Τελευταία ενημέρωση τον Οκτώβριο 17, 2023

Επιβίβαση στο ηφαίστειο, ένα τολμηρό άθλημα που περιλαμβάνει αγώνα κατάβασης ενός ενεργού ηφαιστείου σε ένα ξύλινο έλκηθρο, έχει κερδίσει δημοτικότητα μεταξύ των ατόμων που αναζητούν την περιπέτεια τα τελευταία χρόνια.

Μαύρος Λόφος, ένα ενεργό ηφαίστειο που βρίσκεται έξω από το Leon, Νικαράγουα, έχει γίνει ένας πρωταρχικός προορισμός για όσους αναζητούν την απόλυτη έκρηξη αδρεναλίνης.

The 161-year-old volcano is primarily made up of small penny-sized grains of volcanic rock, making it possible to surf down its steep slope on a wooden sled.

Group of Volcano Boarders Climbing Cerro Negro with Boar
Volcano Boarders Climbing Cerro Negro While Carrying Their Boards

Επιβίβαση στο ηφαίστειο στο Cerro Negro

The journey to the top of the volcano involves a strenuous 45-minute hike, during which adventurers must carry their sleds on their backs.

It’s a test of physical endurance that only the bravest and most adventurous souls are willing to undertake.

The path is steep and rocky, and the scorching heat of the sun beats down relentlessly on those who dare to venture forth.

Κάποτε στην κορυφή, the wind can be intense, sometimes too strong to allow for safe boarding.

But when the gusts die down, the “drop zone” awaits.

Υπάρχουν two ways to practice volcano boarding: standing up like on a snowboard or sitting down like on a sled.

Standing up may look cooler for photos, but in reality, it’s a less successful strategy as you move slower and can’t make turns like on a snowboard.

The wooden sleds used for volcano boarding have a rope in front for stability, but it’s not for directional control.

The bottom of the sled is covered with a thin layer of metal, and there is a piece of formica plastic glued to the metal to reduce friction and increase speed.

This plastic needs to be replaced every day as it burns off after one or two runs.

Participants are required to wear a one-piece suit for crash protection, as well as protective goggles and leather work gloves to prevent injury from sharp volcanic rocks.

While the volcanic stones are lightweight and easy to break apart, they are also extremely sharp and can tear holes in clothing or skin.

The steep slope of Cerro Negro can be intimidating, but adventurers can control their speed by putting their feet down at any time.

Ωστόσο, the thrill-seekers who seek the ultimate adrenaline rush will push themselves to go as fast as possible, sometimes resulting in serious crashes.

The volcanic rocks are not as forgiving as snow or sand, and injuries can range from minor scrapes to serious head injuries.

Despite the risks, the popularity of volcano boarding shows no signs of slowing down.

The thrill of racing down an active volcano at speeds of up to 30 mph on a little piece of wood is simply too irresistible for many adventurers.

But it’s not for the faint of heart – volcano boarding is a high-risk, high-reward activity that should only be attempted by those who are fully aware of the risks and have taken all necessary safety precautions.

βίντεο: Sandboarding Down an Active Volcano. Destination Tips.

History of Volcano Boarding

Riding down volcanoes is not a new concept. στην πραγματικότητα, the Hawaiians have been doing it for over 2,000 χρόνια, calling it “he’e holua” or sled surfing.

Ωστόσο, the sport was forbidden by British missionaries in 1825.

Στην εποχή μας, the sport is trying to make a comeback, and around one hundred Hawaiian riders are currently participating in the activity.

The true origins of volcano surfing can be traced back to 2004 in Nicaragua when an Australian adventurer named Darryn Webb first came up with the idea.

Webb was a backpacker who had been traveling through Central America when he stumbled upon Cerro Negro, the active volcano near the city of Leon.

After watching locals hiking up and sliding down the ash-covered slopes on pieces of cardboard, he decided to try boarding down the volcano.

Webb started experimenting with different materials to make a board that could withstand the rocky terrain and high speeds of the volcano slope.

He tried picnic tables, πόρτες ψυγείου, and mattresses until he eventually settled on a modified toboggan made of plywood, metal, and Formica, which could handle the rough terrain and provide a smooth ride.

The experience was so exhilarating that he decided to make it a commercial venture.

Σε 2005, he founded a company called Bigfoot Hostel, which offers volcano boarding tours and accommodation to tourists.

Equipment Needed

The equipment needed for volcano surfing is minimal but crucial.

The most important piece of equipment is the board itself, which is typically made of sturdy materials such as plywood or fiberglass.

The bottom of the board is made of metal, which helps it glide effortlessly down the slope.

The design of the volcano surfing board is essential for a smooth and controlled ride, as well as for the rider’s safety.

The board should be durable enough to withstand the rough terrain, but lightweight enough to allow the rider to maneuver easily.

Volcano surfers also wear protective gear, όπως ένα κράνος, μεγάλα ματογυαλιά, και γάντια, to protect them from the volcanic ash and rocks that can be kicked up during the ride.

It is also important to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants or thick overalls to prevent cuts and abrasions.

Must-Visit Destinations for Volcano Boarding

There are a few destinations around the world where you can experience the thrill of volcano boarding, each with its unique challenges and landscapes.

Here are some of the top destinations for volcano boarding to add to your bucket list:

Cerro Negro – Νικαράγουα:

Cerro Negro is one of Nicaragua’s youngest and most active volcanoes, making it a popular spot for volcano boarding.

The ash-covered slopes in the Cordillera de los Maribios mountain range provide a thrilling ride, and visitors can also witness regular eruptions from a safe distance.


Όρος Γιασούρ – Βανουάτου:

Mount Yasur is another active volcano that is known for its spectacular eruptions.

Located on Tanna Island in the Republic of Vanuatu, Mount Yasur is one of nine active volcanoes in the region.

Visitors can slide down the mountain’s slopes on a sandboard after watching a safe distance away.


Όρος Bromo - Ινδονησία:

Mount Bromo is a volcanic plateau that offers visitors a surreal experience and otherwordly landscape in East Java.

With its most recent eruption in 2015, Mount Bromo has quickly become a popular destination for volcano boarding in Indonesia.


Mount Etna – Italy:

Mount Etna is Europe’s largest active volcano, and it offers a unique summer activity for visitors to Sicily.

While skiing is common during the winter months, visitors can bring their own sandboards to slide down the volcanic ashes during the summer.

There are no dedicated sports facilities, so visitors will have to bring their own equipment and explore the mountain independently.


Ηφαίστειο Pacaya – Γουατεμάλα:

The Pacaya Volcano near Antigua and Guatemala City is a less popular destination for volcano boarding, but it offers a unique and thrilling experience for volcano surfers.

The volcano has multiple craters and has erupted over 20 φορές στο παρελθόν 500 χρόνια.

The latest eruption in January 2021 means there are fresh slopes available for sliding down on a sandboard.


Παγκόσμιος χάρτης Volcano Boarding


Αμμοαθλήματα


Sandboarding
Sand Sledding
Επιβίβαση στο ηφαίστειο

Σκι στην άμμο
Sand Kiting

Desert Racing
Dune Bashing
Πεζοπορία στην έρημο & Κατασκήνωση
Ταξίδι στην έρημο
Κάμπινγκ στην έρημο
Τρέξιμο στην έρημο

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