Sandboarding is a thrilling and unique activity that has gained popularity over the years in various parts of the world. In South Africa, sandboarding is a must-try activity for any adventure enthusiast. The activity involves sliding down sand dunes on a specially designed board similar to snowboarding. South Africa boasts of some of the highest sand dunes in the world, making it an ideal destination for sandboarding.
Sandboarding in South Africa is a fun and adrenaline-pumping activity that can be enjoyed by both beginners and experienced riders. It is a great way to explore the country’s vast sand dunes while enjoying the natural beauty of the landscapes.
The History of Sandboarding in South Africa
Sandboarding in South Africa has a relatively short history compared to other adventure sports. The activity first gained popularity in the late 1990s, with the first sandboarding competitions being held in 1997 in Cape Town. Since then, the sport has grown in popularity, with many tour operators offering sandboarding activities in various parts of the country.
The Types of Sandboarding
There are two main types of sandboarding in SA: stand-up sandboarding and lie-down sandboarding. Stand-up sandboarding is similar to snowboarding, where the rider stands on a board and slides down the dune. Lie-down sandboarding, on the other hand, is where the rider lies on their stomach on a board and slides down the dune headfirst.
Stand-up sandboarding is the most popular type of sandboarding in SA, as it is relatively easier to learn and is more adrenaline-pumping. It requires a bit of balance and skill, but with a few lessons and practice, anyone can master the art of stand-up sandboarding.
Lie-down sandboarding, on the other hand, is not as popular but is still an exciting and challenging activity. It requires the rider to have more control and skill as they have to control the speed and direction using their body weight and the board’s edges.
The Best Places for Sandboarding in SA
Atlantis Dunes
Located just outside Cape Town, the Atlantis Dunes are a popular destination for sandboarding. The dunes offer a variety of slopes suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
Witsand Dunes
The Witsand Dunes are located near the town of Witsand, along the Garden Route. The dunes offer a variety of slopes suitable for both stand-up and lie-down sandboarding.
Dragon Dune
Located in the Atlantis Sand Dunes near Cape Town, the Dragon Dune is the highest sand dune in South Africa, standing at over 300 meters. It offers a thrilling and challenging experience for experienced sandboarders.
Jeffreys Bay
Jeffreys Bay is a popular destination for surfing, but it also offers sandboarding. The dunes here are not as high as in other places, but they still offer a fun and exciting sandboarding experience.
Namib Desert
The Namib Desert is not in South Africa but is still a popular destination for sandboarding for tourists visiting South Africa. The desert offers some of the highest sand dunes in the world, providing a unique and unforgettable sandboarding experience.
Conclusion
Sandboarding is an exciting and unique activity that is gaining popularity in South Africa. It offers a great way to explore the country’s vast sand dunes while enjoying the natural beauty of the landscapes.
