Humanity has a millennial relationship with stress and sports are known to be the biggest stress busters. Unlike cricket, soccer, and tennis, which got their fair share of popularity, the fate of the sport Sandboarding is quite low. Sandboarding is a sport similar to snowboarding that involves going down the slope of a sand dune with both legs tied aboard. This recreational activity is found to thrive mainly in the desert and coastal areas where there are a large number of sand dunes. Here is a list of the top 10 known and unknown destinations where you can practice Sand-Board.
10 Best Sandboarding Destinations in the world.
1. Peru
So are you a brave heart? Try to test your courage by running down the slopes of a sand dune on a sandboard in Peru. The South American country boasts of having several tall sand dunes. The largest sand dune in the world is Duna Grande in Ica, Peru. Besides Ica, sandboarding is also practiced in Arequipa and Nasca in southern Peru. Most of the sand dunes in Peru are treacherously steep and it takes a lot of experience and guts to navigate the slope of the dunes on a sandboard.
2. Sandboarding Destinations in Vietnam
The Asian country shows its culture of sandboarding in the dunes of Mui Ne. This place on Earth is much less popular for this sport compared to its counterparts elsewhere. Sandboarding practices here are not regulated by any authority and the locals become guides. Travelers will be wise to browse here in a group, as some travel bloggers have reported that locals ask for advice and turn violent when their demand is not met.
3. Japan
The fascinating island country of Japan is unknown to the sport, but it is home to some incredible sand dunes in the world. Japan is a small Asian country that lacks nothing, be it rare technology, amazing nature, or not-so-popular sports. The Tottori Sand Dune is the largest sand dune in Japan and stretches along the coast of the Sea of Japan. Local businesses teach sandboarding in the area from April to November. This fun sport can also be enjoyed in the Chiba and Shimoda dunes of the country.
4. Australia’ Sandboarding Destinations
A well-known place for sand lovers, Australia has a vast collection of sand dunes. In South Australia, we can find the little Sahara on Kangaroo Island, where natural sand dunes cover approximately two square kilometers. Western Australia flaunts the sand dunes of Lucky Bay, where trained guides take sandboarding tours every day except Christmas, New Years”’ and St. Stephen’s. The Stockton Dunes near Sydney and the sand dunes in the Tasmania region also attract adventure seekers throughout the year.
5. Nicaragua
Do you want to sandboard down the slope of a young active volcano? Visit Nicaragua and your unique wish will be fulfilled! This experience requires the adrenaline junkie to climb the active Cerro Negro volcano under the guidance of an expert. Ski the steep slopes of the volcanic mountain on your sandboard after you finish exploring the summit. Several companies that operate from the colonial city of León provide arrangements for this activity.
6. Chile’ Sandboarding Destinations
The Atacama Desert provides terrain for several ideal places to practice sandboarding in the Latin American country. The entire north of the country is popular for this sport. In Chile, it is Cerro Iman where the annual sandboarding competition takes place. The many fast routes available downhill make this place perfect to host the event. The Valley of Death is the best-known place in Chile for this sport. Cerro Dragon, Medanoso, Punta de Choros are some of the many other famous spots among fans of the sand.
7. United Arab Emirates
The city of Dubai once again amazes us with its versatility. The desert of Dubai offers a perfect place for sandboarding and the region is also well-run on the sport with several tour operators ready to offer you professional help. To enjoy the greatness of the desert it is necessary to leave early in the morning from the city towards the dunes.
8. Namibia
The Namib Desert sees many sandboarding activities throughout the year. The highest sand dune in the world, Sossusvlei, is present here and to get on board or ski on the dune you need a special permit. Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are also popular for this sport. Many adventure sports companies deal exclusively with sandboarding and extend their experience to travelers.
9. United States Of America
Finally, the sport got its well-deserved honor at Sandmaster Park in Florence, Oregon. It is the first sandboard park in the world. The largest stretch of coastal sand dunes in North America is found in this region, stretching from Florence to Coos Bay. North Carolina, Colorado, California, and Arizona boast several sandboarding spots. The sandboarding culture in the States is comparatively much more advanced than in other countries.
10. Germany
The only place in Europe where sandboarding is offered is the artificial sand dunes of Hirschau in Germany. During the summer, sport can be enjoyed here. The place also houses the Sandboarding World Champions.
It is rumored that the pharaoh of the bygone era used to sand the steep sandy slopes of Egypt on wooden boards. There is no official stamp for this story, but Egypt is considered the birthplace of this fascinating sport. Glide down the Great Sand Sea near Siwa, which is considered one of the best destinations for sandboarding.
