What Is SandBoarding (Sand Surfing)?
Sandboarding is an extreme sport that involves riding a specialized board or sand toboggan down sand dunes in deserts or on sand dunes.
Sandboarding has its origins in other board sports such as snowboarding, skateboarding, and surfboarding.
Some people understandably refer to sandboarding also as sand surfing, given that you are in effect surfing down sand dunes.
The primary difference though from snowboarding, skateboarding, and surfboarding is the terrain used for sandboarding, whereby the terrain consists of loose sand rather than packed snow or concrete.
The Boards Used in Sandboarding
The boards used for sandboarding are designed to provide maximum speed and maneuverability when descending dunes.
The boards typically have a hardwood base with a waxed surface so that it can slide easily down through the sand.
Sand boards also often feature specialized bindings that allow riders to firmly attach their feet to the board.
The SandBoarding Trend
Sandboarding has become a popular activity among thrill seekers in recent years, as people seek to experience the adrenaline rush of hurtling down dunes at high speeds.
The loose terrain and natural ramps found on sand dunes also make for an exciting sport, with some riders performing jumps and aerial maneuvers as they descend.
Sandboarding can be enjoyed by experienced boarders, but it is also suitable for beginners.
Due to the soft terrain of sand dunes, falls are much less dangerous than when skateboarding or snowboarding on hard surfaces.
This makes sandboarding an ideal activity for people looking to experience a thrilling sport in a safe environment.
Safety and Sand Boarding
Safety gear such as helmets and pads should always be worn when sandboarding, and it is important to be aware of potential hazards such as cacti and other plants that can be found in the dunes.
Sand boards come in a variety of shapes including traditional snowboard designs, as well as flat-bottomed boards designed for sand surfing.
Sand boarders typically head out in groups, making use of specially adapted vehicles capable of driving on the soft terrain of sand dunes (when the dunes are in isolated or desert areas).
The sport offers an adrenaline rush like no other, with riders able to reach incredible speeds as they descend the slopes.
Whether you are into extreme sports or just looking for something new and exciting to try, sandboarding is a sport I highly recommend trying!
21 Places to Try Sandboarding (or Sand Surfing)
From the rolling sand dunes of Namibia to the white-capped mountains of Peru, sandboarding is a thrilling sport that can be enjoyed almost anywhere in the world.
Here are 21 of the best places in the world for sandboarding:
1. Swakopmund, Namibia
With towering dunes made from orange-hued sand, this region of Namibia is ideal for experienced sandboarders looking for an adrenaline rush.
You can try Alter Action sandboarding or use one of the local tour companies.
Namibia in fact, is home to several of the world’s most famous sandboarding destinations.
In addition to Swakopmund on the Atlantic Ocean, you might also want to try the towering dunes near Sossusvlei.
This is a great country for sandboarding and a fascinating country to visit culturally.
2. Algodones Dunes, California
This popular spot in the California desert offers a range of terrains for all levels of skills and abilities.
Daniel Royse did a report on surfing the Algodones Dunes, that is worth reading.
3. Huacachina Oasis, Peru
This oasis located near Ica is full of lush vegetation and large sand dunes, making it the perfect spot for sandboarding.
Although the area can be quite windy, the adventure of riding down its vast dunes is worth the effort.
4. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado
Boasting some of the tallest sand dunes in North America, it’s no wonder that this is one of the top sandboarding spots in the world.
Its unique shape and size make it an ideal spot for thrill seekers looking to experience a rush.
Learn more about the Great Sand Dunes Park.
5. Lancelin Sand Dunes, Australia
Located just outside of Perth, these dunes stretch for miles along the coast, making them perfect for avid riders or those who want to take their time exploring on foot.
The mornings tend to be the best time as this is when the wind is not too strong.
You can rent a sandboard from the local Lancelin Tourist Office and here are instructions on how to get there.
6. Cabo Polonio, Uruguay
It’s not the easiest dunes to get to but this spot offers some dunes that you can sandsurf close to the ocean with plenty of rolling hills and troughs that are great for sliding down.
If you need to, you can rent a sandboard from the surf shop in Punta del Diablo.
7. Death Valley, USA
This iconic desert is home to numerous sand dunes, but one of the most popular spots for sandboarding is Stovepipe Sand Dune.
It’s the tallest in the valley and offers a unique chance to see stunning views of the surrounding landscape while you ride.
8. Namib Desert, Namibia
The world’s oldest desert has some of the highest dunes on earth, making it one of the best places for serious riders looking for an adrenaline rush.
From high peaks to rolling valleys, there are plenty of options here to explore your limits.
9. White Sands National Monument, New Mexico
This national park is known for its intense sands and giant dunes that have been sculpted by wind and water over millions of years.
It’s a great place to try out sandboarding and experience the beauty of this desert paradise, especially given the stunning scenic nature of the white sands.
10. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, USA
Located in the state of Oregon on the Pacific shore, this diverse range of sand dunes offers some incredible riding opportunities.
With more than 40 miles of undulating slopes to explore and traverse, it’s no wonder why so many boarders flock here each year!
11. Sodwana Bay National Park, South Africa
This gorgeous national park offers some of the best sandboarding experiences in the world.
With stunning views out over the Indian Ocean and miles of pristine beaches to explore, it’s a great place to try your hand at this exciting sport.
12. Mui Ne, Vietnam
Located on the beautiful coast of Vietnam, Mui Ne is known as one of Asia’s premier sandboarding destinations.
The area features sweeping sand dunes that offer plenty of room to practice your skills or just take in the unique views across this stunning part of the world.
The stunning red dunes are a beautiful location for sand surfing and sandboarding.
13. Sao Miguel Island, Portugal
If you are looking for an adventure in one of Europe’s most beautiful islands, look no further than Sao Miguel Island in Portugal.
With sweeping views out over the Atlantic Ocean and miles of sandy beaches, it’s perfect for sandboarding and exploring the local culture.
14. Utah’s Great Salt Lake Desert
With plenty of wide-open spaces and long runs to choose from, this desert oasis provides a unique and exhilarating experience.
It’s a popular location for sandboarding and a great place to meet others who share this a passion for this activity and outdoor sports.
15. Great Sand Dunes National Park
Located in Colorado, this park is a stunning natural landscape that’s perfect for sandboarding.
With dune formations reaching up to 750 feet tall, this area provides an unbeatable experience for those in search of adventure.
16. Red Desert
The vast expanse of Wyoming’s Red Desert makes it one of the best places in America to try sandboarding.
This iconic landscape features towering red-orange dunes and rustic canyons, making it an unforgettable destination for thrill seekers looking to ride the sand.
17. Huacachina
Located in Peru’s Ica region, Huacachina is a true oasis surrounded by an incredible desert landscape.
This unique spot is home to one of South America’s top sandboarding locations, with dunes reaching up to 600 feet tall and sweeping views across the desert horizon.
18. Atlantis Dunes
Found in South Africa’s Western Cape Province, the Atlantis Dunes are known as one of the country’s best spots for sandboarding.
With its rolling hills and sweeping valleys, this area provides adventurers with a truly stunning backdrop for their board-riding experience.
19. Little Sahara Recreation Area
Located in Utah, the Little Sahara Recreation Area is a popular destination for sand-based activities.
The area features dunes of up to 170 feet in height and offers plenty of opportunities for experienced sandboarders to show off their skills.
20. Sand Master Park
Located on Oregon’s beautiful coast, the Sand Master Park is one of the world’s only dedicated sandboarding parks.
This unique facility provides riders with an array of different terrains and obstacles designed specifically for sandboarding, as well as lessons and rentals for those new to the sport.
21. Makhtesh Ramon, Israel
This unique desert crater in the Negev Desert is a great place to try out your skills on a board or sled.
Sports Travel Booking Resources
Traveling around the world to watch & experience sports, I tend to always use the same resources for booking trips. These are the ones I use most frequently and that I find to have great customer support and competitive prices.
- Sports Event Tickets – Tickets for all sporting events
- Get Your Guide – is an excellent site as a one-stop shop for booking attractions, local tours, activities, and excursions. Great customer service and an easy-to-use site.
- Booking.com – The best site I have found for hotel and accommodation bookings.
- Flights – are also now offered by booking.com and as I love the brand this is my first port of call now for flights.
- Safety Wing Travel Insurance – I love Saftey Wing as they cover everything I need to be covered and they have a simple-to-use site, and again, I have found their customer service very good, when I needed to ask questions.
- Hostelworld – Book backpacker hostel rooms around the world with Hostel World.
