Last Updated on May 6, 2024
Sandboarding is a thrilling outdoor activity that has gained popularity around the world. This activity offers a unique blend of surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding.
Instead of gliding across water, asphalt, or snow, sandboarders ride down the steep faces of towering sand dunes. They harness the power of gravity and their own skill to carve graceful turns and pull off daring tricks.
This sport provides an adrenaline rush like no other. The sensation of speed and the challenge of maintaining balance make it a favorite among thrill-seekers.
Moreover, the stunning landscapes where sandboarding takes place, from vast deserts to coastal dunes, add to the overall experience.
The origins of sandboarding can be traced back thousands of years. There is evidence suggesting that ancient Egyptians used wooden planks to slide down dunes.
The modern sport really took off in the mid-20th century, with pioneers like Gary Fluitt and Jack Smith helping to popularize the activity and develop specialized equipment.
A global phenomenon
Today, sandboarding has become a global phenomenon. It has dedicated parks, competitions, and passionate communities of enthusiasts.
In the United States, sandboarding has gained popularity as a thrilling outdoor activity that combines elements of surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding.
Instead of descending water, asphalt, or snow, sandboarders ride down or across the face of steep sand dunes.
The sport has seen a surge in interest. Some of the most renowned sandboarding destinations are located in the US.
The Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado is considered one of the top spots. It boasts the tallest dunes in North America, reaching up to 750 feet high.
The park attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to experience the thrill of sandboarding down the massive dunes.
Another popular sandboarding destination is the Sand Master Park in Florence, Oregon. It is said to be the world’s only private parcel dedicated to the sport.
The park was opened in 2000 by Lon Beale, who is considered a pioneer in the sandboarding industry.
He has ridden at 154 dune locations around the world. The park offers lessons, rentals, ramps, and free ride zones for sandboarders of all skill levels.
In the San Luis Valley of Colorado, stores like the Great Sand Dunes Oasis have seen a surge in demand for sandboarding and sand sledding equipment. Some days they rent out their entire inventory of 300 sleds and boards before noon.
The manager of the Oasis, Chelsea Ammerman, notes that while sandboarding requires more skill and core strength compared to sand sledding, both activities have become increasingly popular.
This is especially true among visitors from Colorado Springs and Pueblo.
Beyond the well-known destinations, sandboarding can be enjoyed at numerous other dune locations across the United States.
Other top destinations include the Cerro Blanco dunes in Peru, the Badain Jaran and Mingsha Shan dunes in China, and the massive Dune 7 in Namibia.
Sandboarding equipment
The equipment used in sandboarding is similar to that of snowboarding, with specialized boards, bindings, and protective gear.
But unlike riding on snow, the abrasive nature of sand requires some unique modifications.
The base of a sandboard is often made of slick materials like Formica or ABS plastic, which reduce friction and allow for smoother gliding over the sand.
These materials are chosen for their ability to provide a fast and controlled ride on the sandy terrain.
Sandboard bindings are designed to provide stability and control while navigating the dunes.
Additionally, protective gear such as helmets, gloves, goggles, knee pads, and elbow pads are essential for ensuring the safety of the rider.
To further enhance the performance of their boards, sandboarders often apply wax to the base of their equipment.
Waxing the board helps reduce friction between the board and the sand, allowing for increased speed and smoother rides. Wax needs to be applied before each ride for maximum performance.
Your n°1 source of information on the world of sandsports and desert adventure travel. Our articles are the result of extensive research, personal experience, and knowledge-sharing within the global sandboarding community.
