How to Get Started Sandboarding

While the dunes, the most recent addition to America’s national park system, see some 270,000 visitors each year, few come for the sandboarding.

Although there’s evidence of this pastime in ancient Egypt and China, it’s only really been in the past 10 years that it’s become a recognized sport. In terms of technique and equipment, sandboarding is very similar to snowboarding, but much cheaper and arguably less risky.

Sandboarding is still a niche sport, for a few reasons. The locations are remote, and trudging up to the top of the dune after every run (there are no sand lifts) requires a reasonable degree of fitness.

We were headed for Star Dune, one of the tallest in the park. Getting there is a journey in itself; in between the 3-mile hike from the parking lot and the park’s location at 8,000 feet above sea level, you have to be committed to the cause.

I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun while exercising, although my legs and butt really paid for it the day after. Compared to busy ski slopes, it was a joy to be somewhere so quiet and empty.

As a complete beginner, I was at liberty to make a complete fool of myself without getting in anyone else’s way or having to worry about what I looked like.

Gear
If you’re looking for a smooth, fast ride, you’ll want a board that has a slick base. Modern sandboards are made from a combination of wood, Formica, or glass fiber and resin. There are 3 basic types; freestyle, freeride, and speed.

The cheapest boards retail for about $150 (good online vendors include www.venomousboards.com and www.oceanculture.com) while rentals range from $10-50 a day. If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of tips online about making your own.

Technique
Place your board pointing downhill, without letting it run away from you. Strap yourself in while sitting down on the sand.

Stand up with both knees bent and your head facing the direction you are going, keeping your weight over the center of the board. Holding your arms out for balance, shift your weight to your back foot and take off.

Where to go
While most sand dunes are open parks with free access, it is important to keep conservation in mind, as dunes can be fragile ecosystems. Before heading out to a particular location, do some research on acceptable use and designated areas.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, USA
Monte Kaolino, Germany
Great Sea of Sand, Egypt
Namib Desert, Namibia
Fish Hoek Dunes, South Africa
South and Western Australia
Cerro Blanco, Peru
Huacachina, Peru
Cerro Iman, Chile
Taklamakan Desert, China

Community Connection

Break into dune country with California’s Most Spectacular Deserts, on Matador Trips.