This portion of our guide focuses on the equipment and gear used in the extreme sport of volcano boarding, also known as volcano surfing or ash boarding.

Products used in sandboarding, a similar activity, may also be listed here.

Additional information on volcano boarding can be found in the corresponding category within our Sports & Recreation section. Since this is the Shopping & eCommerce area, we'll focus on the products used in the sport here.

In a sense, volcano boarding combines the thrill of snowboarding with the inherent dangers of navigating volcanic landscapes.

The central piece of equipment in volcano boarding is, of course, the volcano board. Boards are typically built with materials like plywood or metal and designed to withstand abrasive volcanic surfaces. Volcano boards often feature an extra layer of laminated material at the bottom to reduce friction and improve speed. Some boards also have handles or straps to assist riders in balancing.

Given the hazard of falling, getting cut by volcanic ash, and exposure to toxic gases and, perhaps even flying molten lava, safety gear is an important consideration.

Jumpsuits used in volcano boarding are full-body suits made from durable materials to protect against cuts and abrasions. Dust-proof goggles shield the eyes from volcanic ash and debris, allowing clear vision during the descent. Heat-resistant gloves provide a secure grip on the board and protect the hands from burns and cuts. Helmets protect the head from impacts and falling debris.

The volcano boarding market is a niche market, and volcano boarding tours generally provide the necessary equipment, including boards and safety gear. One of these is Bigfoot Hostel and Volcano Boarding in León, Nicaragua. Another is Tierra Tour, also in Nicaragua, which offers organized volcano boarding excursions, including protective suits, gloves, and goggles for participants.

Sandboarding is similar to snowboarding, except that it involves riding down a dune while standing on a board, with both feet strapped in. Sand sledding can be practiced sitting down or lying on the belly or back.

Typically, sandboarding involves a sandboard or sand sled. However, it is sometimes accomplished with a snowboard or snow sled.

Sandboarding is most prevalent in desert areas or coastal areas with beach dunes. Sandboarding is less popular than snowboarding because, while snowboarders can use a ski lift, sandboarders typically have to climb or ride a dune buggy back to the top of the dune.

Sandboards are designed to glide smoothly over dunes, similar to the manner in which a snowboard glides over snow. Typically, sandboards are made from layers of laminated wood, fiberglass, or high-pressure laminate. Some boards feature special bases coated with materials like Formica or Laminex to reduce friction.

Bindings secure the rider's feet to the sandboard. There are two different types: strap bindings and fixed bindings. Strap bindings provide adjustable support and are most commonly used, while fixed bindings are non-adjustable loops attached directly to the board.

To achieve maximum speed and control, sandboarders apply special wax to the base of the sandboard. This reduces the friction between the board and the sand.

Helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards may be used to protect against potential injuries, and goggles or sunglasses are used to shield the eyes from sand and sun.

There is more of a retail market for sandboarding than for volcano boarding. Notable manufacturers include Venomous Sandboards, Alchemy Sandboards, Hammerhead Sandboards, MBS Sandboards, and Slip Face Sandboards.

Manufacturers and retailers of equipment, gear, or accessories used in volcano boarding or sandboarding are appropriate topics for this category, along with websites offering product reviews or comparisons.

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