Girl Cub is making 4x4xfar the most fabulous!

Three ladies with 4x4 terrain and co-ordination background saw too many excursions in the past, where the only place that a woman would be able to enjoy the fun of 4x4-ing was from the passenger seat. With their sense of determination and entrepreneurship, they’ve decided to make a difference and make 4x4-ing fabulous for the women of South Africa. SPICE contributor, Anton Pretorius, speaks to the founders of Girl Cub.

Girl Cub is not exactly battling for feministic rights, but believes that the time has come for women to take their turn in the driver’s seat, and of course enjoy the fun of their own vehicles. Don’t be under any misconception that Girl Cub is giving 4x4-ing a ‘girlie make-over’. It’s just as tough and spirited as what you’d expect from the guys.

Other that the fact that they make 4x4-ing look good, what sets them apart is that they seem focused on offering training for women as well as professional 4x4 corporate events. They are experts in understanding women’s needs and concerns and won’t be a smirk if you don’t get things right initially.

Even if you don’t own a 4x4, but consist of the passion and interest for the 4x4 lifestyle, Girl Cub would still welcome you with open arms. They are adamant to make everyone a part of their team. They want to recruit every passionate 4x4 lady to their exciting company that believes in the Tread with Respect motto, and empower them to new heights in a 4x4 lifestyle with a team that wants to give women and their family’s new opportunity to have fun, gain confidence and be as skillful as our fellow men.

Girl Cub provides the platform to learn the skills of driving a 4x4 – the rest is up to you. What their secret to success? When else have you heard of a 4x4 training and adventure company that will take care of you with that added women’s touch? Its run by women and customers gets regular pampering with gifts just to make your special time with them unforgettable.

Apart from getting down and dirty with the 4x4’s, Girl Cub also include other interesting activities in their popular corporate packages like kayaking, parasailing, elephant encounters, hot air ballooning, archery, boat cruises as well as many others. For more information, visit their website atwww.4x4xfab.co.za. SPICE spoke to Girl Cub founder, Angeline T For Ming about Girl Cub and what it means to the 4x4 enthusiastic women of South Africa.

GirlCub is a very creative innovation. How did you and your team get involved in the 4x4 business?
It all began in 2005 when at last, I could afford a brand new 4x4, which I purchased and received on my birthday. I have always loved traveling to outdoor places, which ruined my sedan and I had promised myself that I would own a 4x4 and be able to get to places that is not possible for a sedan. I then went to Ponto de Ouro, Mozambique, and did my first real scary obstacle, called Signal Hill (it’s a hair raising one for first timers.) And after purchasing my new 4x4 - that my husband drove most of the time - I decided that this has got to stop. So I plucked up the courage and went for the obstacle, tried it twice, but on the third time round, I DID IT with absolute felinity and better than some of the men.

Were you skeptical about entering a business that is male-dominated?
All the ladies cheered and wished me well for the great driving and I asked questions that night around drinks and dinner and identified a gap in the market. I realised there were no training facilities available that catered for women 4x4 owners, with a caring and feminine touch. Through my research and knowing that I was entering a man’s world, I knew that it was going to be difficult, but I did it with the help of some people in the “know” and everyone was very supportive of the idea. I had been through enough bad times with my new 4x4 due to lack of training and experience that had given me a lot of my ideas on how to train women. As for the team, Debbie, Shirree and Marene, they are all out -door spirited ladies. They loved the idea and wanted to be a part of this innovation and hence the name “girlcubbers’. Their support and input are irreplaceable and GirlCub would be nothing without them.

Is there a big market for women who want to participate in 4x4-ing? 
I know there is a big market; however it’s a growing market.
And it’s certainly growing! More women are starting to catch onto the idea that’s it not only for men. W still need the men, but we just want to empower ourselves, gain the confidence, learn and experience and enjoy as it much as they do. I don’t think we can overhaul our engines, but be able to get out of a sticky situation and for most part of our 4x4 tracks and destinations; it’s a thrilling experience and a whole lot of fun. There are more trips being put together for ladies and as long as its safe and enjoyable, more women will take to the 4x4 lifestyle as opposed to just driving kids to school or driving to work including city pavement driving.

Can the grueling conditions of a 4x4 lifestyle be appealing to the modern woman?
I it’s not grueling at all if you know how to handle your vehicle, Have faith in your vehicles limitations and have the confidence to drive it. If you have a good route, planned your trip well and a good navigator – then it cant be grueling, just very exciting. And when you say grueling, you make it sound so scary – well it is if you don’t know what you are doing, hence training is very important before you go out there and embark it. Understanding correct tyre pressures for different terrains, knowing what gear selection to utilize, clearance of your vehicle and all sorts.

Who’s the better driver? Men or women?
Women are generally very good drivers and very conscientious. One of the key factors that make women good 4x4 drivers is due to the fact that we listen and we are careful. Sadly accidents do happen and that is always due to bad planning and lack of knowledge.

In your website, you mention that you take care of your clients with ‘that added women’s touch’. What type of activities does this include?It’s just the caring and the sensitivity of the training as well as the gifts that they receive that we really endeavor to make our clients feel welcome and comfortable. Feeling comfortable while asking questions and ensuring that the snacks and beverages are really awesome is part of a well-planned experience. If there’s a big enough group then I will have a head and shoulder massage to get all that adrenalin tension taken out of them. So it’s about the experience with sharing the day with like-minded women.

You also offer corporate events. Is this a very popular past time?
Oh yes, very much so. And there is so much to do. Some Companies want to provide their staff with something different and also expose them to what it would feel like to drive in a 4x4 or other activities. And it’s really great for team building and getting to know each other. Introduce individuals to a whole new world and test out skills plus a lot of laughter and fun.

You offer extensive training. How important is the aspect of training for beginners?
Paramount! Do not attempt to drive anywhere without this, you can damage your very expensive purchase, injure oneself and passengers and most dealers’ offer free training with your 4x4. So I would definitely recommend this as a must or find a reputable 4x4 Training Company.

Not only do you include 4x4 into your corporate event package, but also fun activities like Kayaking, Hot Air Ballooning, Boat Cruises, Elephant Encounters etc. Does the variety add new dimension to the company?
Yes, I like to think so as some people may find continuous 4x4-ing a bit boring. So I created different packages that will allow my clients to get an all round experience if they want to spend the day out. And it allows Girlcub to be flexible in our services offered, other than just the 4x4 experience.

More and more woman are becoming adrenaline junkies, is GirlCub an advocate of extreme activities amongst women?
Well, I’m not that extreme so I did have a good giggle at this question. I’m certainly not against it and I think that it’s a personal choice and I agree it is involving more and more women. I think I will stick to my very bad golf and 4x4-ing that’s all my little heart can handle – but given the right time and opportunity I would be very keen to try anything (gulp). And as for being and advocate, as long as its safe and you’re not forced into it, then go for it!

Who does GirlCub look up to for inspiration and motivation?
I think that would be from our very experienced 4x4 owners and well traveled overland 4x4ers. I belong to a few forums and the stories and feedback that they have to share is an inspiration and something I enjoy and learn from. Kingsley Holgate, for his passion for Africa, and his adventurous spirit and travels throughout our country. Motivation comes from the women 4x4 owners that write to us, that train with us, that want to join us on our trips and from our fellow men that encourage us.

Do you think some of your more experienced female 4x4 drivers can give the guys a go on the offroad tracks?
(Grin) yes I most definitely think so. As I have said prior, women are more conscientious and in some ways very good and able drivers. One of the good things is that we are not driven by ego and in some cases it can be of detriment to the driver.

SPICE is dedicated to connecting women with purpose, which is about embracing their selfworth, passion, inspiration, commitment and edutainment. What would be your message to the women of SA in embracing their full potential?
Something that has always worked for me is the following quote…

To all the SPICE women 
‘It’s better to light a candle than to curse the darkness’
And that by standing in your power as a women you can allow oneself to embrace opportunities with resolute, integrity, passion and belief in anything we do and sprinkle to all we meet and come across with humor and wild abandon. Because in most ways we are African, and that means … I CAN!

Any future plans and developments in the pipeline for GirlCub?
Hmmmn, to expand our business into Durban and Cape Town quite aggressively and to spread our passion with those that are keen to do what I have set out to achieve and accomplish with Girlcub.

If you could invite four people to dinner (living or dead) who would they be?
And they are all men! And we do need them!
Gordon Ramsey – for his crazy kitchen etiquette and cooking skills
Richard Branson – For his entrepreneurial achievements and success
Kingsley Holgate – For his adventurous stories 
Dalai Lama – For his spiritual and wise intellect and humility