Image of sandboarding. Credit: Petty Officer 1st Class Philip St. Gelais, U.S. Navy/Public Domain – Creative Commons.
Can you imagine going skiing without snow? Sand skiing and sandboarding offer exciting alternatives for those seeking adventure in less conventional environments.
On the dunes of southern Spain and the island of Gran Canaria, enthusiasts slide down sandy slopes, a testament to the growing popularity of these sports despite their niche status.
Ace of 2023, sand to ski and sandboarding have no official representation or federations in Spain, yet they attract a devoted following in unique places.
The hotspots for sand sports in Spain
Andalusia and the Canary Islands are prime locations for sandboarding and sandskiing. The Desert taverns in Almeria, known as the only desert in Europe, together with the sandy beaches of Tarifa in Cadiz offer perfect conditions for these sports.
Also on the same coast, the changing dunes of Bolonia Beach and Punta Paloma are not only picturesque, they also become playgrounds for the adventurous.
Further south, the Canary Islands start with their own sand attractions. The dunes of Maspalomas in Gran Canaria are particularly famous and are supported by several local companies offering sandboarding as a recreational activity.
Likewise, Fuerteventura's Corralejo Dunes offer challenging terrain for those looking to test their skills on the sand.
Global appeal of sand skiing
While sand skiing has a growing community in Spain, it is also gaining popularity worldwide. Peru is exploiting the potential of its high dunes in areas such as Huaral, Chilca and Ica, now hotspots for both sports.
Other notable locations include the dunes of the Sahara in Morocco, the sands of Egypt and the Kelso Dunes in the Mojave Desert.
Each of these destinations offers unique environmental conditions ideal for sand skiing and sand boarding, attracting tourists and sports enthusiasts alike.
The diversity of locations such as the Dune du Pilat on the southern French coast emphasize the global scale of this emerging sport. As traditional snowy landscapes become less reliable due to climate change, sand skiing and sandboarding offer viable and exciting alternatives.
With the unpredictability of the climate and a shift towards more sustainable forms of recreation, these sand sports offer a way to embrace the thrill of downhill racing without snow, whether in the dunes of Spain or in the deserts around the world.
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