The New Adventure Sport: What is Sandboarding?
Sandboarding is a recreational activity that attracts adrenaline junkies from across the globe. Similar to snowboarding, this exciting sport involves sliding down sand dunes on a board. This adventure sport is rapidly gaining popularity, and nowhere is it more exhilarating than in the vast, soft sands in the Peruvian desert.
What makes Sandboarding so exciting?
Despite being relatively easy to learn, sandboarding brings forward an adrenaline-induced thrill that’s unmatched. The thrill of carving your way down a high sand dune, feeling the wind brushing against your face and grains of sand stinging your skin, is the very essence of the sport. The excitement heightens as the descent gets steeper, making the experience all the more exhilarating.
Why is Peru the Ultimate Destination for Sandboarding?
Peru is truly a sandboarder’s paradise. Known for its massive coastal desert, Peru houses the most extensive collection of dunes suitable for sandboarding. Huacachina, an oasis located in southwestern Peru, is among the most iconic sandboarding spots worldwide. The extraordinary desert landscape, coupled with dunes reaching up to 200 meters high, provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable sandboarding experience.
Besides Huacachina, other popular Peruvian sandboarding locations include Trujillo, Ica, and Arequipa, each offering extraordinary dunes and unique sandboarding experiences.
What makes Sandboarding in Peru unique?
The Peruvian desert is not akin to any other, making sandboarding here an exceptional experience. The dunes in Peru are some of the tallest in the world, providing a long, thrilling ride. Moreover, the sand in Peru is incredibly fine and soft, allowing for high speeds and smooth rides. Lastly, the stunning landscapes, with the desert directly bordering the Pacific Ocean, add to the breath-taking experience.
How to Sandboard in Peru?
Sandboarding in Peru is open to everyone, from skilled boarders to complete novices. One can rent equipment from local vendors or resorts around the dune areas. For beginners, some resorts even offer lessons with professional instructors to ensure that you can enjoy the sport safely.
What are some Sandboarding Techniques?
Like snowboarding, sandboarding requires you to strap your feet onto a board and carve your way down the dunes. Most beginners start off learning how to balance, steer, and stop correctly. Often, first-timers begin by sitting or lying on the board to get comfortable with the speed and the sand’s texture.
Is Sandboarding Safe?
While sandboarding is considered a relatively safe sport, it doesn’t come without its share of risks. Riding down high dunes at high speeds can result in potential injuries if not done correctly. Therefore, it’s important to wear proper safety gear, including helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads. If you’re inexperienced or a first-timer, taking a lesson or two with a trained instructor is highly recommended.
Conclusion
Sandboarding in Peru is an unforgettable experience, combining the sheer thrill of the slide with the stunning Peruvian landscapes. It’s a must-try for any adventure-seeker visiting the country, offering an adrenaline-rush like no other. So whether you’re a seasoned sandboarder or a complete novice, strap on a board, climb those majestic Peruvian dunes, and embark on a sandboarding adventure of a lifetime.
