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Sandboarding offers an exciting alternative when the waves are flat, the snow has melted, or skateboarding parks are packed. This sport combines elements of snowboarding, surfing, and skateboarding, letting you ride down sand dunes instead of snow or water. To get started, make sure you have the right board and safety gear. Then, find a nearby sand dune and take your first run. As you practice, you'll get the hang of stopping and turning on the sandboard, eventually mastering the art of riding down the dunes effortlessly.
Steps
Getting a Sandboard and Protective Gear
Rent a sandboard from a local shop near the dunes. Many locations with sand dunes provide rental services where you can borrow a sandboard for a modest fee, typically ranging from $15 to $25 USD. Be sure to check if rentals are available at nearby spots with sand dunes or at destinations you plan to visit.
- Renting a sandboard is an ideal option if you’re not ready to purchase one right away.
Repurpose a snowboard or surfboard that you no longer use. If you're in a pinch, you can try sandboarding with a snowboard or surfboard that you already own. A snowboard with a square or twin tail works best for this purpose. Alternatively, a smaller surfboard, sometimes referred to as a boogie board, is also great for sandboarding due to its shorter length.
- Ensure the snowboard or surfboard has smooth surfaces on both sides for better glide on the sand.
Purchase a sandboard from a local surf shop or online store. Sandboards are typically made from wood, metal, or plastic. They should be around 9 to 12 millimetres (0.35 to 0.47 in) thick, 140 to 160 centimetres (55 to 63 in) wide, and 100 to 120 centimetres (39 to 47 in) long. Choose a board that's the right length based on your height and size. Look for one with a square or twin tail for smooth sand gliding.
- Sandboards can be costly, with prices ranging from $150 to $200 USD.
- If you plan on standing up, opt for a sandboard with bindings. These straps hold your feet in place while riding. If you prefer lying down while sandboarding, bindings are not necessary.
- Most surf shops, and some snowboard shops, offer sandboards. Ask a sales representative for help in finding the right one for you.
Wear a helmet and protective gear. Sandboarding can get quite fast, especially when you find a steep dune. Always wear a helmet and elbow pads to protect your head and arms. If you're standing while riding, knee pads can also help prevent injury.
- In addition, wear sunscreen with at least SPF 15, sunglasses with anti-glare, and long sleeves to protect yourself from the sun while you're on the dunes.
Finding Great Sandboarding Locations
Head to a national park with accessible sand dunes. Many national parks, particularly those in desert regions or dry climates, feature sand dunes. Avoid protected dunes that are off-limits to the public. You may need to travel to specific parks known for their sand dunes to experience sandboarding.
- Check national park websites to see if they offer sand dune access for sandboarding.
- Contact local sandboarding companies to ask for recommendations on where to try sandboarding near you.
Head to a desert or beach with sand dunes. If you're near a desert, check to see if there are sand dunes you can access for sandboarding. Some beaches in warmer regions also have natural sand dunes that are perfect for this activity. Contact local government or land agencies to find out if you can access a nearby desert or beach for sandboarding.
- Many tour companies offer desert or beach excursions that include sandboarding on sand dunes. Sign up for a guided tour to safely enjoy this thrilling activity.
Arrive early in the morning to avoid the heat. Plan to get to the dunes around 8-9 am to enjoy sandboarding before the midday heat sets in. Early morning visits also help you avoid sandstorms or poor weather conditions that often occur later in the day in desert areas.
- In the spring, afternoons can be quite windy around sand dunes. If you're aiming for smooth rides, avoid heading out in the afternoon to enjoy better conditions.
Starting Your First Run
Apply wax to the bottom of your sandboard. Use a small amount of sandboard wax and rub it across the bottom of the board, from the back to the top, and lightly on the edges. Then, take a handful of dry sand and rub it over the wax to help it spread evenly. Keep adding sand until the wax no longer sticks to the surface.
- Move the board back and forth on the sand, bottom facing down, to make sure it glides smoothly.
- Don’t use wet sand as it can cause the board to stick to the surface when riding.
Lie on your stomach for an easier run. Position yourself so you're facing the direction you’re heading down the dune. Tuck your arms and legs towards the center of the board for better stability.
- If you're lying down, ensure your sandboard doesn’t have bindings, as they may restrict your ability to lay flat comfortably.
Stand with your feet secured in the bindings for a more advanced ride. Sit down and strap your feet into the bindings, ensuring your dominant foot is placed in front of the board, facing the direction you'll be riding down the dune.
- When you're secured in the bindings, you should be able to lean back slightly on your heels.
Begin on a smaller dune with a gentle incline. Look for a dune with dry sand that features a 4 to 5 m (13 to 16 ft) slope. Ensure the area around the dune and at its base is free from any obstacles like shrubs, sticks, or shells.
Position your board downhill. If you're standing, keep your weight balanced over the center of the board and bend your knees slightly. Lean forward and align your hips and shoulders. Turn your head in the direction you want to go, keeping your arms relaxed by your sides.
- If you're lying down, center your body on the board, with your legs tucked in and your chin lifted.
Push off the dune to start moving. When standing, shift your weight slightly forward to slide the board down the dune. If lying on your stomach, use your hands to help push off from the dune.
Keep your weight centered as you ride down. While standing, allow the board to pick up speed, maintaining a strong back leg and keeping your weight balanced over the center. When lying down, keep your arms and legs tucked and your chin up as you descend. Avoid leaning forward or shifting too much weight to the front.
- Extend your arms to help with balance as you ride.
- As you approach the bottom, start slowing down to come to a gentle stop.
Run back up the dune with your board for another attempt. Since there are typically no lifts to take you back up the dune, you’ll need to climb back up on foot. After completing your first run, try another descent on the same dune to refine your sandboarding skills. Once you feel confident, challenge yourself with a steeper or larger dune.
- Between runs, you might want to reapply wax to your board to keep it smooth and allow it to glide effortlessly on the sand.
Mastering Stopping and Turning
Practice sliding to a stop. To work on stopping and turning, you'll need to stand on the board. Find a small dune with a mild slope and position the board to face downhill. Shift your weight back onto your heels and keep your toes raised. Drop your toes down to flatten the board and gently slide down the hill. To stop, lift your toes and dig your heels into the sand.
- You can also try the same technique while facing uphill. Press your heels down to reverse your slide, then raise them again to bring yourself to a stop.
Attempt a full stop at the bottom of a dune. After you’re comfortable with slide stops, challenge yourself to stop completely at the base of a dune. Choose a dune that ends with a smooth, flat surface. As you approach the bottom, shift your weight forward, slide your back leg out, and move your hips and shoulders toward the flat area. Lift your toes and extend your back leg to bring yourself to a controlled stop.
- Keep your weight evenly distributed between your feet to ensure a smooth and steady stop.
Practice turning on a small dune. Start by riding straight down the dune, then shift your weight forward and lift your back heel. Rotate your hips in the direction you want to turn, letting your body naturally lean into the turn. Keep your legs and hips centered on the board as you make the turn. Give yourself enough time for the turn, as it can be tricky in deeper or slightly wet sand.
- Try turning both ways by lifting your back heel and rotating your hips. With practice, you’ll be able to turn more efficiently at faster speeds or on steeper dunes.
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Enroll in a sandboarding class with a professional instructor to refine your techniques. As you gain more experience and confidence, you’ll be able to learn advanced moves like turning and performing tricks on the sandboard.
Essential Items
- Sandboard
- Helmet
- Protective elbow and knee pads
- Sandy dunes or hills
