Sandboarding is a thrilling outdoor activity that has gained popularity worldwide. This exhilarating sport offers a unique blend of surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding.
Unlike traditional board sports, sandboarders glide down the steep faces of towering sand dunes, harnessing 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. Additionally, the stunning landscapes, from vast deserts to coastal dunes, enhance 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 took off in the mid-20th century, with pioneers like Gary Fluitt and Jack Smith popularizing the activity and developing specialized equipment.
A global phenomenon
Today, sandboarding has become a global phenomenon with dedicated parks, competitions, and passionate communities of enthusiasts. Some of the top sandboarding destinations include:
- Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, USA: Home to the tallest dunes in North America, reaching up to 750 feet high. This park attracts thousands of visitors each year.
- Sand Master Park, Florence, Oregon, USA: The world’s only private parcel dedicated to sandboarding, opened in 2000 by pioneer Lon Beale. It offers lessons, rentals, ramps, and free ride zones.
- Cerro Blanco, Peru: Renowned for its massive dunes and challenging terrain.
- Badain Jaran and Mingsha Shan, China: Popular for their vast and picturesque desert landscapes.
- Dune 7, Namibia: One of the tallest dunes in the world, offering an unforgettable sandboarding experience.
Sandboarding equipment
The equipment used in sandboarding is similar to that of snowboarding, with specialized boards, bindings, and protective gear.
But compared to snow, the abrasive nature of sand requires unique modifications for sandboards:
- Slick Materials: The base of a sandboard is often made of materials like Formica or ABS plastic to reduce friction and allow for smoother gliding.
- Bindings: Designed to provide stability and control while navigating the dunes.
- Protective Gear: Helmets, gloves, goggles, knee pads, and elbow pads are essential for rider safety.
- Waxing the Board: Applying wax to the board’s base helps reduce friction and allows for increased speed and smoother rides. Wax should be applied before each ride for maximum performance.
A Rising Trend
Sandboarding continues to grow in popularity, especially in regions like the San Luis Valley, Colorado, where stores like the Great Sand Dunes Oasis see high demand for sandboarding and sand sledding equipment.
Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a casual outdoor enthusiast, sandboarding offers an unforgettable experience that combines the thrill of speed with the beauty of nature. Explore the dunes and feel the rush of sandboarding today!
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Sandboards for Sale
 Slip Face Sandboards’ Diamond Back Terrain Sandboard  | – 9 ply maple veneer deck – High pressure laminate base, high gloss – Dakine adjustable foot straps – Slip Face Sandboards multi-positionable foot pads – Swallow tail design |
 Slip Face Sandboards’ Kestrel Wing 127  | – 9 ply maple veneer deck – Low friction base – Dakine adjustable foot straps – Slip Face Sandboards multi-positionable foot pads – Swallow tail design |
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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.