Do you love the thrill of surfing down a giant wave? Or the excitement of skiing down a snowy mountain slope? If so, then you will love sandboarding!

This relatively new sport is gaining in popularity all the time, and it is easy to see why. Sandboarding offers all the excitement of snowboarding or surfing, but without any of the hassle!

This sport, which involves riding a board on sand dunes, was once the domain of kings and queens. Today, it is enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life.

Let's take a look at the history of sandboarding/sand surfing and find out why this sport is becoming so popular.

How Does Sandboarding/Sand Surfing Work?

The basic premise of sandboarding/sand surfing is very simple. You ride a board on sand dunes and use your body weight to control your speed and direction.

The most popular way to ride a board is in the stand-up position, as this gives you more control and allows you to go faster.

However, you can also ride aboard in the prone (lying down) position, which is ideal for beginners or those who want a more relaxed ride.

For experienced sandboarders, there are a number of tricks that can be performed. These include riding on one foot, spinning around, and doing aerial stunts.

Where Did Sandboarding/Sand Surfing Originate?

The origins of sandboarding/sand surfing are a bit murky, but it is thought that this sport first originated in Ancient Egypt. According to ancient hieroglyphs, pharaohs and their courtiers would use wooden boards to slide down the sand dunes near the Nile River.

There is no concrete evidence to support this claim, but it is a very plausible theory. After all, Egypt is well-known for its huge sand dunes!

The next mention of sand boarding/sand surfing comes from China. In the Tang Dynasty (618-905 AD), it was mentioned that sand sliding was a popular pastime amongst the wealthy. However, it was not until the 20th century that this sport really started to take off.

How Did Sand Boarding/Sand Surfing Evolve?

Some people believe that sandboarding started in Brazil in the mid 20th century. People would take their surfboards to the beach and try to slide on the sand when there were no waves to surf.

In the 1970s, a group of ski enthusiasts in the United States started to experiment with sand boarding on sand dunes near the Southwest. And in the 1980s, a group of Australian guys began experimenting with this sport on the huge sand dunes near Melbourne.

In 2000, the Sand Master Park – the first and only sports facility dedicated to sandboarding – was launched in Florence, Oregon. This park has helped to popularize sandboarding, and today it is enjoyed by people all over the world.

Why Is Sandboarding/Sand Surfing Becoming So Popular?

There are several reasons why sandboarding/sand surfing is becoming so popular.

Firstly, this sport is a lot of fun! It is the perfect mix of thrill and relaxation, and it can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Secondly, sandboarding is a very accessible sport. All you need is a board and some sand, and you are good to go!

Thirdly, sandboarding is a very social sport. It is perfect for groups of friends who want to have some fun together.

Fourthly, sandboarding is a great way to stay fit. It is a very strenuous activity, and it can help improve your cardiovascular health and strength.

Finally, sandboarding is a great way to explore new places. There are many sandboarding hotspots all over the world, and each one offers its own unique set of challenges and scenery.

Are There Any Professional Sand Boarding / Sand Surfing Competitions?

Yes, many professional sand boarding/sand surfing competitions take place all over the world.

Here are some of the most notable and famous sand boarding/sand surfing competitions:

1. Sand Sports Super Show

Where: Costa Mesa (California, US)

The Sand Sports Super Show is an annual sand sports event that focuses on off-roading and motorsports, although sandboarding and sand skiing are also featured here.

It's held every September in Costa Mesa, California, where hundreds of spectators and exhibitors visit what is called "the world's biggest and most exciting dune and dirt sports expo."

2. Sand Master Jam

Where: Sand Master Park (Florence, Oregon)

The Sand Master Jam is an annual sandboarding event at Sand Master Park in Florence, Oregon.

It was the first sand park because it revolutionized the activity and allowed everybody from beginner to expert sandboarders to compete on a series of dunes with heights reaching 300 feet.

The park has a rail slide, slalom, and freestyle area for competitions, so spectators can see it all!

3. Pan-American Sandboarding Challenge

Where: Aquiraz (Ceara, Brazil)

In July, the annual Pan-American Sandboarding Challenge is held on Prainha Beach's dunes in Aquiraz, Ceara, Brazil.

It has become a popular destination for amateur and professional sandboarders from Latin America to compete in freestyle and jump competitions.

4. Sandboard World Cup

Where: Huacachina (Ica, Peru)

This high-performance sandboarding event is held every two years at  Huacachina, in Peru. It's organized by Swiss-found organization InterSands, with at least 10 countries represented every time.

5. Sand Spirit

Where: Monte Kaolino (Hirschau, Germany)

Every year, the Sand Spirit World Championships are held on Monte Kaolino, Europe's largest sand dune site, in Hirschau, Germany.

This world-class facility has become famous for giving riders a chance to coast down giant sandhills and splash into the unique water landing site at the bottom.

Sandboarders also enjoy the sand lift, which is the only one of its kind in the world. This unique feature allows sandboarders to easily and quickly get up to the top of the dune!

Conclusion

As you can see, sandboarding/sand surfing is a rapidly growing sport with a lot to offer. Whether you are looking for an adrenaline rush, a way to stay fit, or just a way to have some fun with your friends, sandboarding is the perfect activity!

The sport's history is rich and varied, and there are many competitions and events to keep you entertained all year round.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your board and hit the sand!