Sandboarding is increasingly becoming a popular sport in the world. And for good reasons! It is easy. It is safe. And there is a sure sandboarding location almost anywhere in the world.
Which Countries Have Great Sand and Enjoy Sandboarding?
If you want to get started on sandboarding but 1) you live in the alpines and you are surrounded by snow or 2) you just don’t know what the best countries are for sandboarding, here’s a list to help you decide where to go.
- United Arab Emirates: To truly enjoy sandboarding, you must go to a place where there are sands stretching far and wide, and where else to do that but in the Middle East, more specifically in the UAE. The deserts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are top-notch and these are some of the go-to places of avid sand boarders.
- United States of America: The USA isn’t just the land of the free, it is also the land of some of the sweetest sandboarding spots. Some of these spots also host many different sandboarding competitions and championships.
- Japan: This country is well-known for the amazing food and the sakura but head on over to Tottori, Shimoda, and Chiba and you will discover that Japan is more than just food.
- Israel: This country is home to some of the most beautiful deserts in the world including the Negev Desert. The sand dunes in Israel cater to both beginners and professional sand boarders.
- Australia: From water sports, aviation sports, to sand sports, Australia has it all. Some of the spots to visit are Kangaroo Island, Lucky Bay in Western Australia, and Lancelin.
- Chile: Chile is nothing short of a sand boarder’s dream destination. Head on over to the best sandboarding locations in Northern Chile including Medanoso, Valle de la Muerte, Cerro Dragon, and Cerro Iman.
- Germany: Desert is scarce in Germany but that did not hold them back from sandboarding. They made man-made sand slopes that are every sand boarder’s dream. The Monte Kaolino even hosts the annual Sandboarding World Championships.
- Nicaragua: If you ever want to sandboard on black, ashy sands then Nicaragua is the country for you. Cerro Negro, an active volcano in the country offers an amazing and one-of-a-kind sandboarding experience.
- Peru: Tourists flock to Peru not only for the Machu Picchu and the Amazon but also for its amazing sand dunes. Peru is home to some of the highest sand dunes in the world including Cerro Blanco which is 7 thousand feet above sea level.
Where Can I Go Sandboarding in the US?
The United States of America is truly a melting pot of all things, including sports. While many places in the US are known as snow havens, it is proving to be another great country with an increasing number of amazing sandboarding spots.
Here are some of the places to go to if you ever want to go sandboarding in the US:
- Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Kanab, Utah
- Sand Master Park in Florence, Oregon
- Great Sand Dunes National Park in Duncan, Colorado
- Monahans Sandhills State Park in Monahans, Texas
- Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head, North Carolina
- Silver Lake State Park in Mears, Michigan
- Ehrenberg Sandbowl in Ehrenberg, Arizona
- Hot Well Dunes in Safford, Arizona
- Parker Dunes – Cactus Plain in Parker, Arizona
- Yuma Sand Dunes – Yuma Desert in Yuma Arizona,
- Makena Big Beach in Kihei, Hawaii
- Papakolea Green Sand Beach in Ka Lae, Hawaii
- Bruneau Dunes State Park in Bruneau, Idaho
- Anthony Sand Dunes in St. Anthony, Idaho
- Indiana Dunes State Park in Chesterton Indiana
- Baldy – Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan City, Indiana
- Cape Cod Sand Dunes in Provincetown, Massachusetts
- Nellis Dunes and Amargosa Sand Dunes in Las Vegas, Nevada
- Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City, Oregon
- Little Shara Sand Dunes and Sand Hollow State Park in Utah
Where can I Sandboard in California?
The Golden State is not only home to Hollywood, but it also has the best sandboarding spots in all of the continental US. The dune lines stretch far and wide that it covers almost the entire California coast and even reaches the Death Valley desert.
Here are some of the go-to sandboarding spots in California:
- Mesquite Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park
- The Pit in Sand City
- Algodones Dunes in Glamis
- Dumont Dunes in Baker
- Marina State Beach
- Pismo Beach and the Oceano Sand Dunes in Oceano
- Kelso Dunes in Flynn
Where Can I Rent Sandboards in the Great Sand Dunes?
The Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado doesn’t allow visitors to rent sandboards so a word to the wise: bring your own sand boards or visit the following retailers to rent or purchase your gear.
- Oasis Store: The nearest retailer located 4 miles away from the Great Sand Dunes, the Oasis store is only open between mid-March and October. They only rent out sandboards and sand sleds provided that the sand is dry.
- Spin Drift Sand Board Rentals: Like the Oasis store, this retailer located 25 miles away from the Great Sand Dunes only rents gear from March through October.
- Sand Dunes Swimming Pool and Recreation: Located 32 miles away from the Great Sand Dunes, this retailer rents out sand sleds and sandboards all year round, except every Thursday due to pool management.
- Kristi Mountain Sports: This retailer, located 40 miles away, also rents out gear all year round but they are closed on Wednesdays. You have to call in advance to reserve your board and it is their policy to refuse rental when the sand is either covered in snow or frozen.
- Spanish Peak Outfitters: This retailer also rents out its gear all year round. However, they are located 64 miles southeast of the Great Sand Dunes.
How Popular Is Sandboarding in Peru?
Sandboarding is emerging to be one of the most popular reasons to visit the country. Before, it was the enchanting and mysterious Machu Picchu and the larger-than-life Amazon forest that reeled the tourists in. But now, thrill-seekers from all over the world flock to Peru for the incredible sandboarding activities that the country offers.
The sport has become so big that now there is a lot of business offering guided tours and catering to sand boarders of all ages and skill levels.
What Is Sandboarding Like in Peru?
Peru has some of the highest sand dunes in the world which mean every trip down, you will be greeted by amazing scenery. The country is home to many amazing things including a desert that is close to half the size of Japan. And although they do have snow-capped mountains in the country, ice skiing or snowboarding is not an option, so they take the next best thing seriously.
Since sandboarding in the desert means you will be out in the sun for the majority of the day, the locals advise tourists to take care of their skin by using sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats.
Where Can I Sandboard in Peru?
There are several sandboarding spots to choose from if you visit Peru. From north to south, there is no scarcity of sandboarding sweet spots to choose from.
Southern Peru:
- Chilca in Lima
- Pampa de Ocas, Oasis Costa Rica and Laguna Inmaculada in Pisco and Paracas
- Huacachina in Ica
- Cerro Blanco in Nazca
Northern Peru:
- Conache in the Laredo district south west of Trujillo
- Duna Cañoncillo in the Pacasmayo Province
- Duna Chao in the Province of Virú
How Much Is Sandboarding in Huacachina?
If you are a first-time tourist in Huacachina and you are not confident enough to do your own sandboarding itinerary, then it is recommended to do a guided tour. The tour will cost you around 15 bucks, but it already includes two hours of sandboarding with an experienced guide who will look after you if you are a beginner.
Sandboarding tours in Huacachina may vary in price depending on your schedule (whether morning or evening) and how long you will be staying in the location. Before you book anything, make sure that the business is reliable and has a good track record.
What Do You Wear When Sandboarding Huacachina?
Here’s what the experts say you should wear on a trip to Huacachina:
- Sneakers not sandals
- T-shirts and shorts to keep you cool
- A legging or any clothing that will cover your legs would be a good option, too
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Wear lots and lots of sunscreen
What Is Sandboarding Like in Dubai?
Sandboarding in Dubai has grown popular in recent years. With its miles and miles of desert and dunes, it was only a matter of time before sand boarders flock to the area. Today, Dubai is known as the center for sand adventure sports.
Sandboarders enjoy the varying heights of the sand dunes in the desert in Dubai. Unlike other sandboarding spots in the world, you don’t need to hike for hours to ride a dune buggy to arrive at the top of the slopes. Sandboarding in Dubai proves to be not only enjoyable but is also very easy and safe.
