Riding ATVs Through Sand

When you’re a true powersports enthusiast, you’re constantly looking for new and exciting ways to enjoy your four-wheeler. If you’ve never tried riding your ATV in the sand, you’re in for a treat. Your all-terrain vehicle is built to take on any type of riding you like. Before you get carried away and head out to the sand dunes, it’s important to learn the basics. We’ve gathered some essential tips for riding your quad in the sand.

If you’re still searching for the perfect vehicle, be sure to stop by Family Powersports in Odessa. We’re conveniently located near Midland, Andrews, Pecos, and Fort Stockton, TX.

Be Prepared

The first thing you’ll need to do is make sure you’re prepared, which includes properly equipping your ATV for the task. Don’t forget that sand is a very unique surface to ride. Therefore, you’ll want to take some extra precautions, starting with your tires. The best option for this type of riding is paddle tires because they offer superior traction and prevent you from getting stuck. Additionally, these tires offer other features that make them the ideal choice for riding through the sand, like the paddle ridges that are able to move large amounts of sand so you have good momentum.

You’ll want to consider some other factors as you prepare your four-wheeler for sand riding. For instance, make sure your vehicle has steel sprockets because they handle the abrasive nature of sand far better than standard aluminum sprockets. You’ll also want to choose a lightweight chain lubricant with a low viscosity to prevent your chain from jamming up in the sand. It’s also critical to protect your air filters and the airbox cover. Lastly, some dune areas require ATV riders to use an orange safety flag to ensure visibility for other riders and prevent collisions.

Bring The Right Gear & Supplies

Regardless of when and where you ride your four-wheeler, you should always wear full-length, protective clothing to protect your skin from abrasions, debris, the sun, and so on. It might be tempting to wear tank tops and shorts when it’s warm outside, but we highly recommend you always stick to long sleeves when you ride your ATV. You’re also going to need a protective helmet when you hit the sand on your quad. Motocross helmets are a great choice because they’re built to withstand intense activities, such as extreme powersports riding. You might want to invest in a pair of goggles to keep your eyes protected from sand and other debris.

While you’re riding, it’s easy for your four-wheeler to become hot in an instant. If you ride your vehicle like this for too long, it can lead to overheating. You’ll want to have some coolant and fuel on hand for when your engine gets too hot and your tank runs too dry. Remember that your ATV isn’t the only thing that’s going to get hot. You’re bound to start sweating at some point, so you’ll need to replace the electrolytes and fluids that you lose in the process. Bring along plenty of water and snacks so you can replenish throughout the day.

Other Sand Riding Tips

Upon arriving at the sand dunes, the first thing you want to do is survey the area and establish where you plan to ride your ATV. You’ll want to stick to designated areas so you don’t have to worry about getting lost as the sun starts to go down.

It’s always good practice to ride with a buddy, no matter where you plan to venture. You’ll be in good shape if you can bring a riding partner along with you. If something goes wrong, they can come to your aid in the event of a fall or injury and call for help if needed. They can also signal to let you know when there’s traffic coming from the opposite direction so you can avoid a collision. In general, riding with others provides you with a valuable safety net. Plus, it’s way more fun to enjoy ATV sand riding when you’re with your buddies!

If you’d like more information or tips, give us a call or visit us at Family Powersports in Odessa. We proudly serve Midland, Andrews, Pecos, and Fort Stockton, TX. We also offer test rides, parts, service, motorcycle training, and more!