Sandboarding: what is it

Sandboarding is a sport similar to snowboarding, only instead of sliding down the snow, you glide over dunes or sand hills. This practice belongs to the category of extreme sports.

There are various hypotheses about how this sport originated and how it developed. There are those who claim it happened in Brazil and those who believe it happened in the United States. In any case, this discipline has led to the development of a strong industry throughout the world.

Sandboarding can be done in two ways: standing or lying on the board.

Lying. A specially polished board is used, which allows you to develop high speeds - even more than 80 kilometers per hour. Usually they are practiced on large dunes.

standing. This sport can be practiced on the same board as snowboarding (although this is not recommended). It is desirable that the base of the board be made of plastic, which is lubricated with wax or paraffin before descending.

What will be required

Board. The board has a specially waxed base and has zip ties that you can hold on to so you don't lose it when going down the hill. Boards come in a wide variety of designs and wax finishes to increase speed. You also have to choose between a terrain board (cheaper, ideal for shorter and not so steep runs) or a full size board (more expensive, for bigger dunes and faster speeds). Whatever board you choose, it should reach your chin.

Boots. They are necessary for proper attachment to the board. It is desirable that they be rigid, especially in the ankle area, to avoid injury.

Cloth. Try to wear light, light and comfortable clothes: it is hot in the desert: shorts, sneakers, a cap, a T-shirt.

Water bottle. Don't forget the heat, and be sure to bring water with you. It should be remembered that thirst will increase due to the effort expended when ascending and descending difficult terrain.

You will also need sunscreen, sunglasses, knee pads, elbow pads, a helmet, and a handkerchief to protect your mouth from sand.

Do not use dunes or hills where grass grows. Choose only hills or dunes that have only sand.

Dunes covered with dry sand are best suited for sliding. Wet sand will stick to the board, causing it to stop or slow down.

Learning to ride a sandboard

1. Beginner. Try exercises on a nearly flat surface to "get comfortable" with the board on the sand and get a sense of balance.

• Strap only one foot on the board and use the other to propel yourself and the board across the sand.

• Now fasten both legs. Have someone slowly push you across a nearly level surface. This will help you get to know the sand.

2. Now move on to a small sandy hill with a very slight slope.

Look for a sand dune that isn't as big or as steep, you'll have to get used to maneuvering the board before you can handle the steeper slopes and drops.

• On a small hill, try slipping on your heels.

• Grab both feet tightly and lower yourself onto your heels.

• Practice this by lifting your toes. Don't lift them so high or you'll fall.

• Now lift your heels so you can come down the hill. If you are gaining a lot of speed and want to stop, raise your fingers again.

If you start to lose balance, try sitting up.

3. Repeat the previous exercise, but this time work your toes instead of your heels.

• Once you've strapped your feet in, turn around and apply pressure on your toes to stay on top of the hill.

• Remember to apply too much pressure or you will fall. Take the pressure off your toes to start your descent down the hill. If you start moving very fast, put pressure on your fingers and slow down.

Keep going down the hill, improving your technique each time.