Did you know that you can slide down sand dunes on a board or a sled, much like snowboarders and skiers glide down a snowy mountain? If you appreciate snowboarding and downhill skiing but find yourself impatiently waiting for winter to circle around again, sandboarding might be the sport for you!
Sandboarding is a year-round sport that requires one simple thing: a sand dune!
One of my favorite places to sandboard is Great Sand Dunes National Park. This Colorado park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. The loftiest dune, Star Dune, stands at around 750 feet! From the high peaks to the low hills, Great Sand Dunes National Park boasts a dune for every sandboarder’s skill and expertise level.
Novices will appreciate sliding down the baby hills while daredevils will relish coasting down the colossal dunes. If you’re a newcomer eager to take on a challenge, or an expert who’s not quite ready to conquer the king dune, there are plenty of medium-sized dunes to go around.
Sandboarding Great Sand Dunes is a great way to spend your time in the park! In this ultimate guide to sandboarding in Great Sand Dunes National Park, I will be sharing all about the sport, why you should try it, how to master it, where to sandboard in Colorado, how to rent boards at the park, and much more!
Ultimate Guide to Sandboarding in Great Sand Dunes National Park
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What Is Sandboarding?
Sandboarding is an extreme sport that combines similar techniques found in snowboarding and surfing. Instead of snow or water, the sport of sandboarding requires sand. And unlike surfing and snowboarding, sandboarding is less risky and doesn’t require a special form of transportation, making the sport accessible to a wider range of people and safe for newbies to tackle.
What Is A Sandboard?
A sandboard is a special wood board that, when applied generously with wax, glides effortlessly down sand dunes. Much like a snowboard glissades down a snowy mountain, sandboards are designed to smoothly descend sand dunes.
Sandboards Vs. Sand Sleds
Both sandboards and sand sleds can be used to sandboard. Here are the differences between the two:
Sandboards are long, narrow boards with mounted boots similar to the construction of a snowboard. You’ll stand on these.
Sand sleds are short, wide boards that are intended for seated use, just like a snow sled.
Why You Should Try Sandboarding
Sandboarding is fun for all ages!
Here are a few things I love about the sport:
- It can be as tame or “extreme” of a sport as you’d like. Sandboarding can be beginner-friendly and leisurely or thrilling and exciting. Pick a short and gradual dune, a tall and steep dune, or something in between.
- Dunes are everywhere! You can sandboard all over the world from the dunes in Colorado all the way to the sands of Dubai. All you need is a sand dune, and you’ll be able to sandboard!
- Sand is always changing. Since each dune is unique, and the sand is always shifting, your experience will be different every time.
Where Can You Rent A Sandboard in Great Sand Dunes National Park?
There are no sandboard or sand sled rentals inside the National Park boundaries, but there are many outfitters nearby.
Remember: It’s important to rent an actual sandboard. Aluminum or metal snow sleds, snowboards, and skis won’t slide unless the sand is wet (which is rare). Saucers, plastic sleds, and cardboard won’t slide at all. Tupperware containers or boxes are unsafe because you can’t control steering and navigate the terrain.
Oasis Store
This is the best and most convenient sandboard rental in Great Sand Dunes.
- Distance From Visitor Center: 3.5 miles
- Rental Options: Sandboards & sand sleds
- Rental Price: $20
- Reservations: Not accepted. Arrive as early as possible! Boards sell out quickly.
- Months of Operation: Spring through early fall
- Special Information: If the sand is wet, you won’t be able to rent a sled.
SpinDrift SandBoards
- Distance From Visitor Center: 25 miles
- Rental Options: Sandboards & sand sleds
- Rental Price: $20
- Reservations: Accepted
- Months of Operation: Spring through early fall
- Special Information: There are no after-hour dropoffs available.
Kristi Mountain Sports
- Distance From Visitor Center: 36 miles
- Rental Options: Sandboards & sand sleds
- Rental Price: $20
- Reservations: Call to make summer reservations. Walk-in rentals are accepted for the rest of the year.
- Months of Operation: Year-round
- Special Information: They are closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays, but equipment can be picked up Monday after 4 PM for use on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Also, no rentals are allowed on days when sand is frozen or snow-covered.
Where Is Sandboarding Allowed In Great Sand Dunes?
As long as you stay off vegetated areas, you are permitted to sandboard anywhere in the dunefield.
From the main Dunes Parking Area, you’ll need to walk almost a mile to reach the first set of dunes. These small-to-medium-sized dunes will give you a good preview of what’s jutting just beyond them. The bigger dunes are going to require a further walk with much steeper terrain.
Note that there is no official trail to any of these dunes. Any inch of the main 30-mile-square-foot dunefield can be explored. Many more square miles of smaller dunes surround the main dunefield, making exploration and sandboarding location options endless.
Children and inexperienced sandboarders are encouraged to start and/or stay on the smaller dunes. Adults and experienced sandboarders can venture to the taller dunes.
How Do You Sandboard?
Tips on How to Master Sandboarding:
- Ahead of your visit, watch YouTube videos and read blogs (like this one!).
- At the time of your rental, ask an employee for any tips they have regarding the sport. They’ll be eager to share with you things like techniques, safety, and location scouting.
- When you reach the dunefield, practice! Start small and work your way up – or stay small. You’ll have fun regardless of which dunes you choose to slide down!
STEPS TO FOLLOW ON THE SAND DUNES
1. Scout the Dunes
Assess the dunes and determine which one will match your skill set. The dune can be as small or tall as you’d like. Beginners should experiment with shorter dunes with more gradual inclines.
Avoid slopes with debris like shells, logs, sticks, and vegetation.
2. Get Ready
Climb to the top of the dune.
Wax your board. (Your rental outfitter will supply you with wax).
Slip your bare feet into the boots that are mounted on the board.
Jump with your feet in the boots. Inch closer to the edge of the hill.
3. Make the Descent
Once you begin descending the slope, lead with your dominant foot.
Lean back and bend your knees.
Keep your weight toward the back.
To turn, apply pressure on your toes and heels, depending on the direction you want to go.
Keep your arms outstretched to maintain balance.
4. Wax and Repeat
Once you reach the bottom, it’s time to celebrate and then make the trudge back up the slope. (Or choose a different slope!)
Wax your board and repeat the above steps!
Ready to plan your trip to Great Sand Dunes? Check out my complete park guide!
What To Bring Sandboarding
- Board and wax. Both of these are provided by all three of the outfitters listed above.
- UPF clothing – long-sleeved sun shirts and pants. The dunefield is entirely exposed to the sun, and the sand can reach temperatures up to 150 degrees F in the summer.
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Snacks
Discover Your Next Adventure
What activity do you want to try next? I’ve got some suggestions!
Summary
I hope you’re encouraged to give sandboarding a try! It’s truly one of those sports that can be customized to experience level, making it versatile to just about anyone. Come see what all the hype is about!
Have you sandboarded in Great Sand Dunes National Park? How about anywhere else in the world? Let me know about your experience in the comments below!
