How to Sandboard

Nicknamed ‘Little Sahara‘, the sandboarding on Kangaroo Island is great for both beginners and pros alike! Get yourself a board hire, put on your sunscreen and whizz down the slopes for a thrilling time on the dunes. Just next to Vivonne Bay, the sandboarding slopes are an adventure hotspot for those looking for a thrilling way to enjoy Kangaroo Island.

The sand here is perfect for sandboarding because the sand is fine and powdery, so this makes it perfect for both beginners and pro sandboarders alike!

Sandboarding is similar to snowboarding, and if you’re a pro on the slopes, then you’ll already know how to sandboard! But if you’re a newbie to the sandboarding world, then here are a few tips and tricks.

What you need for sandboarding

• Comfortable clothing: Wear something light and airy – the weather on K’gari is warm.

• Sandboard: This is the main board that you’ll need to go sliding down the dunes. Some sandboards might have bindings inside them that keep your feet secure.

• Helmet: The helmet keeps your head protected

• Knee pads and elbow pads: Wear these to protect your body against sandburs and bruises if you fall over!

Top tricks and tips for sandboarding

• Lean back and engage your speed: The more you lean back, the faster you’ll go.
• Wax your board: Keeping your board waxed has the same benefits as a waxed surfboard!
• Keep your weight on the back foot: Put more pressure on the board from the back, and you’ll be able to control how you travel along the board.
• Bend your knees: For more stability, bend your knees and balance on the board as you descend.
• Start on a gentle, soft sand slope: If you’re new to sandboarding, sandboard slowly to begin with. When you sandboard, you’ll pick up speed a lot faster than you might think!

Don’t want to sandboard? Maybe tabogganing is more your thing! It’s a less heart-racing version of descending the dunes, as you’re sitting down instead of standing up!