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Sandboarding or Sand Surfing as it is often called is very similar to snowboarding, the main difference being that it takes place on sand dunes rather than snow slopes. The sport involves sliding down sand dunes with your feet strapped to a board. More experienced people don't strap themselves to the board but this is considered to be dangerous, especially for novice boarders. Speeds of up to 60mph have been recorded by sandboarders in Dubai. Just like snowboarding it is best to start with the smaller dunes and progress to the much steeper ones.
Conventional snowboards can be used for sandboarding but it is best to use a board made from harder materials like formica, laminex and fibre glass composite. To ensure a smooth ride over the sand you will need to wax your board with a paraffin based wax.
Dubai is a very popular location for Sandboarding as it has vast areas of desert with plenty of sand dunes. Because conditions are excellent throughout the year you can sandboard in Dubai at any time, whilst snowboarding is reliant on good snowfall and may not be available at certain times of the year. Many of the larger dunes get very busy with local people and visitors so it is best to find quieter smaller dunes. Some of the dunes are 200-300m high, the biggest one is called Big Red and is very popular so it is best to avoided by novices. The best time to sandboard in the Dubai desert is in the morning before the temperature gets too high, don't forget to take plenty of breaks in the shade and drink plenty of water so that you do not dehydrate or get sun-stroke! Afternoons can be spent taking a camel ride or exploring the dunes on a dune buggy.
The best way to reach the desert from Dubai is by a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. The journey into the desert from Dubai usually takes about half an hour and you can either hire your own transport or use one of the companies which provide the vehicle and driver. It is usually best to use one of the excursion companies as they know the desert better than anyone.
Sandboarding is a must do for adrenaline junkies on their package holidays to Dubai. A great time to visit is late January to early February when the annual 'Hugo International Sandboarding Championships' are held in the Dubai desert.
Look out for the great direct holidays to Dubai that are always on offer throughout the internet and enjoy some exhilarating sandboarding. Emma Healey
