At some stage or other, whether it is watching from a handy hill at an event, or flicking through the pages of this very magazine, many of us have idly thought, “gee, I'd love to give a winch challenge a go.”
Story and photo by Vicky Newport

Well I’m here to say don’t just say it, do it.

Sure it can be nerve wrecking and even quite scary sometimes, particularly at the start. But don't let this put you off.  It's only frightening because it’s all new to you, it's only  nerve wracking until you start,  and only as scary as you let it be.  

The Mainland Superwinch Winch Challenge Series has been running  for 10 years this October and we still have some of the original group hanging in there. The main difference is that these days they have bigger, better and more capable trucks.

The series is  made up of four or more rounds per year. There are a set of ten or more stages per round for each class.  We run three classes and the class you compete in is determined by the build of your truck

We don’t just throw you in a stage and say go either.  The officials will talk to you and if you need it they will talk/walk/run with you.  At the end of the day they want you to enjoy yourself and be safe at the same time.

Sometimes, of course, the best way to learn is hands-on.  Every stage is timed and there are rules which you have to follow but the marshals are always on hand to help and guide you.  As time goes on and you gain knowledge and safety skills they will step aside and let you do the thinking.

So if there any of you are reading this thinking ‘yep, that sounds like a bit of me’ and you would like to give it a go in 2017, or just need advice feel free to contact us: mainlandwinching@gmail.com.
We will have someone in your area who we can put you onto. 

To read the full story in the November 2016 issue of NZ4WD go to Zinio.com (October 24) or purchase your own hard copy at the Adrenalin store.