What makes a 4x4 driving instructor?
First, our instructors must be expert drivers in a variety of terrain and with an understanding of the mechanics involved with different types of 4-wheel-drive vehicles. Rocks, mud, sand, and snow each offer their different challenges and our instructors have extensive experience in all of them and in a vast range of 4x4’s.
Second, our instructors must be experts at instructing. There are plenty of gifted and experienced four-wheelers out there, but being able to communicate those abilities effectively is a whole different skill set. Our instructors represent the select few who demonstrate the ability to meet a client on his or her level.
Third, they must have nerves of steel. We warn you—you will never have a bossier passenger!
Nena
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Owner/Instructor Nena Barlow grew up in the Southwest, exploring the back roads by Jeep, horse, and hiking boots. She has been in the Sedona Jeep tour business since 1996, leading people from around the world into the back country of Sedona by four-wheel drive, organizing special 4x4 events, and training professional guides in proper 4x4 technique, off-road and trail safety, and four-wheeling etiquette.
Nena has logged thousands of hours in the back country behind the wheel of a Jeep, with additional off-road experience in Hummers, Unimogs, Fords, Toyotas, and Nissans.She says, “The most important thing about four-wheeling is to not let your ego dictate your course of action. It is fun to push to the edge of your comfort level, but the best four-wheelers take the easy route rather than push beyond their capabilities or the capability of their vehicles. Know yourself and your vehicle, and be brave enough to say I am not going any further than this today.”
Nena spends most of her days outdoors, whether for work or play.
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Darryl
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Guide, mechanic, firefighter, EMT, rescue technician... you name it, Darryl does it! An avid off-roader, he can be found on any given day in a tour Jeep, in his classic Bronco, or on a dirt bike enjoying Arizona's thousands of miles of backcountry trails. His specialties are full-size four- wheelers and customized Jeeps. Being from New Jersey, his favorite terrain is MUD, but with the dryness of Arizona, he has developed a keen ability to pick lines over rocks. Darryl enjoys teaching others the skills to surmount impassible-looking terrain. |
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