PeasBugs, I'm sorry if I did not clarify my explaination. I took a "4WD Safety Clinic" at Hollister Hills SVRA which was hosted by a local 4WD club called "Esprit de Four".
http://www.espritdefour.com (They are located in San Jose.) Seeing that you are in Soquel, I would highly recommend this class because it will show you what your SMB can do under the proper supervision. Each obstacle course had multiple spotters to help negotiate the vehicle. It was a great experience!