For The Attention Of: Extreme Fun Junkies
Snowboarding is fun; skiing has its moments (mostly moments where you are thinking, ’man chalet val thorens is up itself’); rock climbing is worthwhile; skateboarding and BMX-ing are somewhat engaging; and then there is sandboarding…
Sandboarding has been around for many years but is a slowly emerging phenomenon. It contains many similar principles to snowboarding, however, sandboarding is fortunate enough not to include layers of polar precipitation: though it does bring with it the chaos of sand at high speed, which can be a little intrusive to say the least! Despite this, the hot weather and excessive acceleration attracts many talented boarders from all continents. The accessibility of sandboarding helps – all you need is a sand dune and something resembling a board – tea-trays are commonplace!
My first encounter with sandboarding came in South West Australia: a little fishing town known as Lancelin which owns the largest sand dunes in Western Australia. The temperature was only bearable due to a fresh breeze blowing in off the sea and the steep trek to the peak is exhausting for any amateur. As I stepped onto the board and took to the slope, picking up speed I was disrupted by a lack of balance that ended with me swallowing a considerable volume of sand. My, rather more experienced, friend laughed and encouraged me to try again.
The second time was infinitely more successful as I made it at least three metres further before my high centre of gravity humiliated me once more. By the end of the session I think all the water in my body had been replaced by sand but I had made progress and enjoyed a sense of triumph. In the scorching sun, there really is nothing quite like skimming through the breeze at, what seem like, colossal speeds.
From further experience, the way to truly enjoy this manic recreational pastime is to make a full day of it:
Sand and a board: the essentials.
Sun lotion and goggles: the protection.
Beer and barbecue: the necessary luxuries.
Enjoy!
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