008/XV-JP_Testing_Baja/rolling_dunes_xv-jp_earthroamer.jpg

[nwoods]

superbly well done. Great music too!

[jcbrandon]

...video shorts to demonstrate ...
Nice job Scott, Graham, and team. The sand video sure shows the benefits of knowing how to do it. The guys who know their stuff make it look easy. I want to be one of those guys. :-)

[1leglance]

Great video and some good info...I know as someone who mucked up the sand challenge :)
a couple of tidbits on the video...in the future I would either have the OJ Land Rover turned toward the action or out of the shot so there is less distraction....or maybe it was just me looking to see if there were any new mods :)

[Purple People Eater]

The video was really choppy for me, with no music...

[TCM]

The benefit of low tire pressure was made very clear to me at the Comprehensive course in Colorado. We calculated the contact patch of our own tires starting at street pressure and then incrementally down to 5 psi. For my particular tires , BFG MT 255/85R16, the contact patch at 36 psi was around 56 square inches per tire or 224 total. At 5 psi the patch had increased to 136 per tire or 544 total. Needless to say when in sand, snow or mud I will not hesitate to air down to this level if I am otherwise unable to make progress at my usual trail pressure of 18 psi. But even an intermediate pressure makes a real difference as is so aptly demonstrated in the video.

[Scott Brady]

The video was really choppy for me, with no music...

That is an HD .mov file. Slow internet connections or processors will really suffer with it.

What is your internet connection like?

[Scott Brady]

a couple of tidbits on the video...in the future I would either have the OJ Land Rover turned toward the action or out of the shot so there is less distraction....or maybe it was just me looking to see if there were any new mods :)

Thanks for the feedback

I am (very) far from Pasquale in both shooting skills and editing skills ;)

[Purple People Eater]

That is an HD .mov file. Slow internet connections or processors will really suffer with it.

What is your internet connection like?

Cable modem, Linksys, Powerbook G4

edit: I can hear the music now, but it's still pretty choppy.

[1leglance]

Hey Scott if that was you filming & editting then really good job...I totally suck even compared to you much less the furry monster of the north Pasquatch :)
I just thought I would provide the feedback so you guys could have an ever improving product, plus I just went and posted it all over the place so you should get more attention :)

On the download I just waited until it was finished before watching and no chop...maybe that helps.

I hope JP knows about this video since his "Expeditioneers" rig is so well shown :)

Keep the good stuff coming as there are tons of newbies and oldies alike ready for it

[gjackson]

The Overland Training 2009 course catalog is now up. Check it out here:

http://overlandtraining.com/catalog/

We will be updating the catalog as new courses and dates become available, so keep checking back.

cheers

[Colorado Ron]

Great video and great schedule. Im going to have to compare calendars and see what I can work out!!:smiley_drive: :roost:

[Jacket]

There's something very familiar about both the location and the challenge....

Nice job. I've been sharing the course catalog with folks around here trying to improve the visibility of OT. No one can match the breadth of what you guys are offering.

[Backwoods Rambler]

Great offering guys! Although I can't see myself speding the money on the cert courses, I'm interested in a video series that covers the same content. Any possibility of that?

[flyingwil]

Lot's of fun!

Recovery training by luck:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gR8wSd9MvMc/SU3XyU4OvnI/AAAAAAAAEdg/BM9otSS7sM0/s800/DSC00947.JPG

Note- not in our group!


http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gR8wSd9MvMc/SU3Xz4NKTkI/AAAAAAAAEdo/RbvHESmGjzA/s800/DSC00948.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gR8wSd9MvMc/SU3X0eZ-4QI/AAAAAAAAEdw/0lMiwusqxQo/s800/DSC00949.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gR8wSd9MvMc/SUxztwI0-5I/AAAAAAAAEcs/GWfUrdTWr3k/s800/DSC00952.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gR8wSd9MvMc/SUxzwMb1n1I/AAAAAAAAEdE/83RbZI8rr3E/s800/DSC00967.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gR8wSd9MvMc/SUxzwlyMunI/AAAAAAAAEdM/HsNcIeRaPYs/s800/DSC00982.JPG

[awalter]

The Overland Training 2009 course catalog is now up. Check it out here:

http://overlandtraining.com/catalog/

We will be updating the catalog as new courses and dates become available, so keep checking back.

cheers

Graham,

Am interested in OT405 & OT410. Would be nice if you could put these together with consecutive dates.

Al

[gjackson]

Al,

We have a lot of interest in the guiding course (OT410). Will probably plan that for late Spring or Early Summer of 09. It will involve a lot of field work, possibly dropping down into Mexico. We can certainly make 405 consecutive if we get the interest. I'll look into it.


cheers

[SafariPacific]

Hi Graham,

Who should students get a hold of for the Wilderness First Aid requirement? I found WMI (http://www.nols.edu/wmi/) and a few others offering courses. I believe Al mentioned someone offering a class this January as well.

[Hltoppr]

Here you go Travis. Mostly WFR and WUMP up here in Flagstaff. Once a year, in the late fall, we offer WFA through FFI and our local SAR team. I believe REI in Phoenix offers WFA courses pretty regularly.

http://www.flagstafffieldinstitute.com/cart.php

-H-

[gjackson]

Travis,

Sorry I missed this. We also accept WFA from Wilderness Outings:

http://www.wildernessoutings.com/3course/wildmed.html

cheers

[gjackson]

The latest course run last week saw two very large vendors attend: ARB and Sportsmobile are now Overland Certified Vendors along with Sierra Expeditions.

It was very cool to have two Sportsmobiles and three Earthroamers in the same class!

http://www.overlandtraining.com/alumni/

cheers

[Blackeye]

I just returned from the week-long, comprehensive overland training course in Arizona put on by Overland Training and I thought I would report about it. More detailed info is at their site:

http://www.overlandtraining.com/

The course was primarily taught by Graham Jackson and Scott Brady was present for the first two days before he and others rolled off to Central America. The course included camping / field sessions in the Table Mesa area (north of Phoenix, AZ) and classroom sessions in the Prescott, AZ area.

The course incorporated vehicle awareness drills, sand driving, sand recovery, tire pressure analysis, spotting, rock driving, river crossings, hill climbs, convoy driving and other driver training applications. We learned a variety of recovery skills, reviewed and used a variety of overlanding equipment, discussed loading and lashing, clothing, tire repair, navigation, food, water, and logistics. The course even included discussion and analysis of security, border crossings, documentation, cultures, conservation and much, much more.

Everyone that I met associated with Overland Training, the Overland Journal magazine and Expeditions West was very welcoming, intelligent and respectful.

The vehicles present were a full size Earthroamer LT, two jeep base Earthroamer JK’s, a brand new Sportsmobile 4x4 E350 RB with penthouse, a Mercedes G-Wagon and our rig, a 2008 Sportsmobile 4x4 E350 EB with a Voyager top.

Being that we own a Sportsmobile, I knew that the they were impressive, but after the field days, I am absolutely blown away at what these things will do.

I highly recommend Overland Training and the information that they teach. The course catalog on their site tells of their course offerings. You can take individual (intensive) segments or take the comprehensive overland training course over a week.

I am already signed up for a Wilderness First Aid course so that along with my HAM license, I too can be Overland Certified.

The reasons that prompted me to take the course were a chance to get away, meet some great folks, increase my understanding of safe / responsible overlanding.

The best part? Meeting all of the great people. Thanks to the OT / OJ / EW / ExPo Staff!

[Paul 3]

Just signed up for the May Comprehensive Course...looking forward to it. :wings:

[gjackson]

Great to have you on board Paul!

I have updated the Overland Training site with the first of the Overland Training Technical Papers. This is on tire pressures and what effects lowering them can provide:

http://www.overlandtraining.com/research/

cheers

[gjackson]

And just for fun a little SMB action! The Sportsmobiles were awesome on the training courses, and even more awesome in the evening!

http://www.overlandtraining.com/alumni/images/Training_004w.jpg

http://www.overlandtraining.com/alumni/images/Training_010w.jpg

http://www.overlandtraining.com/alumni/images/Training_019w.jpg

http://www.overlandtraining.com/alumni/

cheers

[sinuhexavier]

I have updated the Overland Training site with the first of the Overland Training Technical Papers. This is on tire pressures and what effects lowering them can provide:

http://www.overlandtraining.com/research/

cheers

What load rating were these numbers derived from?

Do the load ratings make any kind of significant difference?

[Connie]

Graham is in the field right now, so he'll have to answer your question when he gets back.

[Paul 3]

Just got back from the Overland Training Comprehensive Course. Man, what can I say? It was a terrific course and everyone from the Overland Journal/Expeditions West staff to my fellow students were great folks to meet, learn from, and hang out with.

The training was excellent. The course of instruction was very well thought out, taught in a relaxed yet very professional manner, and we were all given ample opportunity to practice what we had learned. Couldn't ask for a better hands on classroom than the great outdoors and the facilities at the OJ 'Tactical' World Headquarters were top notch.

A rare opportunity to learn from folks that "have been there and done that". With many, many examples of how to do things right and, equally as important, how to spot those things that can be show stoppers before they occur. Examples covered a wide range of issues from trip planning, vehicle preparation, self-recovery, to shipping and border crossing documentation just to name a few.

I couldn't recommend this course more highly. Personally I can't wait for the advanced courses to hit the calendar so I can start planning my way back out to AZ & CO. :drool:

Thanks to Scott Brady for having us at the Overland Journal HQ and to Graham Jackson for teaching such a great course and sharing all those things that make for a successful adventure. To Tim, Barry, and Charlie....I've got plenty of MRE's left!

Cheers,
Paul

[SOAZ]

Very nice to meet you and hang out! It was a truly epic and tactical week of training.
If you get out this way, the beer is on my. At least one or so. :sombrero:


Just got back from the Overland Training Comprehensive Course. Man, what can I say? It was a terrific course and everyone from the Overland Journal/Expeditions West staff to my fellow students were great folks to meet, learn from, and hang out with.

The training was excellent. The course of instruction was very well thought out, taught in a relaxed yet very professional manner, and we were all given ample opportunity to practice what we had learned. Couldn't ask for a better hands on classroom than the great outdoors and the facilities at the OJ 'Tactical' World Headquarters were top notch.

A rare opportunity to learn from folks that "have been there and done that". With many, many examples of how to do things right and, equally as important, how to spot those things that can be show stoppers before they occur. Examples covered a wide range of issues from trip planning, vehicle preparation, self-recovery, to shipping and border crossing documentation just to name a few.

I couldn't recommend this course more highly. Personally I can't wait for the advanced courses to hit the calendar so I can start planning my way back out to AZ & CO. :drool:

Thanks to Scott Brady for having us at the Overland Journal HQ and to Graham Jackson for teaching such a great course and sharing all those things that make for a successful adventure. To Tim, Barry, and Charlie....I've got plenty of MRE's left!

Cheers,
Paul

[Paul 3]

Very nice to meet you and hang out! It was a truly epic and tactical week of training.
If you get out this way, the beer is on my. At least one or so. :sombrero:

Tim,
you got that right, it was a great time. Wish I could get out there and do it more often. Definitely let you know if I'm out that way again. Hey, maybe you could map out a trail between here and there, post the requisite number of trail markers and I'll overland it all the way to AZ...tactically of course!

Beers at the Raven, happy hour. It's like Pringles potato chips...can't have just one! :friday:

[Scott Brady]

Overland Training has a blog :ylsmoke:

OVERLAND TRAINING BLOG (http://www.overlandtraining.com/blog/)

Overland Training provides custom drivers course for father/son team heading to the Arctic
http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Overland_Training_(2).jpg

Overland Training provides driver course to LRNA
http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Land_Rover_Training_%20(1).jpg

[gjackson]

And attends the LRL 1st Descents kickoff.

http://www.overlandtraining.com/images/OT_LRL_04.JPG

More updates coming soon. Blog (http://www.overlandtraining.com/blog)

cheers

[Scott Brady]

we have made a few updates to the blog, and now the home page (http://www.overlandtraining.com/).

Sagen Media (http://www.sagenmedia.com/) provided us with a video, captured in HD. It is embedded on the home page, and can be seen in HD here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzNEURmL3Hc). Thanks Josh, you did a great job with it.

More updates on our October comprehensive course in a few days. It looks like we only have one or two slots left.

[Streakerfreak]

Very cool! That is a really well done video. Hopefully, Jenn and I will be able to make it out sometime.

[Scott Brady]

The guys at Sagen Media did an exceptional job. Josh White is the man!

[Scott Brady]

Our Fall 2009 Course.

This course was full, with 10 students and two instructors. Each class continues to expand, and we will now be adding two new dates for 2010. The travel experience of our students is an inspiration, the evenings discussions filled with adventures stories from Africa, Southeast Asia, China, South America, etc.

The group of vehicles was also enjoyable, representing a cross-section of: FJ Cruiser, 4Runner (2), EarthRoamer, Sportsmobile, Tacoma (2), Jeep Unlimited (2), Jeep Comanche and two trailers (AT and KK).

Mario, owner of Adventure Trailers and his Comanche. AT will now be an Overland Certified Vendor. Congrats.
http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Fall_09/OT_Fall_09_.jpg

Boyd and his ER pulling Mike and his SMB on a demonstration
http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Fall_09/OT_Fall_09_1.jpg

Mike returning the favor
http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Fall_09/OT_Fall_09_2.jpg

SMB on the sand hill. All soft surface and recovery practicals are completed on sand in a wash for zero impact.
http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Fall_09/OT_Fall_09_%20(3).jpg

Cam, President of Nemo Equipment (http://www.nemoequipment.com/) attended the course. He is an experienced mountaineer and adventure traveler. Cam is a 1200GSA owner and also has a nice Tacoma. For the course, he used the EW Tacoma and Overland JK. Nemo is also a certified Vendor now! :D.

http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Fall_09/OT_Fall_09_%20(5).jpg

http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Fall_09/OT_Fall_09_%20(4).jpg

Cam also spent time with the group sharing their 2010 products appropriate to adventure motorcycle use and vehicle-based camping.
http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Fall_09/OT_Fall_09_%20(9).jpg

James and Stacey Roy attended the course in their Toyota Tacoma. The same truck they drove to Panama in. Always fun people to have around.
http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Fall_09/OT_Fall_09_%20(6).jpg

Boyd certainly had the largest truck in the training, but it is surprising how well an ER will do with the correct tire pressure. Obviously size is the limiting factor.
http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Fall_09/OT_Fall_09_%20(7).jpg

[Scott Brady]

Mike in the SMB heading up the sand course. The course is driven at various pressures to demonstrate the effect of weight distribution (flotation) on soft surfaces.
http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Fall_09/OT_Fall_09_%20(1).jpg

Mike on the first of several progressively steeper hills.
http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Fall_09/OT_Fall_09_%20(10).jpg

Jason on the same hill in his well-thought-out JK Unlimited.
http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Fall_09/OT_Fall_09_%20(11).jpg

Cam on the advanced climb/decent
http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Fall_09/OT_Fall_09_%20(12).jpg

James (Redline) on a more difficult decent with the KK camper. His 4Runner is exceptional.
http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Fall_09/OT_Fall_09_%20(13).jpg

Barry, a NYC Port Authority (ret) officer is new to vehicle-dependent travel, and is considering which vehicle to purchase. He certainly liked the JK.
http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Fall_09/OT_Fall_09_%20(14).jpg

http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Fall_09/OT_Fall_09_%20(15).jpg

http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Fall_09/OT_Fall_09_%20(16).jpg

[Scott Brady]

Alan in his FJC on the climb. Alan is an experienced and effective driver.
http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Fall_09/OT_Fall_09_%20(17).jpg

I have a few more images from the classroom session too, and will post them soon.

[trailsurfer]

Great pictures Scott. Thanks again for a wonderful training experience.

[Scott Brady]

Overland Training would like to welcome our two newest Overland Certified Companies. They have completed all coursework and medical training requirements and demonstrated both field proficiency and passed the course exam.

Adventure Trailers (http://www.adventuretrailers.com)

Nemo Tents (http://www.nemoequipment.com/)

[1leglance]

This Overland Training thing is shaping up to be a Who's Who in the market.
Welcome and congrats to Mario of Adventure Trailers...of course we already knew you were top shelf but now visitors to the website will see another great cert.

Welcome to Nemo...very cool air tube tents. Looking forward to learning more.

Ok now we need another non-profit or two..Disabled Explorers can't be hanging out alone :)

[gjackson]

http://www.overlandtraining.com/images/Ltr-head-logo-long.jpg

http://www.remotemedical.com/site/images2/body-logo.gif

I posted this in the Expedition preparation Forum as well, but I'm going to duplicate the word here:

Overland Training (http://www.overlandtraining.com/) is teaming with Remote Medical International (http://www.remotemedical.com/) to offer an industry first: Wilderness First Aid for Overlanding. This three day course will include WFA certification in the standard two day format, and then an additional day that will cover CPR certification, travel medicine, medical pack overviews and trauma and evacuation related to common vehicle related accidents.

This course will be offered for the first time on December 18th, 19th and 20th 2009 with additional courses to follow in 2010. Remote Medical will also be at the upcoming Overland Expo (http://www.ovexpo.com/Home.html) in April.

Overland Training has also commissioned RMI to put together medical kits for overlanding use, kits that cover medical eventualities in international zones. RMI is a full service pharmacy and provides telemedicine support for remote overlanders and expeditions for support where a hospital is not an option.

The course is offered at $425 in Prescott AZ. To get more information or to sign up, please contact Overland Training:

admissions(at)overlandtraining.com
720-280-4523

Or review our Course Catalog (http://www.overlandtraining.com/catalog/).

[p1michaud]

Very cool training, I've been secretly keeping an eye on the progression of this training program from "down under". So when are you going to offer your first Australian session? :elkgrin:

[teotwaki]

Then do you get a cool sticker for your bumper like this?
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/7102/16thoct090231.jpg (http://img257.imageshack.us/i/16thoct090231.jpg/)

On a cool vehicle like this?
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/5986/16thoct090232.jpg (http://img257.imageshack.us/i/16thoct090232.jpg/)
:elkgrin:

[Scott Brady]

Yes :D

[jcbrandon]

I'm not certain, but I may have encountered the first Overland Certified chihuahua in Baja a few days ago:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/4160381125_9498df3701.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jbrandon/4160381125/)

[gjackson]

Overland Training is thrilled to be teaming up with Remote Medical International for another Overland WFA course.

The training will take place at the Overland Training base in Prescott, AZ July 9-11. This is a custom training based on the 16-hour WFA certification, supplemented to provide a more complete skill set appropriate to remote and international overlanding. The three days will give a full treatment of topics, and will include Wilderness First Aid and CPR/AED certifications. Additionally we will include instruction on travel medicine, advanced med kits and using telemedicine or remote medical direction. Classroom training will be interspersed with hands-on skills training and scenarios, and the course will emphasize overland-specific issues and scenarios. It will be a great way to prepare yourself for managing both common issues and worst-case scenarios when help is hours to days away. It will also be a lot of fun!

Here are two great write-ups from the Overland Training and Overland Journal blogs describing the inaugural course we ran last December:

http://www.overlandtraining.com/blog/?p=89
http://www.overlandjournal.com/blog/?p=463

This course is open to all overlanders, so please let interested friends know. If you have questions please contact me directly, I'd be happy to answer them. We'd love to see you in Prescott this July!

Link to online registration:

http://www.remotemedical.com/WFA-for-Overlanding-July-9-11-2010-in-Prescott-AZ

cheers

[1leglance]

I was in the display right next to these guys at the Overland Expo and talked to them a ton...
as a ICU RN and W-EMT I was very very impressed with everything about Remote Medical.
I will be taking their incredible version of the Wilderness Upgrade for Medical Professionals very soon as I need to re-cert and I am looking forward to posting a report.
The fact that they are willing to take a traditionally backpacking oriented format and adjust it to what we do shows the range of experience and knowledge they have.
And since I can get all the supplies & meds from them also it is a no brainer.

I would recommend this course for anyone based on just what I have seen from talking with them...I can't wait to report back first hand though.

[Ace Brown]

I very recently signed up for WFA by Remote Medical. Upon completion I will be getting my Overland Certificate. When I first looked into this I inocently thought all that was required was the Overland Training. I did not know that a HAM license and WFA were also requirements. Well, anyway the first two are behind me and one last step to go.

Not real thrilled about Prescott in July but we might get some real world experience with treating for heat exhaustion! :)

Ace

[medanum6298]

Cool. Wish I had the time..

[JFarris]

Is there a schedule for 2012?