In this section of our guide, we will discuss volcano boarding, also known as volcano surfing, an extreme sport in which participants ride down the slope of an active or dormant volcano on a board or sled, reaching speeds above 50 mph.
Also included in this section will be sandboarding, a similar sport, only one that is performed on a sand dune rather than a volcano.
The idea of sliding down volcanic slopes isn't new. Ancient Hawaiians practiced a form of lava sledding known as he'e holua, using wooden sleds to glide down lava stone paths.
However, modern volcano boarding as we know it began in the early 2000s. American journalist Zoltan Istvan is often credited with popularizing the sport after filming himself sliding down Mount Yasur in Vanuatu for National Geographic in 2002. Another significant contributor to its development was Australian adventurer Darryn Webb, who experimented with makeshift boards on Cerro Negro in Nicaragua, eventually settling on a design similar to sandboards.
Volcano boarding shares similarities with several other extreme sports. Sandboarding involves sliding down dunes on a board, using similar equipment and techniques. Snowboarding is similar, although the terrain and conditions differ significantly. Mountain boarding involves riding down grassy or rocky hills on a wheeled board.
The equipment used in volcano boarding is specialized to handle the rough and abrasive volcanic terrain. Boards are usually made of plywood or metal with a Formica laminate bottom to reduce friction. Protective gear includes a jumpsuit, dust-proof goggles, gloves, and sometimes knee and elbow pads to protect against cuts and abrasions from volcanic ash and rocks. A face mask or bandanna might be used to filter out dust and volcanic particles, as well as sturdy boots for the hike up the volcano.
There are two primary forms of volcano boarding. Active volcano boarding is performed on active volcanoes, where there is a risk of encountering molten lava and toxic gases. This form is more dangerous and requires additional safety precautions. Inactive volcano boarding is more similar to sandboarding. Conducted on dormant or extinct volcanoes, there are fewer inherent dangers.
Volcano boarding is not without risks. Some of these may come about due to falls and injuries. The rough volcanic ash can cause cuts, abrasions, sprains, and fractures. Active volcano boarding can expose participants to poisonous gases that pose serious health risks. Histoplasmosis, a lung infection caused by inhaling fungal spores found in bird and bat droppings, which can be present in volcanic ash, is also possible. On active volcanoes, there is also the risk of encountering molten lava, which can be deadly.
Nevertheless, the thrill and uniqueness of volcano boarding attracts adventurers. With proper equipment and safety measures, it can be an unforgettable and exhilarating activity.
Sandboarding is an extreme sport, similar to snowboarding and volcano boarding, that involves riding down a sand dune while standing on a board, with both feet strapped in.
Sandboarding is believed to have ancient roots, probably originating in the deserts of Egypt. Early forms of the sport involved sliding down dunes on wooden planks or even pieces of pottery thousands of years ago. However, as we know it today, sandboarding began to take shape in the late 20th century.
The sport gained traction in the late 1970s and 1980s, primarily in desert regions and coastal areas with large dunes. With better equipment and techniques, sandboarding evolved from a simple pastime to a recognized extreme sport. Boards explicitly designed for sand were developed, featuring materials and structures similar to those used in snowboarding and surfing.
Its popularity surged over the past few decades thanks to a growing interest in extreme adventure sports. Major sandboarding destinations include the dunes of Peru, such as Cerro Blanco, the deserts of Dubai, and the dunes of Namibia. Organized events and competitions have boosted the sport's profile.
An appealing aspect of sandboarding is that it doesn't require snowy or mountainous terrain, making it an option for thrill-seekers in desert and coastal regions. While it remains a niche sport, increased media coverage has given it a more prominent presence in recent years.
Online resources for volcano boarding or sandboarding are appropriate topics for this category, although retail sites would be placed in the corresponding Shopping & eCommerce category.
Recommended Resources
InterSands is an international association headquartered in Switzerland dedicated to developing and professionalizing sandboarding and sand skiing. Similar to snowboarding, these sports involve riding on sand dunes that have a sufficient incline to allow the board or skis to slide down. InterSands works closely with various organizations, local communities, and authorities to promote safe and sustainable practices in these sports. They also organize competitions and training.
https://intersands.org/
Located in Florence, Oregon, along Pacific Coast Highway, the Sand Master Park website claims to be the world's first sandboarding park. It is a premier location for sandboarding and related activities, like sand sledding, boasting two hundred acres of sand dunes. Guests can rent sandboards or sand sleds, take lessons, and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Boards and sleds are rented on a first-come, first-served basis, although they can be reserved when lessons are scheduled.
https://sandmasterpark.com/
Sandboard is the first website dedicated entirely to sandboarding. Based in Florence, Oregon, the online magazine features photographs, tips, and reviews of sandboarding products. Other topics include using a snowboard on the sand, making your own sandboard, choosing a sandboard, and how to recognize the best sand for sandboarding, along with the history of the sport, many of them part of its "Ask Doctor Dune" feature. An introduction to the staff is included, and a contact form is available.
https://sandboard.com/
Offering volcano boarding adventures on Cerro Negro in Nicaragua, the activity is described. A 4-wheel drive car will pick participants up at their accommodation or a central pick-up point in León and take them to the volcano, after which it is a one-hour hike up Cerro Negro, and a less than five-minute slide down. Private and shared tours are available, and a list of what's included is given, along with a gallery of photographs, press information, and online bookings.
https://www.volcanoboard.com/
Accommodating organized group adventures or last-minute getaways, Volcano Boarding offers a selection of volcano boarding tours, including pickups, English-speaking guides, equipment and protective gear, pictures, and other amenities, depending upon the option chosen. Its secure online booking system allows interested participants to explore its tours, check prices, review itineraries, and book their volcano boarding adventure in just a few clicks. Contacts are posted.
https://volcanoboarding.com/
Volcano Boarding: where and how to surf on active volcanoes
This article was published on "Surf the Sand," an informational portal dedicated to sandboarding and related activities, including volcano boarding. It was published on August 1, 2023, but updated from time to time. It describes volcano boarding (Volcano Surfing, Lavaboarding) and discusses places where it can be practiced, such as Nicaragua, Indonesia, Vanuatu, and Italy. A related sport is ashboarding, practiced on volcanic sand hills, but not on the volcano itself.
https://sand-boarding.com/volcano-boarding/
Volcano Day was founded in 2017 by a local guide who, after working for different tour companies, decided to start his own business focusing on hiking volcanoes. Currently, Volcano Day is the only tour operator that is 100% owned by Nicaraguans. Its packages include four volcano boarding packages and others that combine hiking, camping, and volcano boarding, as well as those focusing on hiking and camping, which are featured here. Tours may be booked online.
https://www.volcanodaynicaragua.com/
Zoltan Istvan: Volcano Boarding
In 2002, Zoltan Istvan pioneered the extreme sport of volcano boarding for National Geographic, although he first tried the sport on a piece of wood in 1995. Besides his TV presentation, his two most important articles on volcano boarding were for National Geographic and the San Francisco Chronicle, both in 2002. His pioneering and popularization of volcano boarding has been covered in several media outlets, some of which are featured here, along with contacts.
https://zoltanistvan.com/volcano-boarding/
