ATV Beginner Riding Tips

If you’ve finally decided that you’re ready to learn how to ride an ATV, you’ve come to the right place. Polaris® of Gainesville has gathered all the essential ATV beginner riding tips below. Stop by your local Polaris® ATV dealer if you have questions or you’re still searching for the perfect four-wheeler. We carry a wide selection of ATVs for sale near Gainesville, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine, FL. We also proudly serve Ocala and Lake City, FL

Prepare & Practice

The first steps to becoming an expert rider are preparation and practice. Take your quad out onto some flat ground so you can get familiar with your machine and how it functions. Don’t forget that operating an ATV is not the same as driving a standard vehicle. In fact, it’s similar to riding a motorcycle in the sense that you straddle the seat, use handlebars to steer, and have a throttle and clutch. You should practice all of the basic tactics, such as accelerating, braking, turning, and steering at various speeds. This is going to prepare you for handling the really rough terrain once you hit the trails.

Additionally, you’ll want to plan out your ride so you have an idea of what type of terrain to expect. Whether it’s slippery and wet or rough and rocky, you want to be as prepared as possible. It’s also a good idea to follow a more experienced rider the first time you take your ATV out. In general, it’s always better to ride with others. Even when you’ve gained some experience, you never know what emergencies are going to arise that will require some help.

Wear & Carry Safety Gear

It’s important to know that there are some critical pieces of protective gear that you’ll need to wear each time you ride. The most crucial piece of gear will be your helmet. Make sure you choose one that offers maximum protection. The best options are usually a motocross helmet with a pair of goggles or a motorcycle helmet. You should look for a helmet that’s rated for high impact extreme sport riding. It’s also ideal to choose one that’ll protect your eyes from debris.

For your clothes, you don’t necessarily need to invest in anything new. However, you’re going to want to wear durable clothing and cover as much of your skin as you can to prevent abrasions and scratches. Boots and gloves are great for keeping your feet and hands safe. If you enter into extreme riding, consider a chest plate and knee pads.

When you get ready for a day of ATV riding, you should start by packing some key safety gear with you. Most importantly, you’ll need to have a first aid kit on hand so you can deal with any minor injuries or illnesses that may occur. Other items include a repair kit for your vehicle, plenty of drinking water and snacks, a compass or GPS, your cell phone and charger, an emergency radio, and a flashlight.

Rules of the Road

As a beginner, you might not be familiar with all the rules of quad riding, which is why your local Polaris® ATV dealer is here to help! The first thing to know is that you should always stick to designated riding areas when you hit the trails. These trails not only provide you with the safest and easiest routes, but they also prevent you from damaging fragile ecosystems and trespassing onto private property. Believe it or not, these trails are especially useful when you’re just starting out and getting a feel for your Polaris® ATV.

Remember to use proper riding form, which means you’ll need to go easy on the throttle and be gentle with the brakes so you aren’t thrown from your ATV. The faster you go, the more helpful it is to stand up as you ride for better leverage. Make sure you don’t lock your elbows or knees, though, as they need to be loose and bent to absorb impacts without causing pain or injury.

Ready to check out some awesome Polaris® ATVs for sale near Gainesville, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine, FL? Be sure to stop by your local ATV dealer, Polaris® of Gainesville! We also proudly serve our friends in Ocala and Lake City, FL.