Sandboarding, also known as sand sledding, can be just as much fun as snowboarding. Whilst this extreme sport might not be to everybody’s taste – amateur or professional – all have an element of thrill in them that keeps people coming back for more.
What is sandboarding?
Sandboarding is a relatively new summer sport that has been growing in popularity in recent years. It’s similar to snowboarding, but instead of snow, you ride on sand.
Many people who enjoy snowboarding also enjoy sandboarding. The two sports are very similar, but there are some key differences. For one, sand is a lot softer than snow, so you don’t have to worry about hitting any hard objects if you fall. And secondly, sand is much hotter than snow, so you can really work up a sweat while you ride.
If you’re looking for a new summer sport to try, or if you’re just looking for an excuse to get out and explore some new terrain, sandboarding is the perfect activity for you.
Who should try sandboarding?
Sandboarding is the perfect summer sport for adventurers who crave a new challenge. This unique activity combines the best of both worlds – the exhilaration of boarding and the beauty of nature.
Whether you’re a seasoned boarder or a first-timer, sandboarding is an activity that everyone can enjoy. The key is to find the right spot – somewhere with soft, powdery sand and a gradual slope. Once you’ve found your ideal location, it’s time to strap on your board and hit the sand!
There are two main ways to sandboard: standing up or lying down. If you’re a beginner, we recommend starting with the latter. Once you get comfortable with sliding down the sand dunes, you can try your hand at standing up.
Sandboarding vs. Snowboarding
Though both sandboarding and snowboarding require a board, the two sports couldn’t be more different. Sandboarding is the perfect summer sport for adventure enthusiasts who are looking to add a new activity to their repertoire. Here’s how sandboarding stacks up against snowboarding:
Snowboarding requires cold temperatures and typically takes place on mountains. Sandboarding can be done in hot or cold weather and on hills, dunes, or flat terrain.
One of the biggest differences between sandboarding and snowboarding is the type of equipment used. Snowboards have bindings that attach your boots to the board, while sandboards have straps that go over your feet or around your ankles.
Sandboards are often shorter and wider than snowboards, which makes them easier to maneuver. They’re also typically made out of softer materials, like foam or plastic, which makes them easier on the body if you happen to fall.
The riding surface also makes a big difference – you obviously can’t carve into sand the way you can with snow. But that doesn’t mean sandboarding isn’t exciting – there are still plenty of tricks you can do on a sandboard, like hand drags, sliding sideways down a hill, or 360s.
Is sandboarding dangerous?
Sandboarding is a relatively new sport that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy. There are, however, some potential dangers associated with sandboarding that everyone should be aware of before hitting the dunes.
The first and most obvious danger is the risk of injury from falling off the board or hitting something while sandboarding. While experienced sandboarders typically have no problem staying on their boards, beginners may find themselves taking a tumble more often than they’d like. To avoid injury, it’s important to wear appropriate safety gear such as a helmet, elbow and knee pads, and gloves. Usually, if you’re renting a sandboard from an adventure activity partner, such as Breathless Nomad, you’ll be issued with safety gear.
Another potential danger to sandboarders is dehydration. Because sandboarding takes place in hot, dry conditions, it’s easy to become dehydrated quickly if you don’t stay hydrated before and during your session. Be sure to drink plenty of water beforehand, and take breaks often to drink more water and avoid heat exhaustion.
Finally, there is always the risk of getting lost in the desert if you venture too far from the safety of the dunes. If you’re with an activity group or guide, then this won’t be a problem, since your adventure will be taken under supervision. However, if you’re venturing out alone, make sure you know your surroundings well before heading out for a ride, and always bring along a map and compass (or GPS) just in case you do get lost.
Conclusion
Sandboarding is the perfect summer sport for adventure enthusiasts who are looking for something a little different. With its unique mix of surfing and snowboarding, sandboarding is a great way to get your adrenaline fix while enjoying the sunny weather. So, if you’re looking for an exciting new activity to try this summer, then look no further than Breathless Nomad at the Atlantis Dunes in Cape Town, located at the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve.
