Danielle Terpko – Ladies Offroad Challenge Featured Entry

Danielle Terpko
Pompano Beach, FL

"Danielle Terpko, Pompano Beach, FL – Danielle is either at work, aka getting money for Jeep parts, or is doing anything outside on the water, camping, offroading or Jeeping! Some of her closest friends are people that she has met through the Jeep community constantly talking about jeeps and developing their skills. One of her proud moments included breaking her drive shaft on an extreme course, fixing it with the tools she keeps in her jeep, then going back out and defeating the same obstacle that she broke on! Listening to encouragement is why she has continued to grow as a jeeper and she always encourages and supports other people to do their best!"

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Tell us about yourself:

I'm Danielle, I am from Pompano Beach, Florida & I am the Marketing Manager at a travel company in Fort Lauderdale. When I am not at work, aka getting money for jeep parts, I am pretty much-doing anything outside! I love being outdoors if I am not on the water you can find me camping, offroading, or doing something active with my friends, boyfriend, & of course, my pup! I also try to go to a lot of jeep events. I am very fortunate that in the area I live we have a great Jeep community. There are always meets & events going on it Broward & Miami Dade & I try to take advantage of all of them whether it is a simple meet at a shop/bar/restaurant or an offroading event! Some of my closest friends are people that I have met through the Jeep community. We are always constantly talking about jeeps but also we are supporting each other to do more & develop our skills. This is something I would love to expand more on & meet more Jeep peeps to teach them what I know & develop my own skills!

How long have you been offroading? 

I have been offroading my own vehicles for a little over 4 years now. I have been around offroading throughout my life.

How did you get into offroading?

I really got into offroading after college. I went to school in North Carolina and when I came home to South Florida after graduating a lot of my old friends had either moved away for school or were not around anymore. So I joined my local Jeep club to meet more people who were active and enjoyed what I liked doing. The rest is history! The Jeep community is like no else. The support and encouragement I received from the beginning was amazing and inspiring. Deciding to show up to that first Jeep meet, just to meet new people, forever changed my life!

Tell us about your vehicle:

My current Jeep is a 2015 JKU. I've done quite a few upgrades including lift, tires, wheels, rear & front bumpers, WARN winch, fenders, as well as a few cosmetic updates. I am currently in the process of upgrading more with a D44, rear lockers and a few more fun stuff to help me tackle the trails even better!

What has been your favorite offroad experience?

I have so many amazing offroading experiences, each time I go I feel I develop more skills and gain more confidence in myself. One of my favorites has to be at the last Jeepin With Judd event in Bortow, Florida. On the first day, I broke my drive shaft on the extreme course. But I didn't let that stop me. With help of some amazing friends, I was able to find a new drive shaft, install it and go out to wheel the rest of the event. The next day, I went to the same spot where I broke my drive shaft on the day before and I tackled it! It was a very rewarding experience.

What was your most exciting offroad achievement?

One of my more exciting offroading experiences was my first time at Hardrock Offroad in Ocala, Florida. I was climbing and at one point to get over a big boulder I had to bump it. When I bumped it I had a little butt pucker moment and felt me really tipping. But I recovered and finished the climb!

What excites you about offroading?

Everything! Being out in usually the middle of nowhere with friends and challenging myself to do new things is always thrilling. I can't get enough!

What do you think is the most challenging aspect of offroading?

For me, it's confidence in myself and in my driving. I have to be aware of my attitude towards myself and be sure not to have self-doubt. I need to have trust in myself, my abilities and not be timid about my wheeling.

What aspect of offroading do you think is the most fun?

Being with friends, I have a fantastic group of friends that are always pushing me to do more. Whenever we go offroading, no matter if we are wheeling or broken on a trail we are always having a great time. Attitude is everything!

What does prepping for an adventure look like in your world?

I always have my toolbox in my jeep so it's always ready to go. Before a trip I do make sure my radio is charged, that I have a full tank, fill up a cooler with water and drinks, grab some snacks and I'm ready to go!

What is on your offroading bucket list?

After my recent upgrades are done I really want to wheel out of state. I have only wheeled in Florida thus far. Also, Moab is of course on the bucket list.

Tell us about who you go offroading with:

I go out with my friends that I have met through the Jeep community. They are the best, they have become more than my "Jeep friends" they are my everything friends!

What is a piece of advice you have been given that you instill in your offroading adventures?

Trust your spotter. There are certain things you can not see that your spotter can. Having trust in them and the line they are guiding you through is very important. Also, always bring baby wipes.

Do you have anything else you would like to add?

Thank you, Ladies Offroad Network, for everything that you do for the ladies in the offroading industry. Having a place for women all across the states to come together and unite in their common interest, and in a male dominated industry, is truly a blessing.

Also, a shout out to the rest of the ladies in the challenge. You ALL are so amazing and I feel honored to be in the running with you and to have connected with you all!

Click here to see all the 2018 Ladies Offroad Challenge Entries.