Sand surfing is an easy sport to get started with. You would only need to rent or purchase a board specifically for sand surfing, helmet, knee and elbow pads, and eye protection. It also helps that many sand surfing spots are very accessible to both beginners and professionals.
How Long Has Sand Surfing Been a Sport?
History suggests that sandboarding has been around since first century Egypt. This is mainly due to the fact that some Egyptian hieroglyphics depicted people riding down the desert atop either wood planks or potteries.
However, if we are talking about modern sandboarding, there are two theories on when and where it started. First is Brazil in the 1940s where surfers were said to go to Santa Catarina to go sand surfing when there were no tidal waves, or the waves were not big enough to surf on.
Second is the United States in the 50s where stories circulated that people would ride their car hoods down the dunes located in California. There were also reports of people on the beaches in Oregon standing on sandboards while being pulled behind cars.
What Equipment Do I Need for Sand Surfing?
You don’t need a lot to start sand surfing. Here is a list of the barest necessities that you would need for the sport.
- A Board that is specially shaped for sand surfing.
- Goggles or sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- Helmet to protect your head in case of a bad fall.
- Knee and elbow pads that are lightweight and strong enough to protect you from injury.
Where Can You Surf Sand Dunes?
If you are worried that you don’t have any place near you where you can go sand surfing, then worry not because fortunately for us, the world has a lot of amazing places where we can experience this sport. Here are some countries with amazing sand dunes and deserts.
- Dubai
- Israel
- Namibia
- Philippines
- Turkey
- Egypt
- Germany
- Japan
- Nicaragua
- The United States of America
- Peru
- Australia
Where Can You Sand Surf in the US?
Here’s a list of sand surfing spots in the US by state.
- Arizona:
- Ehrenberg Sandbowl
- Hot Well Dunes
- Parker Dunes
- Yuma Sand Dunes
- California:
- Marina State Beach
- Algodones Dunes
- Kelso Dunes
- Pismo Beach or Oceano Sand Dunes
- Mesquite Sand Dunes
- The Pit in Sand City
- Dumont Dunes
- Colorado:
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Dumont
- Hawaii:
- Papakolea Green Sand Beach in Ka Lae
- Makena Big Beach in Kihei
- Idaho:
- Anthony Sand Dunes
- Bruneau Dune State Park
- Indiana:
- Baldy – Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
- Indiana Dunes State Park
- Massachusetts:
- Cape Cod Sand Dunes
- Michigan:
- Silver Lake State Park
- Nevada:
- Amargosa Sand Dunes
- Nellis Dunes
- North Carolina:
- Jockey’s Ridge State Park
- Oregon:
- Cape Kiwanda
- Sand Master Park
- Texas:
- Monahans Sandhills State Park
- Utah:
- Little Sahara Sand Dunes
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes
What Is Sand Surfing Like in Peru?
Peru is one of the most popular sand surfing locations in the world and they do take pride in their amazing dunes. Because of this, sand surfing is quickly becoming one of the top activities and tourist destination due to the many enthusiasts that flock to the country.
If you want to experience sand surfing in Peru, you can visit these amazing spots.
- Huacachina in Ica
- Chilca in Lima
- Cerro Blanco in Nazca
- Pampa de Ocas, Oasis Costa Rica and Laguna Inmaculada in Pisco and Paracas
- Conache in the Laredo district south west of Trujillo
- Duna Cañoncillo in the Pacasmayo Province
- Duna Chao in the Province of Virú
