Renting a sandboard may be a good option if you do not want to have to buy a sandboard right away.
Make sure the snowboard or surfboard is smooth on both sides so it will glide well on the sand.
Sandboards can be pricy, ranging from $150-$200 USD. Get a sandboard with bindings if you plan to board standing up. Bindings are straps that are attached to the board and are designed to hold your feet in place when you are on the board. If you prefer to glide down the dunes on your stomach, you do not need a board with bindings. Most surf shops, and some snowboard shops, will offer sandboards. Talk to a sale representative in the store to find the right board for you.
You should also wear sunscreen with at least 15 SPF, sunglasses, preferably with anti-glare, and long sleeves to protect yourself from the sun when you are out on the dunes.
Check online on national park websites to see if they have sand dunes you can access for sandboarding. Contact sandboarding companies to ask them where you can sandboard in your area.
Some tourist companies will offer desert or beach tours that include trying sandboarding on sand dunes. Sign up for a tour so you can try this fun activity in a safe, monitored environment.
In the spring, it can get pretty windy in the afternoons around sand dunes. Avoid going out in the afternoons in the spring if you want to have a few good runs on the sandboard.
Slide the board back and forth in the sand, bottom down, so the board glides easily in the sand. Do not use wet sand on the board, as this can cause your board to stick to the sand as you ride.
You will need to use a sandboard with no bindings to be able to lie down on your belly comfortably.
You should be able to rock back on your heels when you are strapped into the bindings.
If you are lying on your belly, keep your body in the center of the board, with your legs tucked in and your chin up.
Stretch your hands out to help you balance as you ride. You should slow down as you reach the bottom of the dune and come to a gradual stop.
You may need to wax your board again between runs to keep it smooth and help it to slide on the sand.
You can also try this facing uphill. Repeat the same steps, lowering your heels down to slide backwards and then raising them up to slow down to a stop.
Keep your weight even on both feet so you slide smoothly to a stop.
Practice turning in different directions by lifting your back heel and rotating your hips while you are on the board. It may take some practice to be able to turn at faster speeds or as you come down steeper dunes. [11] X Research source
