FTS Off-Road Academy
We all start our off-road journey somewhere. Maybe it was riding shotgun with dad on a weekend trail run, heading out solo to explore the unknown, or learning the ropes in a class. No matter how it began, one thing remains true: knowledge is power.
At Florida Trail Stompers, we’re passionate about helping our Members grow into confident, capable off-roaders—both on the trail and beyond it.
That’s where the FTS Off-Road Academy (ORA) comes in. We offer a wide variety of educational opportunities designed to meet you where you are in your off-road journey. Select courses are now available virtually through pre-recorded video, making it easier than ever to learn on your own schedule. You’ll also find FTS Off-Road Academy Learner Guides available for download to your smart device or to print and keep in a binder for quick reference.
(Some guides are still in development—if you notice one missing, please don’t hesitate to reach out!)
We’re incredibly proud and thankful to have the support and endorsement of Tread Lightly! and the Florida Off-Road Foundation. Their trust and backing fuel our mission and reinforce our commitment to responsible, high-quality off-road education.
Let’s learn, explore, and stomp trails the right way—together.
Basic Rig Maintenance
By attending this class you will walk away with the skills to perform your own maintenance and simple repairs.
Intro to Mud
Mud is the devil! But if you have a basic understanding of it, you may learn to like it, or never want to ride through it again.
Intro to Intermediate Obstacles
As your experience grows, you may be tempted to tackle a more significant level of rigor. Let us help you rise to the challenge with a class on advanced obstacles.
Intro to Spotting
Now that you know about obstacles, you will want to learn how to guide someone else over them safely and successfully. This class also has an online virtual option for viewing.
Off-Roading For Advanced
Planning to wheel out of state? This class is a perfect first step to push the limits of your skill and your rig through the unfamiliar challenges beyond the borders of Florida.
Off-Road Recovery 201
If the wheeling is getting more challenging, odds are the recoveries are getting more complicated. We can show you how to safely and effectively use some of the more advanced tools out there so that you can evaluate and execute a successful recovery.
Trail Repairs
Mechanical failure or damage on the trails is a real possibility. This class focuses on some common scenarios and the repairs needed to get you safely off the trail. Come find out what should be in your off-road toolkit.
Tread Lightly!
Learn how to be a better steward in a nationwide community of off-roaders that are committed to keeping trails open, clean, and rideable for future generations. This class also has an online virtual option for viewing.
Basic Post Ride Maintenance
After you finish your ride for the day, you will want to get home and inspect, clean, and fix necessary items to prolong the life of your rig. This class also has an online virtual option for viewing.
Intro to Beginner Obstacles
Step up your trail-riding game with this class. Learn how to evaluate and overcome obstacles as you challenge yourself with more demanding terrain.
Intro to Soft Sand
Sugar sand can bog you down or bring you to a halt entirely. Learn the tricks for navigating this deceptively difficult Florida trail terrain.
Off-Roading For Beginners
Got a new rig? Getting back into off-roading? Well we can teach you the basics so you can feel comfortable while out on the trails exploring.
Off-Road Recovery 101
Knowing the basics for off-road recovery is non-negotiable. This course introduces you to the most commonly used gear and includes clear and detailed demonstrations.
Safety On The Trails & Outdoor Emergency Care
We hope you never need the knowledge you’ll gain in this course, but being prepared is the smart move. Our highly qualified instructors will arm you with the skills to make a difference when it counts. This class also has an online virtual option for viewing.
Trail Tech
A more technical course, this content focuses on the variety of options for navigation and communication. And, yes, there’s an app for that! This class also has an online virtual option for viewing.
FTS Off-Road Academy
Virtual Classes
You can now get a brief overview of what some of our courses are about. You can still attend the "in-person" course as they become available by checking
the Events Tab on our Facebook page.
FTS Off-Road Academy
Florida Trail Stompers Off-Road Academy: Safety On The Trails
Florida Trail Stompers Off-Road Academy: Tread Lightly!
Florida Trail Stompers Off-Road Academy: Basic Post Ride Maintenance
Florida Trail Stompers Off-Road Academy: Intro to Spotting
Tread Lightly 101
The FTS Off-Road Academy is supported and endorsed by the Tread Lightly! and the Florida Off Road Foundation organizations. We are recommending everyone who attends the ORA to please take FREE the "TREAD LIGHTLY! 101 ONLINE AWARENESS COURSE”.
Once you completed the course, please send the certificate as a PDF to us.
If you attend any of the ORA courses that are held at The Concourse venue, we will require you as a prerequisite to those specific courses to have taken
the Tread Lightly! 101 course.
