Sand Boarding

Sand boarding is a sport which is great fun, and great exercise. There are limited places in the world that you can actually go enjoy this sport. This is because sand dunes are not that common throughout the globe. Sand boarding is done on boards that are similar to snow boards, but they tend to be less sharp, and not quite as long. Poles are sometimes used when sand boarding, to balance a little easier. Boarding is done by many families where I live, because we are quite close to dunes. It’s one of the cheapest sports you will ever do – you can hire boards for very cheap. If however, you don’t have a 4wd, or you pay for a tour, you will be up for more when going sand boarding.

Sand boarding involves going to the top of a sand dune, either by walking or by car, and then boarding all the way to the bottom. Jumps are often made, as well as poles to go around and the occasional obstacle to avoid. Rocks are often common at the bottom of sand dunes, so make sure you check before you go flying down. My brother fell off at the bottom of a sand dune, and broke his arm on the rocks, so it’s easy to do. Like any boarding sport, this takes quite a lot of skill, but it’s achievable for most people. In a way, sand boarding is similar to skateboarding, except when you fall off you get covered in sand!

Sand boarding can be a great way to wear your kids out – running up and down the dunes is certainly a great form of exercise. It’s important to make sure that when you to the dunes it is not too windy. Wind blows the sand around hugely, and it often ends up in your eyes. This is not only painful, but extremely annoying. When going sand boarding, equipment ranges from a basic board, right through to an expensive board and extra protection gear. I have only ever just used a board, and shorts and a shirt, but make sure that you are prepared for the sun – usually where dunes exist the sun is quite powerful.

Sand boarding is probably not quite as enjoyable as snowboarding, but it’s certainly a different experience. It’s something that not a lot of people have tried before, but to make a day of it, you can hire a 4x4 and drive in the dunes, or hire some motorbikes. It is a great way to have some fun, and is well worth the time.