WHAT IS A SANDBOARD?
WHAT IS SANDBOARDING?
Sandboarding is said to be originated in Egypt in the time
of the Pharoahs where they slid down dunes on pieces of
wood. Now the sport has evolved, and although many countries
take claim to originating it, Australia, Peru, Germany and
Japan have really taken the sport to the next level. However
it is the natural thoughts of many youths around the globe
that it makes sense to find fun and adventure by sliding
down big dunes on something. The rush of the nature zipping
by and the immersion in the natural environment with rocks,
trees and bushes as obstacles make the rider feel a sense
of being combined with the fear of speed to bring about
the rush that keeps sandboarders and leisurely sand sledders
on a tour coming back for more. Regardless of its origin
the word Sand Boarding explains itself, you sit stand or
lie down on a board which is usually made of wood, carbon,
fibreglass or even metal and slide down a sand dune or mountain
made of sand. Many people use what they have at hand; body
boards, surfboards and even cardboard but the true sandboard
sport and control of the board, carving and jumping is best
experienced with a real sandboard and bindings.
Sandboarding is a sideways riding sport so people who Surf,
Skate, Snowboard and Wakeboard will be able to sandboard
the same day they try. If you are new to sideways riding
sports it may take you a day to get on your feet and ride
properly with a few turns but it has been our experience
that sandboarding is surely the easiest out of all the above
sports. And if you really have trouble you cna always sit
down! It is especially popular in Japan, France , Germany
, South America , United States and Australia where there
are competitions that offer cash prizes allowing for a pro
circuit.
One of the big drawcards to sandboarding for most youths
is it's inexpensive start cost and freedom of places to
do it. Unlike other sports you will rarely, if not ever
have to pay to sandboard although the Americans decided
to make a Sandboard Park and hence charge fees. To sandboard
you only need a board, a dune and some wax and your ready
to go. Wax is applied to the base to help relax the extreme
friction and heat created between the base and the sand,
some people also use spray on floor polish but this can
contain CFCs and chemicals that most authorities frown upon
being left in the sand. Most sandboarders just wear shorts
and a t-shirt and depending on the style of board, no shoes.
Snowboards that are made into sandboards have snowboard
bindings and so boots are needed. Sandboard Japan. Age,
sex and skill level is not so much an issus for sandboarding
as amateurs or pros can both find ways to enjoy it at all
levels. Even Grandma could sit down on a sled style board
and have agood time. Lastly one of the besr things about
Sandboarding is it isn't as dangerous as its cousins because
even if you take a big fall - it's just sand and quite soft,
much softer than an icy trail.
Sandboarding is the perfect off-season sport for those looking to keep in shape during summer whilst still wanting to do those snowboard maneuvres. 360's, 720's, back flips, rodeos, Switch Blind 180s are all possible on a sandboard with enough speed and the right kicker.
Snowboarders can quickly make the transition to sanboarding. The board is light and ready for snowboarders who prefer jumping and freestyle runs. Riding a sandboard is like riding powder so you centre your gravity on your trailing foot. There are also no chair lifts so back country boarders are well suited to sandboarding. As the amount of dedicated snowboarders in Japan increases, sandboarding will become more and more popular as THE off season training sport.
For example after walking up the dune you get to do this:
We hope you would also like to try sandboarding and we'd be glad to get you started.
Cheers
Sand Sports Japan Team
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